We love our pets and would do anything to protect them. They are a huge part of our lives and that's why I typically include pets, specifically dogs, in my novels. They add a rich layer of love, devotion, and protection to the plot and characters. Here's an article that will also offer you additional great information: https://www.thedailygardener.com/poisonous-garden-plants

Common everyday items in our homes could pose a threat to our furry loved ones, without even knowing it. To make your home safer for your lovable sidekick (and our story characters), here's a handy list of objects that you should keep your eye on, and securely out of your pet's way:

As a passionate comma lover, I enjoy using them whenever possible. Like many people, I sprinkle them here and there, hoping that they work. There is a rhyme and reason to these black-tailed little rhetoric friends of ours. Check out this list below to help clarify some things for those of you who may have forgotten--or as a gentle reminder.
​

• Use in numbers over 999 (like 2,500).
• Use in a list: I like cookies, ice cream, and candy.
• Use after an interjection: Wow, that was fun!
• Use to demonstrate a contrast: The dog was wet, regardless of how many towels we brought.
• Use with dates: My birthday party is scheduled for January 1, 2018, at the Disney World Resort in Florida.
• Use with cities and states: Chicago, Illinois.
• Use between coordinate adjectives that can be flipped and joined by an "and": Salmon is a pinkish, flaky fish.
• Use to introduce dialogue: Beth said, "I am publishing my book this summer. I hope you'll read it."
• Use in sentences that start with subordinating conjunctions:  After the wedding, the bride ran to the limo with her groom.
• Use after e.g or i.e.: I like funny movies, e.g. Night at the Museum and Meet the Parents.
• Use with conditional sentences starting with "if clauses": If you don't like pizza, tell the waitress.

What are subordinating conjunctions?
A subordinating conjunction is a word that introduces an adverb clause.  Here are some subordinating conjunctions:

You have this awesome idea for a short story, poem, or book but are unsure about length. You want the world to read your magnificent genius work, but are worried about publication. Don't worry, just take a breath and accept that you are a writer, no matter where it takes you. Large or small, your words matter. 

Below I've collected a few words of advice from fellow writers that may help steer your inspiration today...

• Write every day. Make it a habit,
• If you aren't writing... read. Enjoy books that are better than yours to learn from the masters.
• You can't get an agent. So what! Just keep writing. Rejection or publication is part of writing.
• An average paragraph is about 50 words.
• Write, write, write, edit, edit, edit: path to good writing.
• A typical page in a manuscript has about 400 words. 
• Be bold. Put your writing out there and accept comments. Feedback makes you a better writer and opens up your awareness to new ideas.
• An average manuscript is about 300 pages, give or take, depending on the genre.

Share your ideas about writing with me on Facebook. 

Bon-App-a Write,
Beth

After blogging for over five years at RealMomsLovetoEat.com I was hacked and lost all of my cherished content. Unfortunately for me, the person who was hosting my site didn't back it up... quite a lesson learned. Now, I start again. 

My goal is to inspire, share, and reveal my thoughts about writing, topics related to my writing and the world around us. There are thousands of stories waiting to be written. My head is full of fantastical content, just waiting to be released. Enjoy this journey with me as I introduce you to the ideas and people living in my head. They have a lot to say and now I will give them a voice. 

Bon Appa-read!
Beth