Craig Johnson reads an excerpt from his new book Daughter of the Morning Star during a program at the Natrona County Library in Casper on Saturday, October 2. Photo credit: Gayle Irwin

I sat in the audience as Wyoming author Craig Johnson read from his new book Daughter of the Morning Star, the latest in his Longmire series of books.

Craig is Wyoming through-and-through, with his cowboy hat and jeans and his working ranch outside of Sheridan. However, he’s also story-teller extraordinaire, captivating audiences with his characters and words. He’s a delight to meet, talk with, and listen to, and his action-packed books about a modern Wyoming sheriff in the fictional town of Durant keep a reader turning the pages.

A Special Book About an Important Cause

Daughter of the Morning Star is a special book, not only because it’s the latest in a long-running series but because the story highlights a real plague that envelopes Native American nations: murdered and missing people (especially women). For the past decade, awareness has grown on this issue, and with his book, Craig brings the blight to light in a fictionalized story that, sadly, could be oh so true.

In Wyoming alone, more than 700 indigenous people were reported missing during a 10-year span. Although many were later found, at the time of the report’s release, 10 remained missing. Wyoming’s governor, following the lead of other western states, created a task force specifically for the issue of missing and murdered native peoples; other governors are considering following in those footsteps. With awareness comes change, with change comes results.

Writers can be the catalysts for change and for deepening awareness on social issues such as this. During his talk, Craig mentioned that he and his publishing company donated money to help native organizations working on this issue. I congratulated him then, and I honor Craig Johnson now, for using his writing talent to bring this important topic to light. You can find his book at your favorite bookstore or online.

My stories about rescue dogs and the people who adopt them help bring awareness to the need for pet rescue organizations and animal adoptions. Graphic credit: All Author/GIrwinMy Cause & My Books

I desire to do something similar with my works. With nearly one million animals still euthanized in America’s animal shelters (including healthy, adoptable ones), my stories, for children and adults, highlight the critical need for pet rescue and adoption. Whether my story is about a blind springer spaniel named Sage, a puppy mill survivor named Jeremiah, or a pet rescuer named Rhiann, I desire to increase awareness of and the need for adoption – and the joy adopted animals bring to our lives.

Rescue Road released two years ago; it is the first in a series I call Pet Rescue Romance. These clean novels and novellas not only entertain, but educate, and with each book sale, I donate a percentage to pet rescue and adoption organizations.

As a writer and a human being, I take joy in lending my voice, and my words, to important causes. Our world is filled with problems, and we need people to help solve them. Writers can be spokespeople, educators, and change-makers as well as entertainers.

Whatever causes are important to you, let your passion shine in whatever capacity is available to you. And when you discover an author who speaks to that issue, buy their book – you are likely not only helping spread the word and educate others, but you may also be helping to contribute to the betterment of life on this earth.

Anniversary Special: $1.99!

In honor of the second anniversary of Rescue Road, I’ve discounted the e-book on all platforms for this month to just $1.99. Find the book on Kindle here: https://amzn.to/2W7fpBe

and on other e-book platforms, such as Barnes & Noble and Kobo, here: https://books2read.com/u/4DE9Oe.

Rescue Road is on tour — virtually! Follow the book tour here:

https://www.silverdaggertours.com/sdsxx-tours/rescue-road-book-tour-and-giveaway

With autumn in full swing, curl up with an enjoyable book, sip some cider, and lose yourself in a special story that benefits a great cause.

Set in southwestern Montana, Rescue Road brings an animal rescuer and EMT together but each desires the land on which she decides to open her sanctuary. Can they mend the fence that separates their hearts?
Just $1.99 as an e-book through October 31st! Graphic courtesy of Silver Dagger Book Tours.Pet Principle

October is Adopt-a-Dog Month; that’s one of the reasons I released Rescue Road in October. This special designation was started by American Humane in 1981 to bring greater awareness to the need to adopt dogs. Even though the number of dogs euthanized in shelters across the United States has dropped drastically since the 1970s and 1980s, too many healthy puppies, adults, and senior dogs still die instead of receiving a chance for a new loving home. Become an advocate for the voiceless – adopt, foster, volunteer, donate, educate. Help create a No-Kill America and spread the word for the need for more adoptions!  #AdoptDontShop!

Graphic Credit: American Humane