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Sadie Sapiens
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Sadie Sapiens
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Barbara, Founder and Moderator
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Sep 29, 2014 11:25AM
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Thanks for the invitation; I am surrounded by caring readers and excellent authors and am looking forward to your questions and comments. Praise is indeed welcome but I wanted you guys to also know my skin's pretty tough so criticisms are welcome, too. It'll just make me a better writer.To get things rolling you can download a free eBook copy of Sadie Sapiens on Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Click "Buy" and then enter the coupon code "HN25E". The cost will drop from $2.99 to free and you can download various formats for various eReaders.
- Jeff
Thank you Jeff, I also want to share the interview I did with Mr. Bauer on my blog The Ranting Bookworm. Perhaps this will help some of you decide if you want to join us & download a copy of Jeff's book. I'm very excited to be reading this book with everyone, it's a book I love greatly & I can't wait to share it with everyone else. So, here's the link to Jeff Bauers interview: http://therantingbookworm.blogspot.co...
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Jeff-I just downloaded a copy of your book even though I have a physical copy & noticed that Sadie has glasses on her on your eBook. Did you reprint your book with a new cover that matches the eBook or are the eBooks the only ones that have a picture of Sadie wearing her glasses? BTW, I love it!
Jolene wrote: "Jeff-I just downloaded a copy of your book even though I have a physical copy & noticed that Sadie has glasses on her on your eBook. Did you reprint your book with a new cover that matches the eB..."
Yeah, I decided to put glasses on her, hoping it would stand out better and that people would realize this isn't any ordinary dog. We tried pink glasses to reinforce she's a female but the black popped better. I've updated the cover in all the usual places (Createspace, KDP and Smashwords). Eventually I hope it'll change on GR whenever they get another feed of books and their cover art.
Glad you like it ;)
Jeff wrote: "Jolene wrote: "Jeff-I just downloaded a copy of your book even though I have a physical copy & noticed that Sadie has glasses on her on your eBook. Did you reprint your book with a new cover that..."
Jeff,
I can see how the pink glasses wouldn't pop as much as the black. It looks great even though you couldn't do the pink, perhaps you could give her horn rimmed glasses with little rhinestones on them, LOL. Actually, Horn rimmed wouldn't be real practical for a dog, huh? But then again a talking dog that wears reading glasses is kind of out there to begin with so perhaps it could work. Well, if you get bored & decide to try it out I'd love to know how it goes ;-) Anyway, it looks great & I definitely think you should do the same to your physical books the next batch you have printed. I'm so excited to be discussing your book with you & the rest of the group.
As Tigger would say, "TTFN!".
Yay! Today is finally the day we start Sadie Sapiens. For anyone checking this discussion trying to see if they want to read this book, I've posted a link to my blog, The Ranting Bookworm, where I interviewed Jeff Bauer & talked about his book (see above post for link). Also, Jeff posted a comment above where he was gracious enough to share a link & code for anyone on All About Animals who wants to read his book for free in eReader form. Real quick note, for those of you who already have a copy of the book & are getting ready to read it, the story starts with a rather depressing beginning chapter. Though it is horribly sad, I'm sure most of the animal lovers here can relate, unless you are a first time pet guardian. I also think it's an appropriate beginning & the story would not have worked if he tried to pretty it up by leaving that part out. This way we see Emma & Sadie's relationship from the beginning & how it grew by following Emma emotionally through her journey of getting to now Sadie, a dog she never thought she wanted to a dog she can't live without. So, I will stop there, don't want to ruin anything important. I just want to say that I hope many of you join the author, Jeff Bauer, & I in a chat about his book which I hope you'll love as much as I do. TTFN.
Alrighty peeps, I know we got 3 book choices this month, but just in case you finish one of the other selections early or one of the other 449 members wants to join in the book reading fun, author & member Jeff Bauer is offering an eBook version of his book Sadie Sapiens for free to members of our book group. Just go to Smashwords, if you're not already a member it's easy to sign up. Then enter in the code he has given us. Here's the link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...And now the code: HN25E
If you do get a copy, please be kind & tell Jeff thanks. Still, if you're on the fence about reading it you can always check out the reviews on Goodreads & or my blog where I both reviewed the book & interviewed Jeff about Sadie Sapiens & writing in general. My blog is called The Ranting Bookworm & you can read my interview & write up on Jeff & Sadie Sapiens by clicking this link: http://therantingbookworm.blogspot.co...
I would love to chat about this fabulous book with a few of our members & see what everyone else thinks. It is a great book that doesn't just cover a fictional intelligent dog that learns to talk. Mr. Bauer somehow manages to weave in important topics like dog shelters, puppy-mills, dealing with the death of family pet, & so much more without being disrespectful. I loved it & can't wait for the sequel to come out. I hope this helps draw a few of you into this discussion with Jeff & I. I know it can be rough deciding what book to read on here since each month we give you such a well rounded selection, but we do have 450 members. Perhaps some of our more bashful or shy members would like to hop in here & join us. Don't worry we don't bite & I'd love the company. Thanks ;-)
I would love to read this book but Marco does not allow me to download anything from anywhere so I don't have access to it. I'm sorry....it sounds like a wonderful book and I know from the photo story challenges that Jeff is a talented writer. I hope more people do read and join in the discussion!
Send me your address in a private message and I'll mail you a copy, Debbie.
Jeff wrote: "Send me your address in a private message and I'll mail you a copy, Debbie."See! I told you guys Jeff was Awesome!
Thank you, Jeff!! I sent you a note last night....I was really sleepy so I hope it made sense...=))...And Thank you, too Jolene...keep up the good work!!
Debbie, your copy of Sadie Sapiens is in the mail. If anybody else wants a free hard copy just let me know.
Thanks so much Jeff....you're TOO cool and I can't wait to read it. I'll tell Mother she can open the package so she can read it too before I get up there to steal it away....=))
Mod
Thanks for mentioning this group on the interview. I'm glad you are enjoying the 250 word count which I'm sorry to say, I haven't checked up on lately. Will do that hopefully by tomorrow.
Thank you Jeff. I downloaded book and plan on getting started this pm!!! :)
Bookmouse wrote: "Thank you Jeff. I downloaded book and plan on getting started this pm!!! :)"Awesome! Can't wait to discuss Sadie Sapiens with you & Jeff. Thank you for joining the discussion & if anyone else wants to still join, please feel free to. Don't let the end of the month deter you from joining this discussion. The month ending doesn't mean the discussion has to end ;-)Both Jeff & I would be glad to talk about his book with any late comers, even if it means doing it in November, so don't be shy peeps & thanks again Bookmouse ;-)
Mod
And, Jolene's right everyone...we leave the threads up for books we have read in the past. If you want to discuss it, just add a comment and it should show up when a new message is placed in comments.
Barb wrote: "Jolene...I'm still planning on reading this book. Trying to play catch up for my other group. But, It's still on my list to read for sure. And, Jolene's right everyone...we leave the threads up f..."
Barb~
Awesome, the more the merrier ;-) I totally understand the catch-up issue, been there, done that, I feel your pain. Take your time & just let us know when you're ready to join the discussion. Take care & don't over do it, reading is suppose to be fun, not a chore. I kind of figured a lot of our regulars are having the same issue as you, so many good books to read, so little time, still as both you & I pointed out, we can read & discuss this book beyond October. So don't be scared peeps & join us ;-)
Sadie doesn't mind. She's a very patient little dog.
Anyone still interested in reading this book, please stop by. Jeff & I would still like to chat with you ;-)
When I get back from my trip I will be here with bells on! =))
Debbie wrote: "When I get back from my trip I will be here with bells on! =))"Debbie-
Glad to hear that, we'll be here waiting for you and anyone else interested ;-)
I'm here too. Thanks for the cheerleading, ladies.
I've started reading....emotionally jolting beginning but definitely sets the stage for what comes after. Haven't gotten very far along yet so will be back again later with more to say. =))
Okay, I'm a bit more awake now and have been wanting to ask this question. When I worked in the vet clinics we always told people to get a new pet as soon as possible after losing one, but to judge for themselves how soon that should be. The first reaction is always Never Again, but that does fade in time and most animal lovers will have another pet in their lives fairly quickly. But I was still a little annoyed with Emma's mom for popping up with a new puppy so soon after Buck died. She has a bit of the It's Just A Dog attitude that I remember my own mother having when we were kids. Animals were easy to replace....just go to the pound and get another one. It always seemed very cold.
I am curious about what readers of Sadie Sapiens think of as the 'proper' time to get a new pet.....or is there even a real timetable for such a thing? In Emma's case I personally would have wanted more time before thinking about a new dog, and I would have resented the Mom's action here. I suppose that is simply because my triggers have been tripped by the emotional environment of the house.
How did everyone else feel about the sudden appearance of Sadie?
Writer's perspective:Debbie, I'm glad you are annoyed at Emma's mom for "fixing" the problem. This early in the book I'm setting up the beginning of each main character's story arc. I want readers to be sympathetic to Emma and her father but not so much for her mother and brother. How their arcs converge and diverge through the book are definitely woven from one theme of the book - do we treat dogs like property or individuals? This early in the book how does Emma feel about this new puppy? Will that change over time?
By the way, feel free to put a muzzle on me if you don't want me popping in to answer questions meant for readers only :) -- although it is immensely fun to talk about the book and how it challenges us to think about our relationship to our dogs (and pets in general).
- Jeff
Dog owner's perspective:When our two chocolate labs died we waited about a year and then went doggone crazy. We now have five Chihuahuas and a foster Chihuahua! Never enough doggy love, as long as you can feed them and keep things clean.
The scene with Buck dying in front of the refrigerator actually happened with one of our chocolate labs. I was the one who tried to bring him back to life. He was such a sweet and beautiful boy, too.
Mod
Yes, Jeff....I hope you do continue to answer any questions, and thanks for sharing both your writer's and pet owner's points of view. I had wanted to ask if Buck's passing was based on a real incident, but was reluctant to bombard you with a zillion questions all at once. =))
Me again...you about gave me a heart attack at the end of Chapter 4, Jeff!! =))I like how Emma is trusting her instincts with Sadie in Chapter 7. I found with my animals that if I explained the difference between things that were theirs and things that were not they understood. Same thing for where they could or could not go.....none of my cats ever got up on the kitchen counters, for example. They knew after one time that the area was off limits....if you catch them with a sharp NO right when they get that I'M GOING TO JUMP!! gleam in their eye, they figure it out pretty quickly.
Anyway, I am glad to see that Emma is starting to connect with Sadie, and thank goodness....that brother Ryan of hers is a real BAD WORD!!
Sorry about the near heart attack, Debbie. Maybe I should put a disclaimer on the cover ;)That brings up an interesting topic - not every book is for everybody. Here's one GR review that doesn't like the book because of the violence in it: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I respect the reader's opinion and had a nice private email conversation with the author of this critique. People are entitled to their own opinions and as writers we just have to accept the good reviews with the bad reviews. Still, I fretted more about that two star "bad review" than cheered at the more predominant five and four stars on GR and Amazon. I admire her courage and effort it took to write up how she honestly felt about the book. It's just the way the cookie bone crumbles.
Bad things to happen to Sadie from the get-go and it gets worse. One of the first things you learn about constructing a novel is to make your main character believable and try to make the reader care. Then, put that main character through hell. Challenge them in some way, whether it be physically, emotionally or spiritually. Let them come up for air and rethink things. Hit 'em again, with a more difficult challenge. Rinse and repeat until a climax event where hard decisions have to be made.
Well, that's what I did with Sadie, in order to keep you interested in how she survives (or not). In the case of this book I also touched on some of the bad things that we humans do to dogs - puppy mills and dog fighting. I hope you don't get too discouraged before getting to that point, Debbie. I tried to make it not about the violent acts but how Sadie and the people around her change because of them. Also it's a great way to point out that these things happen in the real world.
Enough soap boxing - get back to reading the story ;)
Sort of like forging a fine sword....you have to heat the blade, cool it, heat it, cool it...until at last it is strong enough to be considered a proper sword, ready to handle anything that happens. And animals are just like people...some have horrible things happen to them all their lives, others sail through Life with no worries. My story about Perro Chin...https://www.goodreads.com/story/show/... shows what life is like for many dogs here in Mexico, and I was being careful not to be too explicit.
I won't get discouraged, I promise. I have lived through too many dramatic incidents with real life animals to get upset about fictional episodes. I would have to say that I am an animal lover, but I am also a realist. Bad things happen....but that owl, Jeff... just when I thought Sadie was saved!! =))
This leads me to something else I wanted to say from the beginning: one reason I am enjoying this book is that you have the ability to capture attention right from the get-go. I want to see what happens next...to Sadie, to Emma, to the whole family. Many times in books that does not happen...that sense of connection simply is never there. I won't continue with a book if I don't feel that.
Okay, I'm off the soap box now too. Like you say, back to the story! =))
Just finished Chapter 22. I can imagine all kinds of bad things that will result from Emma's indiscretions at her party.But I liked Sadie's thoughts about learning, when she wondered why people don't learn things for fun the way she did. Some people do still have enough curiosity for life to keep learning new things until the very end, but these days it seems almost like formal education is killing off curiosity. I've seen postings in other groups, by youngsters who should be full of enthusiasm for school and life and they seem so deaf and blind to the wonders around them. This is sad.
You have many themes popping up throughout the pages of this book, Jeff....I think it will take a re-read to really absorb it all, and I won't mind that a bit. =))
Yeah, once you get a dog to talk it's hard to shut them up ;)
Jeff, I have a question....and it is not meant to be a rude question, but it might sound that way. It's just that there is no other way to ask it and I am curious because you describe everything in such realistic detail. In Chapters 26 and 30, you have Sadie in a couple of brutal situations. Have you visited such places yourself and seen what happens there?
Hi Debbie,It's not a rude question. I have not ever witnessed that sort of a situation between dogs and humans ever and never want to. I did enough research, though, to understand that such things do happen. These chapters and the ones coming up portray the really dark side of how humans treat animals, especially dogs. Having Sadie live through it makes it come more alive and (I hope) highlights the horrors and the need to prevent such things from happening.
Having a sentient dog go through these trials and tribulations was, to me, a way to make a commentary about these evils from a very unique perspective. This is her darkest hour (or, rather, darkest couple of months).
It was all certainly very vivid....well done, Jeff! I cheered on page 225....not real loud because it was late last night when I got to that part, but I cheered! I've finished the book now....here is a link to my review if anyone wishes to read it. I promise I don't give away any details...=))
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thanks once again, Jeff. I enjoyed your book very much and plan to re-read it, because I'm sure I missed things this time...I usually do in a first read of anything.
Oh, by the way....do I scent a sequel or three? =))
Thanks, Debbie. I do have a sequel in the works. It follows her puppies and how they each evolve separately (and hopefully reform a family).
Hey if any of you are willing, I'd appreciate getting votes for Sadie Sapiens to join this GR list:https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1...
Thanks,
- Jeff
Mod
Hi guys,Part of the fun of writing has been trying all the new ideas that pop up. The Kindle Scout program is one of those things. It's basically an Internet reality show/popularity contest where Amazon decides to publish and promote an ebook based on how many nominations it gets, among other secret things.
I'd love it if you guys would consider nominating my latest novel, Canine Colony.
--
I need your help. I've entered the sequel to Sadie Sapiens, Canine Colony, into Amazon's Kindle Scout program. Basically, friends and fans vote for books that they'd like Amazon to publish on Kindle. It's a 30-day popularity contest.
All you have to do is go to https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/3FSF... and click on the "Nominate Me" button.
Help Sadie find her puppies - spread the word!
- Jeff T Bauer
I'm quick on the buttons, Jeff: I just went and nominated your new book for you! Good luck, sounds exciting!!
Awesome, thanks Debbie!PS: I still think you should consider publishing all of your amazing Debbie's Animal Planet stories one of these days and share them with a larger world ;)
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