Thinkingdog Publishing

  The question comes up all the time. It’s inevitable. Like taxes. Or discovering that you’ve been walking around with spinach in your teeth all day. "Who’s your favorite character?" And I should have a definitive answer, right? Like, boom—here’s my favorite! Neatly tied up, no hesitation, no emotional turmoil, no staring off into the middle distance questioning my life choices. But no. That is not how this works. That is not how any of this works. My knee-jerk reaction is always Pixie . Pixie, my telepathic, sass-infused, magical Papillon from the Magical Papillon Mysteries . How could I not pick her? She’s got it all—wit, charm, fluffy ears, and, most importantly, magic. I mean, who wouldn’t want a touch of magic? I can barely find my car keys half the time. Pixie would just twitch an ear, and boom—problem solved. And she’s funny. Not just “accidentally amusing” funny. No, she’s deliberately funny. She says the things we all wish we could say, with perfect comed...

As a writer, one of the most common questions I’m asked is, “How do you come up with your stories?” It’s a question that often makes me smile because the answer is as simple as it is profound: stories are everywhere. Inspiration doesn’t always strike in grand, dramatic moments. More often than not, it emerges quietly, weaving its way into the fabric of everyday life. Conversations with friends, the sights and sounds of a bustling city, or even the stillness of a room can spark the seed of an idea. Writers aren’t just storytellers; we’re observers, collecting fragments of life and spinning them into tales. Let me share a recent example of how a simple evening turned into the genesis of a new story idea. Over two perfectly crafted negronis, I was discussing the schedule for an upcoming event with a friend. Their house, a treasure trove of artwork, surrounded us. Every piece of art seemed to hum with a story of its own. Midway through the second drink, I remarked, “One day, someb...

  A Century of Storytelling: What The New Yorker’s Legacy Means for Indie Authors On February 21, 1925, the first issue of The New Yorker hit newsstands, marking the beginning of a literary and journalistic powerhouse that would shape modern storytelling. Today, a hundred years later, the magazine stands as an enduring symbol of wit, intelligence, and literary excellence. But beyond its status as a prestigious publication, The New Yorker’s journey holds valuable lessons for indie authors navigating the ever-changing world of publishing. As independent writers, we may not have the reach of a legendary magazine, but we share a common goal: to tell stories that matter, challenge perspectives, and leave a lasting impact. So, what can we learn from The New Yorker as we carve our own paths? 1. The Power of Voice: Defining Your Unique Style From its inception, The New Yorker established a distinctive voice—one that was sophisticated yet accessible, humorous yet serious, litera...