Hi All
It's a great day to shine the spotlight on someone I find highly talented. Today is it a privilege to share with you the written work of Laura Stamps.
I was first introduced to Laura's writing a little over a year ago - and am the happy owner of her book, "Dog Dazed" (my copy has a pretty green cover) - it's fantastic writing - often heartwarming (yes, I am recommending a book that is heartwarming ) and excellent storytelling. I highly recommend it, as I recommend Laura's other offerings.
Laura in her own words:
Laura Stamps is the author of 49 novels, novellas, short story collections, and poetry books. Forthcoming: “The Good Dog” (Prolific Pulse Press 2023) and “Addicted to Dog Magazines” (Impspired, 2023). Winner of the Muses Prize. Recipient of a Pulitzer Prize nomination and 7 Pushcart Prize nominations. www.LauraStampsFiction.blogspot.com
Synopsis of DOG DAZED:
Marcie is a cat person. She knows nothing about dogs. Until a stranger drops a little Chihuahua into her lap at the park, jumps on his bike, and rides away. Suddenly Marcie has a dog. A tiny, homeless dog that’s about to turn her life upside down. A humorous, empowering novella about change, moving out of your comfort zone (kicking and screaming), and unexpected paths to happiness.
How to Order DOG DAZED:
Signed copies of this chapbook are available from the author for $10.00 (US residents only). Email laurastamps18@yahoo.com for more information. Or send a check or money order to: Laura Stamps, P.O. Box 212534, Columbia, SC 29221-2534.
Here is an excerpt from "Dog Dazed" - and I know you'll love it as much as I do! ______________
Excerpt from DOG DAZED:
27.
After my trim, I walk across the street for a tofu burger at The Sprouts Bar next to the park. It’s one of those beautiful sunny days in May. A walk through the park would be fun. And God knows I could use some cheering up. I’ll just find an empty bench in the sun and enjoy a peaceful lunch.
28.
And I do. Find an empty bench. But before I can eat, a homeless man rides along on his bike, stops, leans the bike against my empty bench, and plops down next to me.
29.
Great. So much for my peaceful lunch.
30.
“What’s that?” the man says, eyeing The Sprouts Bar bag in my lap. “A burger,” I say. He looks really hungry. “You can have it if you like,” I say, offering the bag to him. He grabs it out of my hand. “Don’t mind if I do,” he says, pulling the burger from the bag and taking a bite.
31.
“Joe,” he says, his mouth full of tofu burger.
32.
“What?” I say. He rolls his eyes. “Are you deaf or something?” he says. “Joe, that’s my name.” He reaches into the pocket of his jacket and pulls out a tiny Chihuahua. “Here,” he says, tossing the dog into my lap. “One good deed deserves another.”
33.
“Eeek!” I say, grabbing the little dog before it slides off my lap. “I’m not a dog person,” I say. “I’m a cat person. I know nothing about dogs.” I try to give the dog back to him, but he won’t take it, so I set it on the ground at his feet. It rolls over on his shoe. “That’s not my dog,” I say in my most firm voice.
34.
“It is now,” he says, taking another bite of the burger, but grimacing this time. “Hey, what is this?” he says, sticking his tongue out like a lizard. “Grilled tofu,” I say. He makes a gagging sound and wipes his mouth on his sleeve. “I can’t believe you eat this stuff,” he says. “Nasty.”
35.
Yet that doesn’t stop him from devouring the entire burger in record time. “What are you going to name her?” he says, tossing the bag in the trashcan next to the bench. “She’s your dog,” I say. “What do you call her?”
36.
He looks at me like I’m an idiot. “Dog,” he says.
37.
Okay, I’m tired of this. I’m not used to dealing with crazy people. Will someone rescue me? Please!
Photo: Laura Stamps.
