desertdogblog

What's in the coffee?!

2012-02-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

In an earlier post title, the word would be 'formatting.'

Creating strong 'hook' continued...

2012-02-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

Let's start with Jeff Kinney's bestseller, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid.' What strategies does he use to draw you in?

1. He starts in the middle of the action. It's Tuesday in his opening JOURNAL entry; a random day, and that's the point--spontaneity says what? Natural. Real. Young readers want stories they can identify with, and right away this kid sounds real, like they are.
Also, there is no backstory, no history right off the bat. That's a very good thing with young readers who want to get to the 'meat' right away--Patience is a virtue. Yeah, right! When was the last time a nine year-old in your family was patient? Backstory can come in snippets, distributed cautiously.

2. His main character has a bone to pick. In fact, several bones to pick: With his mom for buying him a journal that says 'diary' on it. With people who write in 'diaries.' With the school bully (by inference and a page illustration) who's looking for any reason to slug him. With his teacher too, again by connecting the dots. The Kid: 'How many times do I have to tell you? This is a JOURNAL, not a diary.' And along with this formal complaint is a vow to fight it. Tension. Nothing very serious to an adult, but this book is not for adults, although they might enjoy reading it too, if they can still remember what it was like to be a kid. A middle school kid's day is ruined because of a locker that won't open? Please...
So, tension. And you can tell from the opening to this book that his troubles aren't going away soon. A great formula for a tough-to-put-down book.

3. Does Kinney inject personality into his character? Right away, on the first page. Kids who moan, groan, and otherwise complain all the time regularly draw the ire of parents...and classmates. No one likes a whiner. Suck it up! But again, this is more about what is lovable, funny, quirky, immature, insightful, etc., etc. in the main character.

One final thought about Kinney's 'hook:' This story is all about 'show, don't tell'--a successful writer's dictum. There isn't a boring word in it. And he makes you laugh at every turn. Now, how can that not be a winning combination?

What other devices did you identify in Kinney's opening? In the first chapter?

Please feel free to share your thoughts.

DesertDogWriter

My apologies for the fotmatting issue!

2012-02-09T09:45:00.000-08:00

This last blog submission on writing was copied/pasted from my other blog site at Goodreads.com. I hope the line jumps weren't too distracting, and that you got a good sense of where I'm going with future postings that continue the subject. Watch for a second installment on 'hook' coming along today (2/9). Many thanks!
DesertDogWriter

Creating Strong 'Hook' (in a fiction novel, short story)

2012-02-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

If the rejections have been piling up, maybe the culprit is your story's opening. That opening must be compelling--very compelling. Agents and editors have experience with a large segment of the reading public. They know what that readership likes well enough to buy.

Here is an assignment for you. Go to your local public library (You have a library card, don't you!). Bring along a pen and writing pad. Find the young reader section (sometimes called

'children's' or 'teens'). Sign out to read or take to a chair/table to read any TWO of the following titles:

'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' Jeff Kinney

'The Hunger Games' Suzanne Collins

'The Lightning Thief' - from the Percy Jackson & The Olympians series Rick Riordan

'The Revealers' Doug Wilhelm

'Bridge to Terabithia' Katherine Paterson

'The Invention of Hugo Cabret' Brian Selznick

You are particularly interested in the FIRST PAGE of each book you choose. In

your writing pad, try to identify (describe) the devices or strategies used by these authors to draw you into their story. Can't find any? Try using the following short list (add your personal preferences once you get the gist of it):

1. The story starts IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ACTION, through the use of descriptive passage and/or dialogue. Give an example.

2. A character(s) PERSONALITY is revealed, particularly anxiety-driven, funny, quirky, etc. Can you relate?

3. An ISSUE/PROBLEM/STRESS-CAUSER is being identified by a character(s), often using dialogue or rumination (talking to oneself). There is TENSION present and you feel it. How does this tension affect you?

Start with the above prompts and see how you fare. Good luck!

We will be discussing your notes in the next few posts, and drawing comparisons between these very effective openings and examples that perhaps need a power boost! I am open to questions/comments at any time.

Best writing,

desertdogwriter

Catalina Magnet High School, Tucson, AZ, Young Writers Conference

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello Doggers,

I'd like to congratulate students and teachers at Catalina H.S. for an outstanding conference on Thursday! Conference-goers were respectful and inquisitive, asking pointed questions about my writing experience/advice during four separate work sessions.

I am confident that I was able to deliver an inspirational message about handling rejection in a writer's quest for publication. I shared with students two particular rejections I received from among dozens: a 'fortune cookie - sized' rejection from a New York agency and a rejection letter from an agent who would later accept me as a client.

I expressed to young writers that they should never accept the message that they are not good enough--not good enough to accomplish great things in whatever their field of achievement, whether it be playing piano, kicking a soccer ball, or writing the next highly successful YA novel. The key to success is persistence and a strong work ethic. Believe in your project - and write, write, write...like anything else, the more you do it the better you get!

Thanks,

Top Dog

'Author in Residence,' Valencia Middle School

2011-10-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Doggers,

Exciting news for students and faculty at Valencia Middle School, Tucson, AZ! I will be the school's 'author in residence' for the week of November 7, 2011, visiting classes, working with both large and small groups on writing skills, i.e. plot development, creating excellent 'hook,' story arc, pacing, and voice, and meeting with career skills students in the library.

I am really looking forward to the week with students. It should be both fun and productive!
I'll have some postings with comments after the week concludes.

Ahooooooooooo!
Top Dog

'Coyote's Howl' Awards!

2011-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to first round winners in the Coyote's Howl for Young Writers competition!
All winners received the following:

* Copies of Gift of the Desert Dog signed by the author
* Custom laminated Man in the Maze bookmarks
* Congratulatory letters on official Coyote's Howl letterhead
* Critiques of each submission
* Leather-bound hand journals, compliments of Open Books Press

Open Books Press' second contest submission period is under way. Competition in the most popular category; fiction short story, is heating up! Visit our contest website: www.coyoteshowl.com to register and enter your submission today. Choose from a variety of categories and write on topics and themes that interest you most. You can't win if you don't enter!

Top Dog wants to read YOUR work and send you personal comments. Come on...get writing!

Ahoooooooooooo!

The Further Adventures of Danny Rivas

2011-07-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Chapter One of Gift of the Desert Dog is available for you to read at my website: www.robertlhunton.com. Just follow a quick link there and you're into the story.

I'm adding Chapter Two here at my blog to give readers a bit more of Danny Rivas's tale of deliverance. I hope you enjoy it, and that you return often for exerpts from my other novels. I will begin posting these additional readings during the month of August. They are samples of what I've been working on lately for new adventure/mystery tales--stories about real-life challenges with fast action and a flood of quirky characters. Enjoy! And send along your comments, questions, ideas, etc.

Okay, here goes...

Whit...whit...whit...wheeeeet...
A thrasher bird sounded from a nearby cholla. Its sickle-like beak made the perfect siphon as it probed the thorns for nectar.
The late afternoon sun warmed Danny's cheeks and glowed throughs his eyelids. He forced them open as the wind whipped a leafy twig against his face. Lifting his head slowly, he gazed along the litter-strewn wash, now windswept and dry.
"Oooooh, my arm."
Gently, he flexed his shoulder muscle--it was stiff and sore. Beneath him a sharp branch jabbed his ribs and his legs ached painfully. He rolled off the limb, landing with a thump in the sand. His head throbbed from a large welt above his temple. Pressing it gingerly, he winced as a dagger of pain shot across his forehead and into his cheekbone.
"This is no dream, it hurts too much," he groaned, peering through torn jeans at a deep gash in his knee. Dried blood had caked around the wound, sticking it to his pant leg. He tried to peel it away, but his hands shook and it tore loose.
"Aaaaah...God."
He grit his teeth, his body stiffening. For several more minutes he tried to lay still and listen to his lungs taking in air. Slowly, carefully, he flexed other parts of his body, checking for injury. But in spite of his rough tumble down the wash, nothing seemed broken. He was scraped and cut, his T-shirt was in rags, and the legs of his jeans were nearly torn off at the knees. Add to this a missing sneaker, and he was in no shape to make the hike back down the steep ravine.
It was then he heard a familiar call from the far end of the wash. Grasping the branch above his head, he pulled himself into a sitting position. Expelling air through clenched teeth, he hoisted his beaten body up onto one leg. Limping out into the open, away from the tangle of branches, he eased himself onto a rock to watch the figure of his friend approaching.
"Hey, what's up," yelled Digs, carefully picking his way up the streambed. "Whoa, man, you don't look so good. What happened?" he asked, finally coming to a halt beside Danny's battered form.
"A little accident, that's all. I'll be fine."
"You look like a mountain lion beat you up."
"Are you kidding? I sure wouldn't be talking to you now."
"So okay, a javelina then."
"Come on, Digs, I..."
"Sorry, I don't think I'd be laughing either if I looked like you do."
"It's pretty bad, huh?" He took another loook at the damage. "It was this wicked flood--came out of nowhere. Wait 'til Mom sees me."
"Your mom, what about your father?'
"Huh, yeah, it'll just give him another reason to yell at me. Without a doubt, it'll be a lecture from both of them."
"Why, because you're an Indian and you should know better than to get caught in a wash?"
"Hey, shut up, lame brain."
"Sorry, Danny, that's not what I meant..."
"Sure it was. You think I'm dumb too, don't you?" He pushed on Digs' chest. "Well, how does this sound, genius. I was saved by a coyote."
"You were...come on, that's not possible."
"I'm serious Digs. It was trapped in that tree...had a snare wrapped around itself. It must have traveled quite a distance before getting snagged. I'll bet it came from off the reservation. No O'odham would do that to Coyote. Anyhow, we sort of took care of each other's problem."
"A coyote? We'd better keep this between you and me," he advised, "if you know what I mean."
"Well you're the dumb one, because a smart person would know that coyotes do amazing things. Ask my grandfather if you don't believe me. He'll tell you."
"Okay, so say it's true. Will it matter when you get home?"
"Danny stared at the cut on his knee. "I-I guess you're..."
"Yeah, I'm right," Digs declared. "And here's another thing...don't let the guys at school find out about this, especially Jake and Eddy."
"You've got that right," Danny sighed.
"Okay, come on, give me your arm, we've got to get back. Your mom looked a little worried."
"Was Sophie there when you left?"
"Yeah with her friend, Shawna."
"Just great, they'll tell the whole world."
"Tell the world what?" asked Digs. "They don't need to know about the coyote."
"Promise me you won't..."
"My lips are sealed, amigo."

________________

Cecilia watched through the screen as Amelia's Ranchero disappeared down the road in a cloud of dust, but she was no longer thinking of her most loyal customer.
"Danny's never this late," she fretted. "Sophie, come in now and help me in the kitchen. I've got to prepare more food for when they get here. Shawna, we've eaten, but would you like something?'
"Okay, Mrs. Rivas. Are you sure there's enough?"
"Of course...ooops, I forgot about Digs, he loves my refried."
"Does he have to stay, Momma?"
"Sophie, your manners, please."
"He always looks at me cross-eyed. I think there's something wrong with him," she announced, watching a grin break on Shawna's face.
"Well, he's Danny's friend--and that's quite enough," Cecilia replied, rolling out bread dough made earlier and stored in their small icebox.
"Daddy doesn't like him," Sophie added.
"Sophie, how do you know that?" And listen, you're father works very long hours. I'd appreciate it if you left him out of this, okay?"
"I'm serious, he doesn't. He gets mad at Danny for goofing off all the time when he's around Digs."
"You let us worry about Danny's goofing off. And speaking of...Where are they? Shawna honey, could I ask you to keep an eye out by the front door?"
A sudden tapping at the kitchen doorjamb had them spinning about. There stood Digs Ramirez, peering into the light of the room. Behind him waited Danny, carefully watching over his friend's shoulder for the expression on Cecilia's face.
"H-Hello, Mrs. Rivas, are you cooking beans for the fry bread?"
"Oh, thank God, you made it. Yes, Digs, how could I disappoint you?" She stretched to see her son. "Danny, where have you been hiding? You've...Danny Rivas?!" She stared at his tattered appearance. "Wha...what has happened? Look at you."
"Mom, please, I..."
"No please." She moved quickly to his side. "Your arms--and your leg. Tell me now, what happened to you?"
"I-It was raining in the mountains." He looked quickly at Digs. "I fell in the wash."
"That's right, Mrs. Rivas, th-the bank gave way," lied Digs.
"Digs, I will speak with my son."
"Sorry, I'll just go and sit over here..."
"And where is your sneaker? All right, now out with it," she demanded, "the truth this time."
"That is the truth," he cried. "Why is it you don't believe me? You never believe me."
"Yeah, you mean like last week when you told Momma you were at Digs' house after school," Sophie injected, "when you really had a detention with Mr. Jensen?"
"Just shut up, Sophie, this is none of your business."
"Danny, don't talk to your sister that way. Now, I suggest you start again...or practice your story like crazy before your father gets home tonight."
"I don't care about a dumb story--and I don't care about him either."
"You don't mean that," frowned Cecilia. "What has gotten into you?"
"What's gotten into me...is this place and all of you!" he shouted. "It's always the same thing, gang up on Danny. Well, not anymore. Come on, Digs, let's get out of here."
"I-I think I have to go home n-now," stammered his friend.
"Sure, that's right, you too," choked Danny. "Okay, go." Turning quickly, he hobbled from the kitchen and out the front door.
Cecilia hurried after him. "Danny don't. Where are you going?"
"Somewhere...anywhere...who cares?!"he yelled, dragging himself stiffly across the yard.
She caught a final glimpse of his head and shoulders as he disappeared into the dense green of the Sonoran desert.

Wow! Are we in for an adventure here or what? On that one there is no doubt. So, stay in touch right here as the action continues...

Come on now, share your thoughts. What do you think happens to Danny next? Post me anytime with your response. Top Dog answers all his mail.

Until next time, aaahooooooooooo...

Top Dog

Summer Reading at all Pima County libraries!

2011-06-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

Doggers,

Check out the schedule of summer reading events at your local branch of the Pima County library system. You'll find a diverse list of offerings, both readings and appearances, by many of southern Arizona's best children's and young adult authors during the months of July and August. I'd like to think I'm one of them!

See you at Mostly Books in Tucson on July 30th, and at Joyner Green Valley library, date TBA.

Also, remember the writing challenge going on now at Coyote's Howl for Young Writers project. Find out how you can enter and have a chance to be published on-line! There are several interesting categories to choose from, including short story, poetry, and essay, plus a list of topics and themes. I challenge you to be the best writer in your school! You can post a blog here anytime with questions, or tweet me - DesertDogWriter

And if you happen to trip over my book - Gift of the Desert Dog - while you're at the library this summer, well, sign it out! It's a great mystery/adventure you'll enjoy from cover to cover. Then you can text me your comments anytime.

Stay cool out there!

Top Dog

South Burlington Barnes & Noble, school visits

2011-04-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Doggers,

My very special thanks goes to Elizabeth Sanford and the staff at Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, VT, for hosting my author presentation on April 9th. Also, thanks to a great audience for listening, asking terrific questions, and waiting to have books signed. There's a good chance we'll have a return visit when the second book in The Borderlands Trilogy is released. Look for Secrets of the Medicine Pouch: Adventure in the Borderlands by late summer.

I am equally grateful and appreciative to all the wonderful middle and grade schoolers I met while visiting the following schools in Chittenden County, Vermont: Lyman C. Hunt Middle (Burlington), Colchester Middle (Colchester), Williston Central School (Williston), and Brown's River Middle (Jericho).

Also, my deepest gratitude to my fellow graduates from the South Burlington High School class of 1967 for your continued support! The afternoon festivities at the Windjammer Restaurant, South Burlington on March, 24th, were delightfully relaxing, and so much fun to catch up with old friends.

I'll be back with more updates shortly...

Top Dog

Twitter me here!

2011-02-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

Doggers,

DesertDogWriter

Join the tweets and follow all the latest. We have a writing contest coming up!

Top Dog

Twitter Me!

2011-02-22T10:00:00.001-08:00

Hello Doggers,

Get the latest news and inside line on Gift of the Desert Dog, the upcoming sequel, Secrets of the Medicine Pouch, and plans for a school writing contest, at my new Twitter address about to be activated!

Stuff will still be on my blog, but I want you to have a faster, easier way to reach me with a quick message. Why Twitter? Um...like the name, I guess.

Look for a new trivia question on Danny, Digs, and Joseph, coming shortly.

Ahooooo,
Top Dog

South Burlington, Vermont, Barnes & Noble!

2011-02-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hello Doggers,

I want to announce an important appearance in Vermont for early April. I will start B & N's 'Author-Educator Appreciation Week' special events schedule on Saturday, April 9, 2011, 1:00 p.m. My 'Borderlands for Peace' presentation will feature many high-profile photos taken along the U.S. (Arizona) - Mexico border, on the Tohono O'odham reservation in southern Arizona, and in the Santa Rita mountain ranges.

Along with the presentation, B & N will be featuring my new adventure - mystery novel, Gift of the Desert Dog, and I will be reading from and signing copies of the book.

And remember also, my visit to Colchester, Vermont Middle School on Thursday, March 24.

I look forward to seeing you in Vermont in April! It will be great fun!

Top Dog

P.S. Aw, come on! Mr. Delgado's chihuahua? That's an easy one...

Aahoooooooooooooo!

Kindle version available!

2011-01-25T09:56:00.000-08:00

Hello Doggers,

I'm proud to announce that my new novel, Gift of the Desert Dog, is available on Kindle at Amazon.com! You can now purchase the book online, download, and be reading the story in less than a minute! Very cool!

Okay, so be the first to answer this desert dogger trivia question right here under the sign of the scratchin' coyote and receive an autographed book mark to use while you read all your favorite mystery/adventure stories!

Trivia question: What is the name of Mr. Delgado's chihuahua?

Aaahoooooooo!

Top Dog

Second Annual Local Authors Book Fair

2011-01-08T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Doggers,

I have added Saturday, March 5th, 1-4 p.m., Valley Presbyterian Church, Green Valley, AZ to my author book signing schedule. That's the time and place for the Society of Southwestern Authors, Santa Cruz Valley Chapter, annual local authors book fair.

I'll be there to meet and greet, talk about my research for Gift of the Desert Dog, and sign copies of my book. I'll also have news on the upcoming sequel, Secret's of the Medicine Pouch: Adventure in the Borderlands. Plan to join many of the Southwest's finest authors for this impressive writers showcase.

See you there!

Top Dog

Safeway Continental Book Signing!

2010-12-22T15:07:00.000-08:00

Hello Doggers,

I hope you enjoyed the story of the Interstate coyote! It says more about the survival skills of this animal than any myth or legend could extol!

My next appearance will be at the Safeway Continental, Green Valley, AZ. on Friday, December 24, 2010, from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. Come and join me with your dog and coyote stories! I will have books for sale, and ready to sign!

Gift of the Desert Dog is a great story, and worthy of your reading time and comments.

See you on Friday!

Ahooooooooo

Top Dog

Another Coyote Tale

2010-12-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, Doggers,

Are you looking for a little inspiration; a warm and happy feeling inside just in time for the holidays? Well, how's this for an amazing coyote tale?!

On October 12, 2010, Daniel and Tevyn East were driving at night along Interstate 80 near the Nevada-Utah border when they encountered a pack of coyotes crossing the road. They swerved to avoid the animals, but hit one coyote directly at high speed. They estimated that on impact they were traveling at more than 70 mph! A terrible and tragic ending to the life of our beloved Coyote? Well...not so fast.

Since the impact sounded fatal, the brother and sister saw no point in stopping, and drove on...and on...for SIX HUNDRED MILES that night, including two stops for gas. It was only when they reached their final destination at 9 am the following morning that they took time to examine the front of the mini van and the possible damage caused by the collision with Coyote.

Daniel saw the fur and body of the animal wedged inside the plastic grill, below the front bumper and up against the radiator housing. It didn't look good...in fact, it looked to be a gruesome scene. "I assumed it was part of the animal--it didn't register that it was the WHOLE COYOTE. I took a broom and tried to pry the remains out of the bumper." He got the shock of his life. "It flinched...it started to struggle to get free. The coyote was alive!

They immediately phoned Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release. When authorities arrived, they immediately went to work to free the trapped animal. Coyote had been embedded between the front fender and the radiator. It had amazingly survived the long journey without any broken bones or internal injuries. A wildlife rescue worker managed to get a loop snare around Coyote's neck and muzzle the animal so that it would not bite them as they carefully worked to free its body.

Coyote was taken to a private kennel for observation, but three days after arriving inside the security cage, it ESCAPED by wriggling beneath the bottom bar of the cage! Coyote disappeared, back into the wild to run free once more!

Aaaahooooooooooooo!

Top Dog

A Coyote Tale

2010-12-02T11:33:00.000-08:00

Doggers,

Did you know that coyotes are members of the dog family? Well, now you do...and that's the reason why we're 'doggers!' They eat almost anything...rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs...even deer. They happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and 'road kill.' Yum! They have extremely keen senses of sight and smell, and can hit speeds of 40 mph! Amazin'!

Got your copy of Gift of the Desert Dog yet? I'm only asking 'cause I'm dying to hear from you about the character of Danny Rivas and the trouble he gets himself into. I mean, Mr. Delgado's chihuahua is the least of his worries! I don't want to give away too much, but what would you do if you came face-to-face with an armed drug smuggler? Not to mention, Jake Boyle, the friendly rez bully.

Okay, okay, no more 'spilling the story beans.' But hey, get reading. And when you've finished Gift, and you're feeling all motivated to grab another good story, but you just can't wait for Secrets of the Medicine Pouch: Adventure in the Borderlands, try one of these great mystery/adventures from other middle grade/YA authors: Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen, The Winter People by Joseph Bruchac, or Crossing the Wire by Will Hobbs.

Well, it's lunch time and I'm famished. Lets see...I've got my taco shell (found it in a box someone tossed at the land fill), salsa (prefer the homemade green variety--I sort of process it myself by filling my mouth with sage leaves, grass, and poblano chiles I borrow from ristras people hang), cheese (found it on top of a half-eaten burger in a dumpstar behind Mickey-D's), and my favorite ingrediant of all, fresh meadow mouse (have one left over from last night's raid on the football field at Tanque Verde High School). Now, where did I put the sour cream I picked up in the trash at Dairy Queen?

Aahhhhooooooooooooo...

Top Dog

Thanksgiving reminder

2010-11-25T11:06:00.000-08:00

Desert Doggers, remember to say THANK YOU to the people you love in your life today...and every day, for that matter. Especially, say thanks to those who helped put the meal for all to enjoy on your table. And hey, if one of those responsible for the meal is YOU, then look in the mirror and say thanks!

Also keep in mind that there are many Americans far from home defending our nation who can't be with their families right now--keep each of them in your prayers.

I hope each of you has a terrific day with your family and friends! Stay safe...and eat LOTS of cranberries (they're an excellent oxidizer)!

I'm headed down to Mr. Delgado's hen house to keep an eye on those laying hens of his!

Aaahoooooooooooo...

Top Dog

November 12, 2010 Release of 'Gift of the Desert Dog'

2010-11-24T13:12:00.000-08:00

Whoa, Doggers! Gift of the Desert Dog has just been released by Open Books Press! That means Danny Rivas and 'Digs' Ramirez are headed your way! The book is available now at Amazon.Com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and all independent bookstores nationwide.

We are tremendously excited about the cover illustration...it is COOL, beyond even Top Dog's wildest dreams. In addition, the interior pages are loaded with surprise images and designs. You won't believe it until you see for yourself!

As always, Top Dog is interested in hearing from you. While you're reading the story, and when you finish too, send me your comments. I wanna know! If you liked the book a lot, I'm interested in what made it work for you.

Now here's the latest good news for all doggers: Secrets of the Medicine Pouch and Coyote-meeter's Abyss, the second and third books in the Borderlands Trilogy, will be released by Open Books Press in 2011 and 2012! So, set your sights on more mystery and adventure from Danny, Digs, and Joseph.

For all of you in the Tucson, AZ area, I will be appearing on Saturday, November 27, 2010, at MOSTLY BOOKS, 6208 E. Speedway Blvd. from 1-3:30 p.m. Stop by to meet Top Dog and get your signed copy of Gift of the Desert Dog.

I have a number of appearance dates set for the months of December and January, 2011. Return here to desert dog blog for continuous updates. I look forward to meeting you!

Your favorite coyote,

Top Dog

Secrets of the Medicine Pouch:Adventure in the Borderlands with Danny Rivas is ready!

2009-11-30T12:14:00.001-08:00

Greetings Desert Doggers!

Thought I'd announce the completion of my latest novel project; a sequel to Gift of the Desert Dog entitled Secrets of the Medicine Pouch:Adventure in the Borderlands with Danny Rivas. The opening chapter (Forward) is available for free download at my website: http://www.robertlhunton.com/ Enjoy...and send me your comments anytime!

It's an adventure/mystery set on the Tohono O'odham reservation in southern Arizona. The story reveals long lost secrets of the O'odham, unleashes spirits of the dead, and catapults Danny, friend, Diego 'Digs' Ramirez, and grandfather, Joseph headfirst into life-threatening situations!

Danny, Digs, and Joseph race against the clock to uncover the lost bible of the O'odham, a mysterious religious artifact (handcrafted volume) separated into parts and secreted away by Franciscans and tribal elders of early Spanish Sonora. They use powerful objects from Danny's medicine pouch, a gift to the youngest Coyote-meeter from tribal elder Jonathan Luhya Gray Horse, to find the hidden locations.

The O'odham nation faces grave dangers threatening to destroy life as they know it unless answers from the long forgotten manuscript come in time to save them. Without Danny, Digs, and Joseph, they don't stand a chance! What will our brave Coyote-meeter's search uncover about the tribe's past? What will the adventurers discover about themselves in the process? And even if they are successful in assembling the bible, can they then convince the tribal council that it's real? Secrets races to an amazing conclusion!

Join our heroes on their journey of desperation to the remote corners of the reservation, into tense border regions of Mexico, and finally to a secret crypt in the sanctuary of San Xavier del Bac, Catholic mecca of the Southwest known as 'The White Dove of the Desert.'

Secrets of the Medicine Pouch:Adventure in the Borderlands with Danny Rivas is a junior version of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code! Look for additional samples along with excerpts from Gift of the Desert Dog at my website soon.

Until next time,

Ahhhoooooooo...

Top Dog

desert doggers have a home

2008-09-29T14:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome! 'desertdogblog' is the official blog site of Robert L. Hunton, author of middle grade/YA fiction mystery/adventure stories like Gift of the Desert Dog and Secrets of the Medicine Pouch: Adventure in the Borderlands with Danny Rivas, the first two novels in the Borderland Trilogy.

The Borderland Trilogy

Gift of the Desert Dog
Secrets of the Medicine Pouch: Adventure in the Borderlands with Danny Rivas
Coyote-meeter's Abyss: Adventure in the Borderlands with Danny Rivas

Return often for the latest gab on my other novels, too!

Dead End Summer
Ripper's Tomb: An Eddie Castro Boarding Adventure, Book One

Thanks! And please feel free to join in the discussion by posting your own comments any time you want. I will happily respond! Signed: Top Dog