I’ve recently redone my home office where I do the majority of my writing. I love my desk facing out my office’s French doors. My bookcases are filled with published books of writer friends and guides on writing. A whiteboard, bulletin board, and giant Post-it pad are mounted on my wall for brainstorming story ideas. The biggest splurge in redoing my office was a custom-upholstered chair in the corner, an excellent spot for deep thinking.

Except for how it’s always filled with pugs. On any given day you can find me typing away in my office to the gentle symphony of pugs snoring in stereo. It got me thinking.

I’ve recently finished writing a quite serious book. Although it’s hopeful and uplifting, it examines some heavy stuff around mental illness and personal tragedies. It took a lot out of me to write, more than anything else I’ve ever done.

I need a break. Something light and fun and utterly, utterly ridiculous. And my pugs are providing me all the inspiration I need.

Suddenly, rather than being an impediment to brainstorming story ideas, my pugs are generating them all on their own. Because everybody loves pugs! I know I need a book starring a pug.

And not just any old pug.

George the pug, inspired by my very own dog named George. So the idea for a new book is born, called Elsie and George.

Here’s a helpful side-by-side comparison of my real-life George with his fictional namesake. And one of me and the fictional George’s owner, Elsie.

Check back for updates on how my Elsie and George book is going and the latest on all the shenanigans of the real-life George.