Talkfest Blog

Featured image for “Pam Atherstone, Rescue Advocate”
Anne Marie Duquette

Pam Atherstone, Rescue Advocate

Rescue groups are a cause close to my heart, and I wanted to give back in a unique way to educate youngsters about them. Except for my horse, who was born in my pasture, all…

Contest News | May 2, 2024

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Merrie Meyers

Ten Graphic Mistakes to Avoid in Marketing Pieces

Many DWAA members design their own promotional materials. In 2005, Robert W. Bly published “The Content Marketing Handbook” to help writers increase the appeal of their work. This article summarizes the 10 most common graphic…

Tips & Tactics | May 1, 2024

Featured image for “Paula Piatt, Lab Lover”
Anne Marie Duquette

Paula Piatt, Lab Lover

Labrador retrievers have been part of our family for almost 40 years, and we’ve seen their health issues, their quirks, and their unconditional love. Having been through so much with them and having the ability…

Contest News | April 29, 2024

Featured image for “Angela Schneider, Capturing Emotion through the Camera’s Lens”
Anne Marie Duquette

Angela Schneider, Capturing Emotion through the Camera’s Lens

A camera has been a part of my hand since I was 12 years old. Among the first photos I ever took were of my rough collie Princess. As a young sports reporter in Canada,…

Contest News | April 25, 2024

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DWAA

Overcoming Writer’s Block

The assignment was given, and the deadline is looming, but the words won’t come. Sound familiar? If so, you’re well acquainted with the dreaded ailment, Writer’s Block. Who among us hasn’t experienced this problem at…

Tips & Tactics | April 24, 2024

Featured image for “Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, Ph.D., BCBA, CSAT, CCUI, FFCP, Canine Behavior Analyst”
Anne Marie Duquette

Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, Ph.D., BCBA, CSAT, CCUI, FFCP, Canine Behavior Analyst

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and have a doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis. At The Dog Behavior Institute (DBI), I work with my colleague and co-founder Ran Courant-Morgan to provide dog behavior consultation…

Contest News | April 22, 2024

Featured image for “Susan Bulanda, M.A., C.A.B.C., Dog Lover and History Buff”
Anne Marie Duquette

Susan Bulanda, M.A., C.A.B.C., Dog Lover and History Buff

I wrote my book for a general audience, especially dog lovers and history buffs. I am a certified animal (dog and cat) behavior consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. I also have…

Contest News | April 18, 2024

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Merrie Meyers

Pitching and Punting

For many of you, pitching a story is a no-brainer. You could do it in your sleep. You have a solid reputation of delivering for a chosen media outlet, and they only have to read…

Tips & Tactics | April 17, 2024

Featured image for “Amy Shojai Named Hall of Fame Winner”
Merrie Meyers

Amy Shojai Named Hall of Fame Winner

Certified animal behavior consultant, Amy Shojai, CABC, has been named the Dog Writers Association of America’s (DWAA) Hall of Fame Winner.  Certified animal behavior consultant, Amy Shojai, CABC, has been named the Dog Writers Association…

Hall of Fame | April 13, 2024

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Angela Capodanno

Managing Your DWAA Membership

You may have noticed changes to the DWAA website in recent months, including improvements to the Writing Competition entry process, and how we published the entries for public viewing. In this article, I’d like to…

Tips & Tactics | April 8, 2024

Featured image for “Dog Writers Association of America Announces Writing Competition Winners”
Merrie Meyers

Dog Writers Association of America Announces Writing Competition Winners

The Dog Writers of Association of America (DWAA) recently announced the winners of its 2023 Writing Competition. DWAA, founded in 1935, is the nation’s oldest professional organization dedicated to those involved in promoting the interest…

Contest News | March 24, 2024

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Merrie Meyers

2023 Writing Contest Opens

Today, the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) announced the kickoff of the annual DWAA Writing Contest. Journalists, authors, bloggers, photographers, illustrators, editors and young writers can compete in a variety of categories for the…

Contest News | September 11, 2023