Talkfest Blog

Featured image for “Barbara Buchmayer, Positive Herding Techniques”
Anne Marie Duquette

Barbara Buchmayer, Positive Herding Techniques

Thanks to DWAA and all the members and judges who donated their time to make this contest happen. I have a farm background and my main dog sport addiction is herding. My first two books…

Contest News | May 9, 2024

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DWAA

20 Tips to Help You Improve Your Writing

Writing is an art that requires a mastery of tools. Technology can be an asset or an annoyance for writers. But with a slew of tools out there, finding the ones that fit your needs…

Tips & Tactics | May 8, 2024

Featured image for “Jen Reeder, Celebrating Freelance Success”
Anne Marie Duquette

Jen Reeder, Celebrating Freelance Success

I was extra excited since it’s the first year this award has been offered. I love watching the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving with my dogs, and I love therapy dogs. In fact, the reason…

Contest News | May 6, 2024

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

Featured image for “Ten Graphic Mistakes to Avoid in Marketing Pieces”
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

Featured image for “Pitching and Punting”
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