Congratulations on your win!  Non-writers/artists often ask this question.  Why did you start creating? 

I primarily write, but I’m an artist and photographer as well. I think some people just feel the need to be creative.

Tell us about your experience and expertise, and how this relates to your entry.  What target audience did you write for, and why? 

This particular story was geared toward mystery lovers who love a twist and humor.

What prompted you to submit this specific entry?  Why do you think it struck a special chord with the public and the judges—and with you?

I just completed my first novel and hadn’t written a short story in a while.

U.S. 1 Magazine (Princeton, NJ) where my story appeared, puts out a yearly call for their Summer Fiction issue. My friends and I were discussing feeling invisible after passing a certain age. I thought that would be a fun topic and added a service dog. Who would suspect a working team of any wrongdoing?

How large a part have dogs played in your personal and professional life?  Was there a particular dog that sparked your interest in interacting with the public?  Tell us about this special dog, and/or the dogs in your contest entry.

I have had dogs my entire life and they were all special to me. My last two dogs in particular were a big influence since they lived to 16 and 18. I took my Chihuahua, Sassy, with me on errands and never failed to get stopped by admirers. She was the social one and loved shopping for cars or going to Home Depot.

My other Chihuahua, Rex, also got admirers for his long coat. People who saw him on my lap in my car at the park quickly learned that guard dogs masqueraded as cute and furry. Both of them inspired my Dog Mom Mysteries series.

How large a part have people played in your association with dogs?  Family?  Friends?  Do you have any favorite writers/bloggers/media or graphic artists?  How have they influenced your career?   

I follow the artists (Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne) who create knitted dogs. They have a series of books for knitters. And I also started felting because of a woman who works at a local artist shop. I’m in the process of felting a likeness of Rex. Two of my favorite mystery authors—Laurien Berenson and David Rosenfelt—feature dogs in their series.

When you consider both your personal and professional canine-related achievements, which one of each stands out the most?  And why? What is the driving force that sparks your work?

Personally, I took many clicker training classes with my Chihuahuas for basic obedience and advanced tricks. It was a wonderful feeling to build a bond with them and to see them enjoying the classes. But professionally, I have had success as a writer and I love having dogs in my books. If I can slip in some training tips or hints for dog owners, even better.

What ongoing or future canine projects do you have planned?  Are they personal (cuddling your favorite pooch or volunteer work) or professional (selling articles and books, training, dog shows, or conducting medical research)?

I started writing book two of my Dog Mom Mysteries series. I’ll be looking for an agent this year. I also want to focus on dogs in my short fiction and children’s picture books.

What would you recommend to those peers who wish to enter your winning category in next year’s contest? 

Find publications that are looking for short fiction. Follow the submission guidelines, and work with a critique group if you can.

To conclude this interview, what thoughts would you like to share?  

I am happy to be a part of DWAA. I’ve made a few friends online and enjoy submitting to and reading the articles in Ruff Drafts. Winning the Maxwell Medallion is very special to me. Thank you to Merrie Meyers, the judges, and the people who worked so hard on this contest.