Today is the day! You can now purchase the Adventures of Zelda: A Pug Tale! I am really excited about this project. Every step of the way, I've enjoyed this project and I'm so happy with the final product.
Earlier this year, I posted rough drafts of six of the 13 chapters of The Adventures of Zelda. But, since those rough drafts, the story has undergone revision and I think you will like the changes. You can read the first chapter below.
Finally, I'd love for your help to spread the word about this book. The best way for people to buy this book is through your recommendation. Share the book and please post reviews on Amazon, Goodreads, or your favorite book seller. Reviews are so important for indie authors!
You can buy ebook versions on every platform for $2.99. Paperback copies can be purchased from Amazon or from me. I always have copies on hand to sell for $8.
BUY NOW:
Amazon, Smashwords, Kobo, Nook, iBooks
Once again, thanks for your support!
The Adventures of Zelda: A Pug Tale
Chapter 1: Beginnings
I spent my first two years in a small, crowded house with a woman, her four children, her boyfriend, and three other pugs. I struggled to eat enough each day because I was the smallest of the pugs. While the other pugs slept, I had to sneak my way to the food bowl. Eating was the only reason I left my cage. The man of the house wasn’t happy; he took his anger out on us, and I didn’t want to get in trouble with him. Everyday I woke up and survived one more day, dreaming of a better life someday down the road.
One day I awakened to the woman entering the house. She walked straight to my cage and lifted me into her arms. She never held me. Only the kids did. She carried me outside and placed me in the arms of a stranger–a woman I had never seen. This woman was standing with a man who had a big smile.
I was so scared. I didn’t know how to react, so I went limp in her arms. She carried me into a car, and the man drove us away, never to return.
I don't know how Hannah and Nate found me that day, but I am glad they did. Hannah, Nate, Lucy, and Ben are my new family. Hannah and Nate are the woman and man who rescued me from my old home. Ben and Lucy are their kids. Ben is loud, energetic, and roughly half the size of Nate. I play many games with Ben. Lucy is much smaller than Ben, but she is super cute, and I love snuggling with her at night.
“Why is she so wrinkly, Dad?” Lucy asked, the first day I came home.
“Because she’s a pug,” Nate said.
“Do all pugs have wrinkles?” she asked.
“Yes, they do. That’s what makes them special. That and the smashed face,” Nate said.
“I think her wrinkles are cute,” Lucy said. When Lucy said those words, I knew she was going to be a great friend.
My new family calls me Zelda. I spend my days roaming the house, sleeping, eating, sleeping some more, playing, sneezing and snorting, barking at other dogs, and going for walks. Food is always in my bowl, and I can eat whenever I am hungry. I can't remember the last time I was locked up in my crate. Instead, my family and I play with my angry bird, my owl, tennis balls, and any other toy I can find. When I get really excited, I run full speed laps through the house. My family calls the laps pug sprints.
Walks are a brand new adventure for me. When Hannah or Nate tie their shoes, I know it's time for a walk. I run in circles around Hannah or Nate trying to avoid the harness, but they always catch me. Honestly, I don't mind the harness. I run in circles because I am so excited to go for a walk.
When the front door opens, I bolt down the porch steps, pulling Nate or Hannah with me. I hit the grass and sneeze five or six times, but I love the fresh air and the never-ending scents. During our walks, I run from one edge of the sidewalk to the other. On a good day, the squirrels are running across the grass and up the trees. If I wasn’t leashed, I am sure I could catch one.
My favorite part of the day is when the darkness comes. I snuggle with Lucy or Ben and fall asleep with my best friends.
I am a lucky pug. When I wished for a better life, I never imagined my dream would come true. But my new life comes with challenges. I am not sure how to be a good pug in this new environment. I want to make my family proud, but sometimes my territorial, stubborn instincts take control. Some days I want more freedom, or more treats, or more friends. Is that too much to ask?