Sadie is anxiously awaiting the release of The Ghost and the Mystery Writer, which goes live July 17. Sadie wonders, Do I have any good parts in this new book? Or do I have to share the spotlight with that stupid cat, Max?

In case you haven’t noticed, I’m an animal lover. When writing my dog and cat characters I tend to rely on real life dogs and cats I’ve known—because like people, each one is unique, while at the same time, share common traits with other members of his or her species.

Both Jake from Coulson’s Secret (written under my Anna J. McIntyre pen name) and Max, from my Haunting Danielle series, are patterned after my own black cat, Spooky. I chose the name Max, for my parent’s beloved black schnauzer. I also gave Max the cat white tipped ears, because in the story, he needed distinguishing markings.

In While Snowbound (also written under my McIntyre pen name) I patterned the Aussie after our own Lady—including the fact Lady is a special needs dog who has always had issues being unable to jump up, and occasionally her legs give out, and she rarely barks, even when someone knocks on the door.

When selecting a dog for the Haunting Danielle series, I felt the golden retriever was the perfect personality for what I was looking for. Goldens I’ve known tend to be loyal, playful, and somewhat goofy. As for her name, I borrowed that from fellow author R.W. Peake, whose beloved lab is named Sadie. I felt the name Sadie fit with my character.

The question now—will Sadie and Max ever bond in the same way my dog and cat have? To be honest, I can’t see them getting all lovey and snugly with each other, as do Lady and Spooky. I suspect they will simply reach an amicable truce and come to some sort of friendship. Perhaps, they already have.