Ed Gellock’s Lynyrd Skynyrd (The Puggle; Not the Band) is One Memorable Real Life Character!

I’m not sure if I should have interviewed my author buddy, Ed Gellock, or Lynyrd Skynyrd (the puggle; not the band)! It’s not everyday a dog makes his master famous, but I know of one that is definitely on his way!

But first, let’s hear from Ed!

Having worked in the Medical Industry for 20+ years as a Field Service Engineer, District Service Manager and Field Technical Support Manager I’ve faced several exciting challenges over the years.

My books; “What’s Your Name? Life as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Dog” and “My Backyard Friends” are books for children, dog lovers and music lovers.

A portion of my author proceeds will be donated to help abused animals or as we like to say: “Help Us Help Our 4-Legged Frynds” Please get yourself a copy and support our worthy cause!

My books are about our dog Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lynyrd is named after one of the most popular and successful Southern Rock Bands in history. I have always been a fan of Southern Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd in particular. Our Lynyrd Skynyrd is part pug and part beagle which makes him a Puggle. It’s a book for kids of all ages, and lovers of dogs and Rock ‘n’ Roll. My book,

“What’s Your Name: Life as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Dog” tells the story of how Lynyrd joined our family and enriched our lives.

And because Lynyrd loves to play with children and loves adults, too. He also loves to spend time out in our backyard just enjoying the outdoors. Occasionally Lynyrd will chase a squirrel but usually he just does his own thing. If Lynyrd could talk he’d say: Let’s go outside and meet some of “My Backyard Friends”.

TDK: What does your writing process look like?

Ed: I just wrote for fun about our Puggle named Lynyrd Skynyrd. No real process, just what came into my head watching Lynyrd.

Ed kitchen table

TDK: Where do you write?

Ed: At the desk to the right of the dining table.

TDK: Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Ed: Panster

TDK: Is there one subject you would never write about as an author?

Ed: Personal stuff stays personal.

TDK: Good point! How did you come up with the title of your book or series?

Ed: I was inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd

TKD: The puggle or the band? What book do you wish you could have written?

Ed: “Marley and Me”

TDK: Tell us a little bit about your cover art.

Ed: I designed the cover for “What’s Your Name: The Story of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Dog” and Robyn Dickson designed the “My Backyard Friends” cover.

TDK: Just as your books inspire authors, what authors have inspired you to write?

Ed: None really, I just did it for fun.

TDK: As should we all! Who is your favorite character from your book and why?

Ed: Lynyrd Skynyrd is my favorite character in my book because he’s such a great natured dog.

TDK: Okay, that was too easy. If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be?

Ed: That it would sell more copies.

TDK: I agree, and I hope this blog post helps! What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

Ed: Donating book proceeds to animal shelters to “Help Us Help Our 4-Legged Frynds”.

TDK: That is a great accomplishment! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Ed: Retired

TDK: And still writing I hope! Have you always enjoyed writing?

Ed: No

TDK: Okay…what writing advice do you have for other aspiring authors?

Ed: Just give it a try.

TDK: Good advice! Do you have any advice on how to deal with bad reviews?

Ed: Bad reviews are not bothersome because you can’t please everyone.

TDK: Do you have any other talents or hobbies?

Ed: Music & fishing

TDK: That sounds like something Lynyrd enjoys as well. What is your least favorite part of the publishing / writing process?

Ed: Lack of support from publisher.

TDK: Ditto! What can readers who enjoy your books do to help make it successful?

Ed: Spread the word about our “Help Us Help Our 4-Legged Frynds” Initiative.

TDK: What is your best marketing tip?

Ed: Try different approaches and don’t get frustrated.

TDK: What are you working on now?

Ed: Not writing anything right now, remodeling our retirement home.

TDK: I know what you mean…except ours is a little cabin on the Lake Bistineau. And for some FUN! What is your favorite snack food?

Ed: Pretzels

TDK: Oh, me too! Except I like mine with a melted Rolo and whole pecan on top! Do you drink or smoke?

Ed: An occasional drink but I don’t smoke.

TDK: Good for you! What is something you want to accomplish before you die?

Ed: To be debt free.

TDK: Cheers to that! And the sooner the better (the debt free part not the other)! Do you have any scars?

Ed: Yes, I had numerous stitches as a kid because I was adventurous.

TDK: Well, keep on being adventurous…just avoid having to get stitches! Now tell me about something you “deleted” from your work and why. Because a real writer knows when to hit THE DELETE KEY!

Ed: I deleted some negative comments about some neighboring dogs because the dogs weren’t at fault for their bad behavior, it was their owners.

TDK: Good point!

Visit these links for more information about

Ed Gellock and his infamous puggle, Lynyrd Skynyrd.

http://edgellock.tateauthor.com/

http://lakesidelivin.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whats-Your-Name-Life-as-a-Rock-n-Roll-Dog-by-Ed-Gellock/255256834627106

http://edgellock.tateauthor.com/

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00ID7PXK4

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19833165-what-s-your-name

http://sites.google.com/site/dvwbooksorg/children-s-books

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/whats-your-name-ed-gellock/1116961159?ean=9781628549805

Interview on the Jim Malliard Show’ “The Malliard Report” about my book “What’s Your Name? Life as a Rock ‘n’ Roll Dog”.http://tunein.com/topic/?topicId=75711823

I got to know Ed Gellock and Lynyrd Skynyrd (the puggle; not the band) after I read his book “What’s Your Name: The Story of a Rock ‘n’ Roll Dog” when we were both runners up in the 2013 MARSocial Author of the Year Competition.

Thanks, Ed!