Contest?
“How about a contest?” says Spence.
“It’s the American way,” says Admin.
We’re Americans, all right, no doubt about it – me, Bernie, Spence and Admin. Also Iggy.
“What kind of contest?” says Admin.
“To come up with the title of Book Four.”
“Whoa. What if nothing we want turns up?”
“Then there’s no winner.”
“A contest with the possibility of no winner?” Admin says. “All of a sudden we’re not sounding so American. More like Stalinist Russia.”
“Let’s go for a walk and think it over.”
I’m at the door.
From Admin: Please, no entries yet. If there’s a contest, entries would go to spence.quinn@gmail.com. But not yet!
Spencer Quinn this week:
Wednesday Sept. 29, 7 PM – Highfield Hall, Depot Ave., Falmouth MA 02540
Saturday Oct. 2, 2 PM – Poisoned Pen, 4014 North Goldwater, Phoenix AZ 85251
Sunday Oct. 3, 2 PM – Murder By The Book, 2342 Bissonet St., Houston TX 77005
This entry was posted on Sunday, September 26th, 2010 at 8:49 am and is filed under Chet The Dog. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
4:29 am on September 26th, 2010
Yes!! A contest…and I like the subject…and it doesn't matter if there's no winner.
What a busy week ahead.
4:53 am on September 26th, 2010
GM, B.Stover! I agree, want the contest, don't care about a winner. BUT, I wonder as I wander, on the computer without my reading glasses on, will we get a small hint about what the book is about???
Or has Spence hit a writer's block and is hoping that some titles might strike the block apart?
Didn't get much sleep. Talked to the happy couple-to-be. Looks like the wedding will be in a year and a half. She has lots of plans about what she wants. Their dog, Papi, will be the ring bearer!! I think he'll need a bow tie! What does Wöökie, our well dressed agent, think?
Dan is very happy. Thinks OTAS went about it the right way. Total surprise! Every Saturday they have clams and wine. This time there was something funny in the clam! He got down on one knee and proposed! This should help with Dan's recovery. HE WANTS TO GO TO THE WEDDING!
I wish PAQA was going back to the book festival in Vermont . . .
5:02 am on September 26th, 2010
Hey Melanie. I think Papi being ring-bearer is wonderful!
I don't think that the three titles we have actually relate to the content. They have word play that relates to dogs. (Melanie just really wants to know what the fourth book is about! Snicker….)
My nephew just moved into downtown Denver and said that he can hear the crowd cheering at Coors Field from his apartment.
5:22 am on September 26th, 2010
Found out . . . Darn right I want a hint.
So Shakespearian, mystery TV, old movies???
Must ponder . .
5:25 am on September 26th, 2010
Yes! A contest! That means there is another book coming for sure.
Melanie: OTAS is a romantic. That is an inspiring motivation for Dan. Being the ringbearer is an honor for Papi.
6:06 am on September 26th, 2010
A contest is a neat idea even if there isn't a winner. I bet we will eventually get to see all the entries.
Papi as ringbearer…my kind of wedding. This is exciting and great motivation for Dan. I know he will be able to attend. Maybe the blog will get a photo or two or three when the time comes.
Melanie, when you have time, remember Mac wants a Boston Red Sox cap. He's being polite and not pestering you about it because you have had such great news.
I'm jealous of Stover's nephew. I could walk to Coors Field from his apartment…disguised as a human so they would let me in.
6:12 am on September 26th, 2010
Melanie, That makes 2012 a very big year! A wedding and a 200th birthday party.
Barb googled Shakespeare and dogs, and evidently most of The Bard's comments about dogs are negative, so we may not be able to spin a title out of there.
Barb just got a email from her sister in St. Louis, very legit looking with her email address and her Facebook pic. She said she had made a trip to the United Kingdom and lost her wallet and needed $2800 to get back home. Barb called her sister to told her about it, and when she checked her email she was blocked out. She has been hacked!
Sally told her that she got a request from "hotmail" the other day to update her records AND SHE GAVE THEM HER PASSWORD! That email probably went to everyone on her account.
Warning! If you get an email asking you to update your email info, DELETE IT!!!
6:15 am on September 26th, 2010
Melanie, Someone posted yesterday that they saw a pic of OTAS's SO and they looked like kindred spirits. Where did they see a photo?
6:33 am on September 26th, 2010
She saw The Fiancee's website http://www.agillustration.com
They are both painters. . .
Bluecat: Message received! Thanks
6:41 am on September 26th, 2010
Contest!…. And a big one too!…snort!… This is actually a very necessary contest because Spence has a helluva time coming up with good titles on his own…heh!… Remember, “To Bark Perchance To Bite”? Thankfully that was changed in the nick of time….heh!…This will be loads of fun!…wooooo!
Winner!…If there is a winner what will the winner win, besides the incredible honor of having their title on the 4th book??…snort!
7:32 am on September 26th, 2010
What a good idea – a contest. Last time there were such good suggestions from this blog.
Melanie: Congratulations on OTAS's good news. I'm sure Dan will be able to attend.
Barb&Maggie: Thanks for the warning. Unfortunately one of my boys clicks on everything without thinking.
7:54 am on September 26th, 2010
Contest! Wedding! Hackers! Dogs in weddings! It's already time for another nap.
I'm amused about the contest because I've been wondering about the next title all along. I'll make an effort (my life is so demanding y'know) but I'm not good at that sort of thing. I can't even figure out Janet Evanovich titles (she has a contest every year) and hers are not clever at all.
I'm going to OTAS' SO website right now. BBL
8:03 am on September 26th, 2010
I've never understood what is so awful about To Bark Perchance to Bite as a title. Who can explain?
8:17 am on September 26th, 2010
Hey everybody! A contest! What fun!!! I love contests. So Chet, tell Spence he has our "yes" vote for the contest. We don't care who wins or if there is a winner — it's the journey that counts!
Did you see Papi's portrait on the SO's website? Now we can visualize the wedding! I think Papi would look mighty handsome in a bowtie!
Melanie: I'm glad Dan has something to look forward to. Mom's Great-Grandma Rachwitz kept saying she just wanted to be there for Mom's wedding, then my uncles' weddings, then her daughter's 50th wedding anniversary celebration. She kept finding new things to look forward to, and ended up "being there" well into her 90s. Mom even has a picture of Great-Grandma Rachwitz with my boy and girl — her great-great-grandchildren!
8:18 am on September 26th, 2010
Bee: I'm with you. I thought that was kind of catchy! I guess that's why we'll be entering — not judging — the contest!!!
8:19 am on September 26th, 2010
I think it it a good title. It makes me think of all kinds of plots…investigating a missing Romeo from the "Shakespeare in the Parks" troupe. Think of all the entangled relationships that would entail…and costumes!
But it's maybe not for everybody. After all, we are but a small portion of the population. People are quoting Lady Gaga, not Shakespeare. Harumph.
8:21 am on September 26th, 2010
Kirby, wonderful picture yesterday. Such depth in those doggie eyes. Who could ever resist you?
Wookie! I had you pictured so differently in my mind – but your name fits you perfectly! Especially with the baseball cap.
8:31 am on September 26th, 2010
Thanks, Fatty Kitty. The important thing is that Mom and Dad couldn't resist me — that's how I got this home. Before that I was "on the streets" and that was no fun at all!
9:01 am on September 26th, 2010
Fatty Kitty: Just noticed your picture on Chet's Friends. You look like you mean business. Methinks that laid back attitude you affect is just for show.
9:15 am on September 26th, 2010
OTAS's SO does animals very well. I'm impressed, and it is just my kind of art. Her dogs are great! Papi is cute.
Rio, wherever you are and I hope he is around for the game…The Rockies game is going to be on one of my tv channels this afternoon. Mom is giving up the National Sheepdog Finals to watch the game with me.
9:25 am on September 26th, 2010
Dawson – that picture was taken by your old front porch. I was a young stud then. Well, as much a stud as a "fixed" Cat can be. But no regrets – being fixed allowed me a long and pleasurable life.
9:26 am on September 26th, 2010
That would be the picture I'd want the SO to illustrate of me. She'd do an excellent job. I'm lobbying the Librarian right now heh heh.
10:03 am on September 26th, 2010
Gus and BooBear and Macy MinPin: That is going to be an excellent book signing event with both your "mums" there.
10:12 am on September 26th, 2010
SiberH! Wookie!….Do you guys have your Caps on?….snort!… We just got back in time for the game!….Woooo! Wooooo!!
10:13 am on September 26th, 2010
Crap!…snort!
10:24 am on September 26th, 2010
crap is right but I have my cap on have my cap on and am watching the game on tv!,
10:57 am on September 26th, 2010
My cap is on too. We will prevail. Go Rockies. Wookie
11:00 am on September 26th, 2010
A contest? Ooooo, I love contests! But I must be shallower than y'all, because not only would I want a winner, but I would love to be the winner!
Melanie, went to OTAS and SO's websites, and they are awesome! I wonder if we could commission them to do a portrait of Chet?
Wookie, are you related to Duke, from the Bush's baked bean commercials? Or is that your day job?
11:06 am on September 26th, 2010
Wölfie!! Wöökie DOES look like Duke, the Bush's baked bean dog. Though Wöökie is much more handsome and intelligent!
I'm tying to wake up here. AFter not much sleep (too excited) last night, I took nap. Was going to take a short one, but Patsy didn't wake me up. She must have been tired too.
I'm now at the "what day is it" stage.
11:10 am on September 26th, 2010
Melanie: Were you too excited to sleep because you were reading TFAT? Or was it the engagement thing?
11:14 am on September 26th, 2010
Nobody is more handsome or better dressed than Wookie, that's for sure!
Are the pack going to be in the wedding also? That would be a sight to behold! Would require lots and lots of sewing, also. Let's see….if the girl dogs were the bridemaids, what color of dresses would they wear?
11:16 am on September 26th, 2010
Uh oh. I just realized that the Giants are playing the Rockies today. Dad is a HUGE Giants fan. This could be problamatic!
11:24 am on September 26th, 2010
Wolfie: You should have seen Dad's face when he saw me in my Angels cap — he was definitely not a happy camper! But sometimes you've just got to stand up and do what's right! And if that means rooting for a different team than your dad does…well, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do!!!
11:25 am on September 26th, 2010
Wow this is a long thread. first time responding here.. Just heard about the chet the dog blog. PS, im the SO !!!!!
12:02 pm on September 26th, 2010
Our weekend guests have gone. We have a lot to catch up on here. My golly, I'm busy entertaining (and eating – floor buffet) and you guys have had so much happening. I have to read all the posts and Mom wants to get back to Bookworm. One of us has some clean-up to do and one of us has to take a nap.
12:05 pm on September 26th, 2010
LETS GO ROCKIES!!…snort!
12:21 pm on September 26th, 2010
Those dratted Tigers swept the Twins.
I wish I cared about Football, then I could be glad the Vikings beat the Lions, but I don't.
We are going to see Inception tonight. I will have to explain it to Mr Staff. He gets confused at this type of movie and wants a logical explanation.
12:32 pm on September 26th, 2010
Yeeep!… Now they are cooking!…snort!
12:38 pm on September 26th, 2010
Wow!…Another bat almost killed somebody!…snort!…It flew right up into the stands…gulp!
12:50 pm on September 26th, 2010
Wheeze!…Here comes Troy!…yeep!
12:55 pm on September 26th, 2010
C-R-A-P!…sob!
12:58 pm on September 26th, 2010
Well, our Cowboys finally one one. There was another season where they lost the first two games and then went on to the super bowl, which this year is just over the river from us. From the city hall hill we can see the Cowboys stadium as well as the ballpark at Arlington.
Oh and did I mention that our Rangers are going to the playoffs?
12:59 pm on September 26th, 2010
SOB, SOB SOB Troy just couldn't get a hit off that pitcher. SOB SOB SOB
1:41 pm on September 26th, 2010
I just ran across this post and couldn't help posting it.
The pug is living proof that God has a sense of humor. ~Margo Kaufman
1:59 pm on September 26th, 2010
Oooh, Macy. Rio doesn't know where you live, does he? I hope not, because you know he has Rockie and his cohorts on speed dial!
2:01 pm on September 26th, 2010
OTAS'sSO wanted to know what or who OTAS stood for!
She would now like to be OTAS'sF, for Fiancee!
She has also posted but is being moderated.
Instead of waking up completely from my nap, I think I'll just go to bed early.
I have never taken this long to read a book. I am determined to get every word (snicker, Riö). I'm having a delightful time!
2:07 pm on September 26th, 2010
Sorry, Melanie. When Mom wrote to her she just figured OTAS'sF — see, I did it! — was familiar with the blog, so would know what OTAS stood for. Oops! Mom's real excited about the project, so now I have to go get lots of pictures taken. Not today, though, because it's raining. I don't want pictures with my hair plastered to my head!!!
2:10 pm on September 26th, 2010
Rio — So sorry, I guess the magic of the caps was only good for one day. Well, maybe tomorrow. At least San Diego lost today too.
Wolfie — No I am not related to Duke, although you are not the first one to ask that. Duke is actually a field golden, which are more reddish in color. Goldens in general are known as working dogs, although I prefer to think of myself as a management dog (maybe even a CEO dog, although mom is still Chairman of the Board).
Melanie — I am available whenever you need me for sartorial consultations for Papl, and I will even lend out bow ties if needed. And if the Pack does decide to go, I can help them too.
Wookie
2:17 pm on September 26th, 2010
Oh, Oh, Was that Margo Kaufman saying what we think she was saying about a Pug? A joke by God? Hope Rio doesn't know where she lives either!
We are glad there is going to be a contest to name the next C & B book, and also thrilled that there will be another in the series. However, Barb says she is not overly creative in that area (you know, she is more the financial/numbers person over here). Therefore, if possible we might be on the judging side.
We looked at OTAS'sF web site, and she is indeed very talented.
Their dog is very cute, but not very Newfie looking!
2:19 pm on September 26th, 2010
Kirby, get some Wonder Fluff. Then your hair won't be all plastered down. It really works for me. (whispering) And I happen to know that Alice Johnson uses Tail Fluff.
2:30 pm on September 26th, 2010
Kirby: Don't forget to take your hat off. You don't want to have hat hair!
Sam: (whispering back, Alice Johnson uses Tail Fluff??)
2:40 pm on September 26th, 2010
Melanie, (whispering again) I went on our last Secret Mission and Alice went too. She kept ordering me to fetch her fur bleach and Tail Fluff.
2:42 pm on September 26th, 2010
We always thought "To Bark, Perchance to Bite" was a mouthful. It never rolled right. BUT how fun to figure out another title. We will have to put our thinking caps on, although we probably don't have the advantage the English majors on the blog have.
Macy the MP, it was NOT a good thing that your Cowboys finally won one. The damn Texans ALWAYS do that. It is like watching 2 different teams….we never know which one will show up to play.
How exciting for OTAS and for OTAS'F! Dan definitely has something to look forward to. Do you know if it will be in New York? It should be interesting loading up all the Newfs for that trip. Can't wait to hear OTAS'F comments. Hopefully, her moderation will be over soon.
Barb and Magpie, it must be hard to think about leaving such a beautiful house (and chicken coop) but it is nice to live close to family. That is one reason Mom & Dad decided to stay close to Houston. This is where the family congregates for holidays and if they had their "adventure" of moving where there are real winters, it would not be the same.
Almost Tuesday and then almost Sunday with SQ/PA!
2:53 pm on September 26th, 2010
Tomorrow Mom and I will read Chapter 1. Then we'll be prepared to continue right on when the book flies through the air Monday night.
2:55 pm on September 26th, 2010
Melanie, moderation takes forever on a Sunday. Mom thinks she wants to read that book you mentioned, The Tiger. I might read it since it is a Siberian Tiger.
3:09 pm on September 26th, 2010
I am also working on a title. Pondering . .
This is not easy.
3:14 pm on September 26th, 2010
All!… It is a well-known fact that Alice needs to be bleached and fluffed every time she makes a public appearance…snort!…. Otherwise her age starts showing and that is not something anyone wants to see…heh!
3:31 pm on September 26th, 2010
Melanie: I'm also pondering a title. But I agree with you that it would be VERY helpful if we had a little peek at what Book 4 is about. Just to get us in the right mood. You know, get us all on the same page, Chet. (By now maybe you know what that means!)
4:01 pm on September 26th, 2010
Titles!…Those are hard – especially if we don’t know the Big Idea for the next book…grunt!…Keeping it in general terms is the task I guess….sniff!
Lucy!…Because we are both so depressed tonight over the Rockies game, we are watching an old comedy called, “Yours, Mine and Ours” with Lucille Ball and Henry Fonda…snort!… It's still a good movie!…heh!
4:16 pm on September 26th, 2010
Wolfie: Tell you Dad we are glad the Giants won as we are the only Giants fans around. They are going to give out the Willie McCovey award next Friday at the Park. My boy is going to that game. Some of the past winners of that award will be there.
4:19 pm on September 26th, 2010
Well, we are off to bed and reading. Barb's sister got dozens of calls today (no emails of course) from friends and relatives who got emails to send money to her. The scam shut down her email (the hackers are now receiving all of her email),and now she has to close it and open a new one. Major pain!
Just remember, if you get a request that looks like it is coming from your email provided, asking for updated information including your password, delete it.
Maybe TFAT will arive tomorrow. Good night, all.
4:31 pm on September 26th, 2010
Rio: "Yours, Mine and Ours" is one of Mom's favorite movies, based on a book that she read several times when she was a kid, Who Gets the Drumstick? The first time she saw it, my grandma said the scene where they're going to the hospital and the daughter asks about love ought to be required viewing for teenagers!
4:44 pm on September 26th, 2010
Kirby!….It’s just a wonderful movie!…snort!… Apparently we never get tired of watching it here along with others I’ve mentioned…heh! …I don’t mind, whatever calms her down after a bad day of baseball is okay by me….snort!…My warm soft bed always calms me down in no time at all…sneeze!
4:50 pm on September 26th, 2010
Kirby!…Wasn’t the little blonde boy who plays Phillip the voice of Linus in the Charlie Brown shows??… snort!…We swear he sounds just like Linus whenever we hear him…heh!
5:19 pm on September 26th, 2010
Quote!…From Yours, Mine and Ours. ”Don’t question the workings of a Democracy young man! At least until you’re seven.” …heh!
5:22 pm on September 26th, 2010
Rio: I just "googled" it, and Phillip was played by Eric Shea, but Linus was voiced (at least in the Christmas special) by Christopher Shea — Eric's brother. I guess they must have sounded alike! Both of them spent the 60s making the rounds as guest stars on all the major shows — "Green Acres," "Emergency," "Bonanza" — you name the show, at least one of them was probably on it! (In fact Christopher did play a character named Phillip on "The Odd Couple" — wasn't that Felix's son?)
5:45 pm on September 26th, 2010
Brothers!…The Shea Brothers were both very talented…snort!…I wonder what became of them? We’ve always had a soft spot for Linus and his blanket, and the Great Pumpkin, and his amazing rendition of the meaning of Christmas…sigh!
6:25 pm on September 26th, 2010
Rio: I haven't found anything yet about what they're up to these days, but I did find another interesting tidbit. Apparently there was a younger brother, Stephen, who voiced Linus in the 70s — I guess when Christopher's voice got too old?
6:34 pm on September 26th, 2010
Wow!… For some reason this is very interesting to us…heh!..We love the Linus character and we have always loved his voice…sneeze!…Eric, Christopher and Stephen – Where are you Now?? …snort! …We hope you are very happy and healthy and doing something creative!…yup!
7:55 pm on September 26th, 2010
Sam.
You are darn lucky you already have a badge. Hmmm, or did I forget to give you one? Arrrrggggghhhhh! NO, you have it. hissss
I am very annoyed with you for giving out the secrets of my fluffy tail. Now every dog or Kat who wants one will know how to get the big fluffy tail. Snarl, hiss.
7:56 pm on September 26th, 2010
BTW has anyone else noticed that we didn't have a Sunday with Ingrid????
8:50 pm on September 26th, 2010
MY tail was naturally fluffy. We're staying up too late listening to Louise Penny.
9:20 am on September 27th, 2010
went to look at wedding magazines today and thought how cool would it be to have a magazine for dogwear and ideas for weddings. its needs to be done lol