Alison Pace is one of my favorite authors. I had a wee writer crush on her since reading her book Pug Hill. I mentioned this to someone else, who mentioned it to her and before you knew it she sent me a nice email. Well that made it official, as far as I was concerned we were now best friends. She’s been incredibly kind in offering me sage advice as I make my own way in publishing.

However, our relationship kicked up a notch when I realized we had the same breed of dog, West Highland Terriers. Alison’s latest book, CITY DOG, which features her dog Carlie, comes out today! I had a chance to “sneak peek” the book and I adored it. In honor of the book’s release I asked my dog Bailey interview Carlie. So with no further ado: this blog goes to the dogs.

Carlie: Hello Bailey! Before we start I just wanted to say thank you kindly for welcoming me to your blog. It is so nice to have the support of a fellow literary Westie during this exciting time.

Bailey: Carlie! Wow! A book about a fellow Westie. Obviously this is very exciting, my tail is all aflutter. Tell us about CITY DOG. What is the book about?

Carlie: It is a book about me! (ed. note: It’s about some other things, too)

Bailey:Now, as a Westie, I too am both amusing and charming alas my human has not chosen to write about me. What was your human’s inspiration to write CITY DOG? Kahlua would like to know when you will write about Scotties. Are you a westie snob? I think she’s just jealous of the overall superiority of the westie.

Carlie: In answer to the first part of your question, my person loves me very much. It is a truth. Alison grew up with dogs and had always written about dogs, even before she had me. I’ve heard there was an entire book about pugs but I do not spend too much time thinking about that. When I first came to be with Alison in New York she was working on a novel that had a dachshund-terrier mix in it. She used me as the inspiration for many of the dachshund-terrier mix’s behaviors, especially his interest in dirty things and smearing his face sideways along the pavement! I did that just this morning, smack dab in the middle of Lexington Avenue! This dachshunds name was DB Sweeney and he was very wise. Alison was very happy with the way he turned out and as she got to thinking about what she wanted to do next, she knew it had to be about me. Secondly, what is this question about Alison writing about Scotties? I am sorry but I do not think I can fully wrap my head around that one. Can we come back to it later?

Bailey: I read in the book- and also on your website that you have a favorite toy- a stuffed duck. Personally, I am quite fond of my “pink man” when sleepy and for rough housing I like to toss about my fuzzy bone. Does your human have any writing talismans? Things she likes to have in her office to inspire her?

Carlie: I love my Duck and I am pleased to learn that you have been to my Dogster blog (http://www.dogster.com/dogs/414275). I am also quite fond of my green turtle-like thing though he does not receive nearly as much airtime as Duck does. In terms of writing talismans, the only thing I can think of is that Alison has a Magic 8 Ball that stays just to the right of her computer. She seems to enjoy consulting it on various matters. Though I do know that she has concerns about the fact that more often than not, the Magic 8 Ball’s answer is “Definitely.” I know that she finds music very inspiring, there is always music on in our home. We listened to a lot of eighties music while writing CITY DOG so we’re not doing as much of that right now. Right this minute we are listening to a Weezer song called “Island in the Sun.” Have I mentioned I like Long Island?

Bailey: In the book, CITY DOG, there is a TV show that features things you can do in the city with your dog. Here in Vancouver we love when our humans take us down to the off-leash park on the beach. We love running and I enjoy playing with other dogs. If we are lucky there will be dead and disgusting sea creatures to roll about in. what is your favorite New York activity? How about favorite snack?

Carlie: Even though the fictional Carlie in CITY DOG has moved away from her home near Central Park to the East Village, I actually still live quite close to Central Park and that is my favorite place to be. Dogs are allowed to be off leash there up until nine o’clock in the morning and Alison and I go there every morning. We often see my friend Ian there. I also really enjoy getting out of the city on occasion, too. I am, as you will learn in CITY DOG, a big runner, so anywhere I can run is a good place for me. I, too, enjoy the beach and am a great connoisseur of the dead and decaying sand crab. My favorite snack is cheese.

Bailey: What is up next for you and your human? Do you have another project on the go?

Carlie: I know that Alison is really looking forward to teaching creative writing this fall. I have also heard some talk of an essay collection and also of another novel. I think a sequel to CITY DOG would be a fantastic idea but mostly I am happy as long as Alison is writing, because that means a lot of time with me. I am her writing partner. Sometimes I like to sit on her lap while she types, but never for very long, because I am very busy.
Thanks for the questions, Bailey. Peace out.

About CITY DOG: After her divorce, Amy Dodge thought she’d finally write the next Great American Novel. Instead she’s written a bestselling children’s book series, Run, Carlie, Run! starring her adorable and spirited West Highland White terrier and a dashing (but fictional) Scottish explorer. When Carlie is offered a starring role in her own television show, and the explorer begins to take on a life of his own, Amy’s world takes a surreal turn.

But just when Amy starts thinking it’s a dog’s life after all, she figures out a way to make everything change. And though life in New York isn’t always a walk in the park, it might just take her exactly where she needs to be.