I’ve received quite a few emails and letters regarding my column in Newsweek, mostly from people who have pit bulls. Here are some excerpts:

“I read your column in Newsweek this week and was very moved.”

“After having read your touching article about A Dog Who Was Pure Muscle and All Heart, the only thing i had in my mind was my dog Alize. She too is a brindle pit bull, the most beautiful I've seen along with the most affectionate of the breed.”

“It's very rare that a one page column can bring so many emotions to mind. To smile, laugh, and cry by reading only a thousand words or so, means that you have touched someone's heart and they can empathize with the feelings you have shared.”

“I just wanted to send a quick note thanking you for finally putting some positive pit bull media out there. Esmerelda sounds like she was a wonderful dog and I'm sure she left you with many wonderful memories. I wish more people could see that all pit bulls are not the ones bred and trained to dogfight....”

“Your story showed the true demeanor of the APBT – loyal, loving and oh so affectionate. I volunteer in the medical department of my local Humane Society and I see so many pit bulls and pit mixes come through our doors. They are the hardest to place but the easiest for me to love.”

One letter, however, was negative. This man said:

“I have the unfortunate experience of being mauled by a pit bull that had the exact same description as did your Esmerelda, from its owner. Pit bulls are as dangerous as a hunting rifle, and in the wrong hands can explode.”

He says more than that, but that gives you the overall tone. This guy had a bad experience, obviously, and it cemented his opinion about pit bulls. Is that fair to the breed? I’m sorry he was attacked, but that doesn’t mean all pit bulls are dangerous. In fact, very, very few of them are dangerous. Let’s look at it from another perspective. If this man was mugged by a person of a different race, and from that he decided that all members of that race were criminals, that would make him a bigot.

I’ve been trying to decide if I should respond to his letter or not, but something tells me I couldn’t change his way of thinking.

I was under the mistaken impression that my cell phone's camera would suffice. It didn't. Regardless, here are two photos. The first is from my signing at the Hill Country Bookstore (nice place) in Georgetown (just a conversation away). The second is from Mike Blakely's Fandango in Luckenbach.

It’s amazing how many “writers” there are out there. I’m not talking about people who are actually in the process of writing something; I’m talking about people who would write if only they “weren’t so busy.” Because, of course, finding the time to write is really the only key to success in this business.

Seriously, it’s amusing how some people think they could be a writer--if only time allowed. They’ll say, “Oh, you’re an author? You know, I’ve been meaning to write a novel...” Yet they’d never say, “I’d be a professional quarterback, but the kids keep me so busy.” Or “I’ve been meaning to write some hit songs, but I just got a promotion at work.”

Anyway, I run into this attitude a lot, and that’s why I find this clip so funny:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPuWA1WKR7w

Several months ago, I mentioned that I had some exciting news, but I couldn’t share it yet, until I was certain it was going to happen. Fortunately, it happened. What is it? I got a piece in Newsweek.

If you read Newsweek, you’re familiar with the “My Turn” column, in which writers (and readers) can submit an essay on any topic under the sun. I chose to write about a dog I used to have--a pit bull named Esmerelda.

I haven’t seen a copy of the magazine yet, but the column is already online at the MSNBC site. Here’s a link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20643577/site/newsweek/page/0/

Of course, as a writer, I have to grouse about the fact that they made some minor edits to the piece that I didn’t like (including the opening), but what can you do? They’re Newsweek. Overall, I’m thrilled.

Hope you get a chance to check it out.

Dear (your name here):

This is a invitation specifically for you, (your name), to visit me at a couple of events this weekend. Come on by if you get a chance. We can talk about (your gifted child/your talented pet/that bunion you need removed). I'm pretty sure there will be (cold beer/iced tea/vending machines in the vicinity). Just think how much fun it will be! We can (talk about the book industry/chuckle about Red and Billy Don/swap pancake recipes). And I promise to (sign your book/answer your questions/keep my eyes off your teenage daughter).

Saturday, September 8, 2:00–4:00 pm
Booksigning
Hill Country Bookstore
719 S. Main Street
Georgetown, TX
(512) 869-4959

Sunday, September 9, 2:00–5:00 pm
Booksigning
Mike Blakely's Annual Tex-Americana Fandango
Luckenbach, TX
www.luckenbachtexas.com
(830) 249-7323