The Other End of the Leash

Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, has made a lifelong commitment to improving the relationship between people and animals.

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Welcome to an ongoing inquiry about the behavior of people and dogs.
Blog Home >> Animals and the People Who Love Them >> It’s a Mystery.

It’s a Mystery.

October 11, 2021 >> 60 Comments

Well, this is weird. It’s Monday morning, and I’m not in my usual place, writing my blog on my laptop in the dining room, Skip curled up against the door, Maggie out of sight in the living room sprawled on the couch. No, I’m writing to you on the huge iMac in my study, the one I don’t let myself use unless I’m writing a “big book.” No internet unless for book research, no email, no nothing but working on the book. It’s the room where I wrote The Other End of the Leash, For the Love of a Dog, and The Education of Will. I conditioned myself to use it, and only it, for serious writing, as a way of fighting off the lure of endless distractions. Classical conditioning isn’t just for dogs.

I’m here in my study because I’m going to start working on my mystery novel again. I haven’t touched it since the Before Times. Do you remember the cartoon, early in the pandemic, in which a man desperately rows in a tiny boat amidst massive 100-foot waves and lightening strikes? The caption says “This is a great time to work on your novel!”

No, it wasn’t, not for many of us. Like the guy in the cartoon, we were just trying to stay alive, which is not conducive to creativity. But now I want to go back to the novel. I find myself thinking of plot lines while Jim drives us to a sheepdog trial. I jot down a line here, a line there, knowing that I’ll forget it if I don’t.

I’m ready. I have about 80-90 pages written, some are pretty good, some aren’t. I have a protagonist I like and supporting characters I can imagine being around for an entire series. I struggle mostly with structure and some of the details of the plot.

I‘m also scared silly. I love to write and I hate to write and it’s fun and it’s hard and writing fiction is really, really challenging and why in the hell did I choose to start writing a mystery, which requires fantastic organization and plot structure, all of which I’m not good at? I like to write scenes. It turns out you can’t write a good mystery by just linking a bunch of scenes together. Who knew.

Here’s the thing. In order to do this, I need to pull back a little from the blog and social media. I’m not going away; selfishly I enjoy connecting with you all too much to do that. I consider some of you good friends, truly, even though I’ve never met you and have no idea what you look like. I tell my friends that you are like a village to me. I don’t want to lose touch with you. I’ll still post, just a bit less, and a bit simpler. I’ll read, as always, every one of your comments, and answer when I can. But I need to start my Monday mornings here, in the study, spending my writing energy on the book.

I’m going to start posting less. Sometimes it might just be a photograph. Sometimes it might be about the process of writing itself. Sometimes I might ask your advice–what should I name the protagonist? I can tell you now that she is–wait for it–an applied animal behaviorist. Write what you know, right? I decided that leaping into fiction, with a mystery no less, that is challenge enough without going too far out of my comfort zone. So I’m indeed writing what I know. There are dogs. Farms. Sheep. A lot of Scotch. And a murder. (Okay, that part is new to me.)

I’m going to work hard on the novel until mid-January, and see where I am. I might toss the entire thing. I might spend the next two years editing it. No guarantees of anything. But I want to try and see what happens. It’d be especially fun if you go on the journey with me.

Here’s the study yesterday before I spruced it up:

Here it is now, ready or not:

After I post this, I’ll dig out what I’d written in the past and read it through. I’ll call my agent. I’ll start fleshing out the plot. I’ll drink too much tea and have to pee a lot. I’ll reread parts of How To Write a Damn Good Mystery. I’ll stop myself from checking email and Facebook over and over again. And hopefully, one word, one paragraph, one page at a time, as the days and weeks and months go on, I’ll be writing a novel. Will I finish it? Will it be any good? I don’t know; it’s a mystery. And I do love mysteries.

 

MEANWHILE, back on the farm: You might have noticed that Glinda, the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz, is on my desk in the study. She is one of my talismans (objects with magical powers to protect you). There’s also a second Glinda on the farm, a massive oak tree I pass every day on our woods walk. I think of her as the Mother Tree of the forest–you can see how huge she is by noticing the dogs at her base.

And yeah, I really do hug her. I am a tree hugger, yup, and proud of it. She is awesome.

Maggie and Skip are playing tug as hard as ever. It took Maggie a while to take it up again after her leg injury, and I see this as a sign she’s truly, fully recovered. Love watching them . . .

I’ll end on some fading flowers, such a perfect symbol of the change of seasons, and perhaps, a new season for a mystery novel?

Mysteries–like ’em as much as I do?

« Some Good Things to Keep Us Sane
Progress on the Novel! »

Comments

  1. lak says

    October 11, 2021 at 2:39 pm

    Well…I am not sure how I feel about this!? Just kidding, while you have me conditioned to check the blog weekly on Mondays, I will continue to check bi weekly. Change…so hard at times, but you have written books before and know the steps it takes, while the genre may be different the process for writing is similar, write, write, write. Seems like you are starting out disciplined. Very exciting news! Congrats on your new endeavor. Wishing you success with the new book, and selfishly I would probably like to read it when released, as an avid reader I can usually read 2-3 books per week, a passion since childhood. You go girl!

  2. Trisha says

    October 11, 2021 at 3:07 pm

    Thanks lak! I’m not sure how I feel about this either!

  3. Diane says

    October 11, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    Fearing my response is a distraction from your mystery writing endeavor, I did want to wish you the best as you embark on your new adventure. Better not respond or my fear will be realized!

  4. LisaW says

    October 11, 2021 at 6:48 pm

    Well, it’s clear what the protagonist’s name is … good luck and write well.

  5. Trisha says

    October 11, 2021 at 7:47 pm

    LisaW: Ah, but I think she might surprise you!

  6. Trisha says

    October 11, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    No fear Diane, I’m not disappearing, just pulling back a little bit. Can’t write all day!

  7. Bruce says

    October 11, 2021 at 9:35 pm

    Best wishes on the novel! And if you have any murders you wish to confess, remember that the internet is forever lol.

  8. Kat says

    October 12, 2021 at 2:43 am

    If you write it I will most certainly read it. I’ve always loved your way with words. I love good writing. There are writers who can make the most pedestrian plot sing because they use words so well and there are writers who can make a fascinating story nearly a chore to read because they don’t use words well. And I’ll take a good wordsmith with an unexceptional story over someone who can’t use words well with a riveting story any day. Of course the best is when the good wordsmith has a riveting story to tell. I know you’ve got the wordsmith part down so you’re book will be fun to read.

    I confess to some envy of your writing space. With my husband working from home my desk now is a lap desk. So I write in my comfy recliner often with a cat draped across my arms, a cat hogging most of the lap desk and a dog sleeping on my feet while the untrustworthy cat howls from the basement. (He can only be out if he’s closely supervised since he’s a diabetic and will eat anything he can find including raw potatoes–who knew he could open the pantry door?) Fortunately, words tend to come easily to me so the only challenge is actually opening the project. If I can get that far I can write. I’m enjoying my latest project of documenting how D’Artagnan’s and I become real partners doing Therapy Dog work. It’s fun noting each visit and how we’ve done. I’m not sure anyone else will want to read it but it’s satisfying me to write it.

    Best of luck on the book I’ll look forward to you sharing the adventure with us.

  9. Teddy says

    October 12, 2021 at 4:22 am

    This is inspiring! Good for you, and best of luck! We’ll look for the blog posts you do have time to write them. Enjoy, and again, good luck!

  10. P. J. says

    October 12, 2021 at 4:52 am

    Bereft. That’s how I feel. Though somewhat comforted by the fact that your novel will involve dogs. Maybe at least one that needs special handling and training? With our special needs boy (Aussie? Border collie? Mix?) now so deeply entrenched in our hearts, I am eager to take my dog learning anywhere I find it, even fiction. And, of course, best wishes on your writing project.

  11. Alicesfarm says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:00 am

    Your “Mother Tree” is actually a “Wolf Tree” – https://heritageconservancy.org/defining-our-landscapes-what-is-a-wolf-tree/. I had never heard of such until I walked our property with a forester and he pointed it out to me. One article describes it as a town square for all the local critters. Can’t wait to read your upcoming mystery. No pressure-hahaha!

  12. Kathy Griffin says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:15 am

    A tree hugger here too. When I built my log house in the woods my father was helping clean up the yard. He moved a piece of tin and underneath it was a small Postoak seedling bent over. He trimmed the tree so it’s set up straight and now it’s a huge oak tree at the corner of my house. Every time I pass it I hug the tree and remember my father.

  13. Charlotte Kasner says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:18 am

    Good luck with the writing. English oaks didn’t do well this year. Not many acorns because of a long, cold, dry spring. The horse chestnuts seem to be making up for it though.

  14. Beth Meltz says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:27 am

    Best of luck on your new endeavor, Patricia! You are always such an inspiration to me. It takes courage to be vulnerable in trying something new and sharing it with others. But that is nothing new for you! Thank you for doing so.

  15. mary lou maraganis says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:34 am

    So a year later… did you write it? and was the good witch helpful:)

  16. Melissa says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:34 am

    Hooray for you! And yes, this reminds me of dreams and committing to them. Thanks for the inspiration

  17. Marysue says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:40 am

    How exciting! A perfect autumn adventure…new, challenging, and perfect for the “hibernation” time ahead. Write what you know? Well, you know people and personalities…and it seems to me you have spent your life puzzling out mysteries. I’m betting it goes very well.

  18. Wanda Jacobsen says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:49 am

    Best of luck with you writing adventure. Writing a good book is hard work, which I do not have to tell you. But know all of us readers appreciate the labor.

  19. Betsy says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:58 am

    Oh boy! I can’t wait to read your mystery novel(s)! I have always loved your writing style. Your books are always full of great information and there’s always humor in your writing style so sign me up – I’ll pre-order today!

  20. Carole K says

    October 12, 2021 at 6:04 am

    Whatever you write I will read! Every writer’s process s unique to her. My first book seemed to write itself… I knew how it would end before I really got started and the one I am now immersed in has characters who sometimes speak to me in the middle of the night. I love your books and your blog. I know your novel will be awesome (no pressure)! 🙂

  21. Trisha says

    October 12, 2021 at 6:10 am

    PJ, I’m not leaving! Would miss you all too much! Just slowing down a bit and simplifying.

  22. kimberly Harper says

    October 12, 2021 at 6:14 am

    Good luck!!!!
    Be sure and let us know how it’s going.
    I will definitely be buying your book.
    Kim

  23. Vienna Romesburg says

    October 12, 2021 at 6:55 am

    While this has nothing to do with the above post, I thought I’d send a note! I got to watch part of the US Border Collie National Sheepherding Trials here in Virginia over the weekend. I had always wanted to go. Suffice it to say, it was amazing and thrilling and I’d say I was on the edge of my seat sometimes hoping the dogs would herd those sheep through the gate, before the sheep decided at the last minute to turn left or right, it was nail bitingly thrilling! I had a blast! I got to speak with one of the handlers, who unfortunately wasn’t working her dog during those trials, but hopes to next year and learned so much about the verbiage used. The Outrun and the Lift (so subtle!) Fetch, Drive…I could go on! I just had an so much fun!
    Keep writing! I look forward to reading your mystery novel!
    Be well!

  24. MinnesotaMary says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:13 am

    A little less of Trish’s time and attention every week is a very small price to pay for the pleasure of reading the novel when it’s finished. I think we can be patient!

  25. Judy says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:15 am

    I recently took a solo, well except for the 3 dogs, cross country trip pulling a small travel trailer. I dubbed the trip yellow brick road 2021. And the trailer became Toto. The yellow brick road is such an iconic journey of self discovery. And all along the trip there were symbols that turned up in quite unexpected places and ways. The tin man in a hidden state park in Nebraska, the wicked witch in a front yard in Sebastopol California and Glinda on a friends refrigerator. There were other instances as well. Use your symbols and icons. They will help lead the path. And good luck with the writing. Can’t wait to read about your journey.

  26. Grace says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:23 am

    Trisha, I wish you the very best of luck with your novel. I’m currently entering a slow phase with training – last session for most clients & very few new ones – so will spend the unexpected downtime reading about & researching all the behavior topics I’m most interested in. Looking forward to reading your mystery when it’s available!

  27. TP says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:34 am

    Wishing you the very best with writing your novel!

    I was originally “introduced” to you by a former client (animal trainer). Even though she and I are no longer working together, we parted in a good way, I’m still reading, enjoying and sharing your blog.

    I’ll continue to check the website, and look for you in my inbox. And, I look forward to reading your book when it arrives. Thank you for continuing to share in more ways! 😊

  28. Lynn Ungar says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:51 am

    As someone whose preferred writing form is under 30 lines, I am in awe of people who manage to put together a plot. And the level of organization required to write a mystery both astounds and confounds me. But I love to read them, most especially when they involve dogs and dog training. Have you read Susan Conant’s delightful Holly Winter series? I look forward to reading yours, and wish you joy in the process.

  29. Tina says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:10 am

    I love this! And perfect timing! National Novel Writing Month kicks off in November (www.nanowrimo.com) and that could be a great motivator or source of inspiration if you need it. My 15 year old daughter will be participating for the third time this year.
    Can’t wait to add it to my collection 🙂

  30. Fran Berry says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:11 am

    Hi Trish,
    This is exciting news!
    Yes, we’ll miss your weekly posts, but I’m looking forward to reading whenever you update us on this new book.
    Thanks for taking us along on your journey!

  31. Pat Morlan says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:21 am

    I wish you all kinds of good luck with your book. I love to write but am not any good at it, so I live vicariously thru books that others have written. I have read most of your dog books and I expect this one will also be a hit!!!

  32. Trisha says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:24 am

    Tina, love this! I had no idea there was a Nat’l Novel Writing Month. Thanks soooo much!

  33. Trisha says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:27 am

    Vienna: Love that you were there! Wish I had been myself! I live streamed much of it, barely breathing at times. Of course, I have friends I was rooting for, so the outcome felt especially dramatic. And now when you read my novel (!?) you’ll especially enjoy the sections at sheepdog trials!

  34. Sheridan Davis says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:33 am

    I look forward to reading your mysteries and applaud your new endeavor. Good for body and soul. Please include dogs and please tell us your favorite secrets about them and us if you’re so inclined. There’s a lot of dreck out there in the dog mystery world. Your work could not be further from that. I read for healing and good books are good medicine. To that end, Ellis Peter’s Cadfael series could not be better. May they inspire you if you’re not familiar and I look forward to read your next work with great anticipation!

  35. Melinda R says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:58 am

    I love all your books and I love to read mysteries, so I hope to someday get to read your book. Happy writing! Melinda

  36. Pamela Zander Owen says

    October 12, 2021 at 9:21 am

    I am a retired writer. I started in newspaper reporting, transitioned to public relations and then fiction. I haven’t written in a few years, but I may start this next year. Fiction is really hard, all the reasons you mentioned. And more. I never did publish any of mine.

    Good luck to you! It sounds like a great idea and one whose time has come. I expect I’ll be reading yours in a couple of years.

    I will miss your blog! But I’ll smile knowing what you’re doing!

  37. Deborah Mason says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:05 am

    While I love to read your posts, I also look forward to hearing how the writing process goes for you. And I look forward to your novel, whenever it comes to fruition. While I don’t spend a lot of hours reading fiction, it is my last activity of the day, every day. And I love learning about dogs, their behavior, their personalities and training.

    Best of luck on your hard work ahead of you.

  38. Cathy Balliu says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:10 am

    I love mysteries! Especially when the protagonist is a woman in a field dominated by men. And even better if they are historic mysteries set in Britain. I look forward to your novel 🙂 If you need beta readers, shoot me a copy.

  39. Joy says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:50 am

    I love reading anything you’ve written & enjoy mysteries, especially with dogs involved. Looking forward to it!

  40. arriba says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:51 am

    I haven’t the perseverance to ‘write long’, but I offer one idea I’ve held for a long time: consider a plant, toxic to people, but not dogs – I think there is a murder in there somewhere.

    Looking forward to whatever, whenever you write.

  41. Carolyn Turner says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:51 am

    I love mysteries. I love murder mysteries. I especially love murder mysteries with dogs! I look forward to reading yours!!

  42. Shana says

    October 12, 2021 at 10:57 am

    Good luck Trish!! I will be looking forward to your novel and continue to enjoy whatever you have time for on the blog. I am also going back and rereading your training books.

  43. Trisha says

    October 12, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    arriba: oooh, interesting idea!!

  44. Maria says

    October 12, 2021 at 12:41 pm

    How thrilling! I look forward to reading your mystery book! (I know you will write a good one.)
    Good luck, and best wishes for tons of inspiration, and the time and stick-to-it-iveness to get all that inspiration written in mystery book format.

  45. Katie Traxel says

    October 12, 2021 at 1:05 pm

    Love mysteries. The collaboration mystery written by Hilary Clinton and Louise Penny (one of my favorite authors) is out today and I actually sprang for the hard-cover. I rarely do that but will for your mystery when it’s published.

  46. Tails Around the Ranch says

    October 12, 2021 at 1:12 pm

    So excited for this latest project! Bravo. And don’t worry, we’ll all be here when you get back. Wishing you all the best.

  47. Heidi Rosin says

    October 12, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    Haha – scenes can’t just be put together – I totally get it. I knit my husband a pair of long johns. Since he has no butt I didn’t really allow any ease in the area for what backside he does have. Turns out there’s a reason his bottoms sag in that area – you still have to knit the space a more buttsy guy would need LOL! Who knew indeed. If you do read this I hope it gives you a chuckle!

  48. Wendy Katz says

    October 12, 2021 at 2:16 pm

    Ooh, best wishes for completion! I love to read murder mysteries – especially if there are dogs!

  49. Gayla says

    October 12, 2021 at 3:26 pm

    This is very exciting news. Sheep and murder and Dogs, oh my!!

    Just enjoy your days and the process…that’s my wish.

  50. Cassie Evans says

    October 12, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    If/when you publish it, I’ll be very excited to read it!

    Also, lol at “I’ll drink too much tea and have to pee a lot.” because that is the story of my life.

  51. Gabrielle says

    October 12, 2021 at 11:48 pm

    With Glinda and the Mother Tree on your side, mystery will be written. Enjoy.

  52. LisaW says

    October 13, 2021 at 7:03 am

    Your murder mystery novel writing quest brought to mind a movie I saw when I was a kid. I was home “sick” from school and this movie was on the TV. I stayed home “sick” many times after hoping to see it again, and I often did!

    Not sure how it will hold up decades later, but it holds warm memories. It’s got a dog, a horse, a murder mystery, reincarnation, romance, and screw ball comedy all in one!

    It’s called You Never Can Tell: “Dick Powell stars as a hardboiled PI with a taste for kibble. When an eccentric tycoon leaves $6Million dollars to his faithful dog King, trustee Ellen Hathaway (Peggy Dow) is besieged by fortune hunters when they learn she’s next to inherit. After the German Shepherd is poisoned and Ellen’s accused of the crime, King’s spirit is granted special permission to go back to earth in human form and help clear Ellen’s name. Returning as private eye Rex Shepherd (Powell) and aided by a former racehorse named Goldie (Joyce Holden), King puts his nose to the ground in a dogged attempt to sniff out his killer’s name.”

    Powell eats a lot of kibble in this movie 🙂 You can get the DVD on Amazon (of course). Might be a great distraction one day.

    PS I, too, have a special place in my aura for Glinda. Oh, and you are always surprising me!

  53. Ann Waterbury says

    October 13, 2021 at 7:54 am

    As an avid reader I can’t wait to read the new book! This reminds me of much of the work of Anne Lamott and her book Bird by Bird about finding that jumping off point

  54. Trisha says

    October 13, 2021 at 8:58 am

    Can’t wait to watch this LisaW! What a plot!!

  55. Jennifer says

    October 13, 2021 at 11:16 am

    I’ve known that you are my spirit animal ever since I read The Other End of the Leash. LOL I’m a mental health therapist and I, too, have started a novel – with a therapist protagonist. I’m struggling to start a private practice in a pandemic, and I have a love/hate relationship with writing. I love my goats, dogs, cats & husband, and I enjoy reading your work. I actually reference your work to my clients pretty frequently because understanding how to work with dogs can often help people understand how to work with themselves. I’m glad you think of us as part of your tribe, because I consider you part of mine. Good luck with your novel#

  56. BARB STANEK says

    October 13, 2021 at 2:56 pm

    Woo hoo, Trish! Thrilling news! Carry on. And when the slouging (hope that’s how it’s spelled!), continue to carry on!!!!!

    We’ll be cheering you on.

  57. Zazie says

    October 13, 2021 at 5:45 pm

    Aaah, so exciting!!! Best of luck with the writing. I cannot wait to hear more about it.

  58. Vicki in Michigan says

    October 16, 2021 at 2:58 pm

    Everything I know about creative endeavor says:

    1) Start

    2) Persist

    You already know this; you can do it!!! 🙂

  59. Beth Teffner says

    October 16, 2021 at 4:31 pm

    GO FOR IT!!!! If you never try, how will you ever know—-you might be the next Agatha Christie or ?????? Don’t ever not try something and regret it later. What’s the worst that will happen? You won’t like it, a publisher might not like it—-you’ll still have your life, your husband, your dogs, and your peace of mind. PRICELESS!!!!

  60. Alexia Cochrane says

    October 17, 2021 at 8:29 am

    Hello from Missoula Montana, Tricia! I think you’ll do a damn good job on your mystery; and I love how you’ve prepared for it (especially summoning Glinda the Good Witch). And you have your oak to hug for strength and grounding — is it a red oak? And of course doggies to make you take a breath and laugh. Good luck, and please keep us posted!

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About the Author

Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus is an applied animal behaviorist who has been working with, studying, and writing about dogs for over twenty-five years. She encourages your participation, believing that your voice adds greatly to its value. She enjoys reading every comment, and adds her own responses when she can.

LEARN MORE FROM PATRICIA’S BOOKS & DVDs!

Patricia is known the world over for her clear and engaging books and DVDs on dog training and canine behavior problems. You can also “meet” Patricia in person on her seminar DVDs, from The Art & Science of Canine Behavior to Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.

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