💙 Who needs Groundhogs?

It's a rodent, people. Not a meteorologist.

Six more weeks of winter? I don’t need a groundhog to tell me that. The 1+ weeks of sub-zero temperatures, a foot of snow, and tons of shoveling convinced me without any fanfare. Groundhogs are part of the sciuridae family (they’re closely related to squirrels, prairie dogs, and chipmunks). That means we’re basing our long range forecast on Chip & Dale’s cousin Phil. That’s okay because it’s ‘tradition’ but the same people who believe in the groundhog’s ability to predict weather laugh when I tell them I write romance about aliens and wolf shifters. Go figure!

If I’m going to rely on a furry creature, it will be my German Shepherd. I talk about Elsa a lot because she’s my constant companion throughout the day and night. GSDs are personal shadows, never leaving their alpha alone. And yes, some of my insight into wolf behavior in my first paranormal books (Broken Shifters series) were based on my last shepherd, Hailey. When I started writing alien romance and thought a pet dog would be a nice addition to the hero’s farm in Alien Wanted, I knew I couldn’t simply plop a German shepherd into the story. After all, alien planets demand their own unique life forms. That’s when I developed the idea of a skoth, a breed which appears in a few stories, including my upcoming book, Stuffed by the Alien. Like a German shepherd, the skoth protects the family and home, has its own quirky nature, and is an undeniable source of love. But that’s where the similarities to GSDs end. A skoth is ugly and dangerous (six legs, droopy eyes, furless, claws, quills running down its neck), but readers quickly learn that you can't judge an animal by its appearance—much like people.😊

By the way, this is Elsa eating snow (apparently we don’t feed her enough… just joking!). My 5-year-old pup is crazy about the snow and doesn’t understand why I don’t want to play when it’s -10 degrees. Keep in mind, she’s the one with the fur coat. I have a polyester coat that gapes at the bottom allowing every gust of wind in.

“Elsa eating snow” by Julie K. Cohen

You might think that more time inside the house for me would give me more time to write. Just the contrary. I can focus on my writing when there’s no snout pushing up on my arm or paw pounding my keyboard. In other words, my routine is if I plan to write, tire Elsa out first. Exercising her inside with training, playing ‘find it’, tug, and indoor soccer just doesn’t do the trick.

Yes, I’m looking forward to spring (or temps above 20 degrees, I’m not picky). For those of you ‘stuck’ indoors, I hope you’re reading some heart warming books (under a cozy blanket, of course). There are a bunch of promos below. And if I get myself in gear (and Elsa gives me the time I need), I’ll make another post within the week for some Valentine’s Deals on a few of my books.

Have a great week!

Julie