Book Parade - C.L. Enuton

What's that outside my front gate?

What is all this outside the window of my world? It is a parade! The Indie Lights Book Parade is passing by right now. Today's feature is Florida author and illustrator C.L. Enuton. Her "Fur Angel" series is a fiction fantasy series about dogs and she was kind enough to parade by my gated window and answer a few questions.

Ancient City Poets: What inspired you to write your first book and how did you come up with the title? 

C.L. Enuton:  When I lived in Maryland, I worked at a government residential facility for emotionally challenged children and adolescents. At that time, I had a little black pekingese named Lindsey. She would go to work with me on a daily basis. When students came to my office to talk about their past abuse, they would often pet Lindsey. It seemed as if the interaction with the dog made it easier for the kids to talk about such difficult issues. Lindsey brought comfort to them as they cried. I use to call Lindsey a little angel in a fur coat.

When I moved to Florida, Lindsey was around 15 years old. Her health was declining due to natural aging. One day, I came across an ad in the Jacksonville Times Union newspaper advertising pekingese puppies for sale. I made an appointment to see them and when I got there only one puppy was left. She was rambunctious, way too hyper for me to bring into my home with Lindsey. Just as I was about to leave, the lady told me that she had two pups in the back room that were just three weeks old. They hadn't opened their eyes yet and were the size of a hamster. I picked up one of the pups and her little bitty tail began to wag. I placed her back down and her tail stopped. Every time I picked her back up her tail would wag...I put her down and her wag stopped. I fell in love and paid the lady to hold the pup for me until she was weaned and ready for me to take home. Four weeks later, I was able to bring my new puppy home to meet Lindsey. As Lindsey was sniffing and checking the new pup out, I noticed that she had a single pink toe. That's when my imagination began to soar and I had a ‘what if’ moment. What if that little pink toe meant something?

Ancient City Poets: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 

C.L. Enuton: Most people feel a special connection with their dog(s). My books play on those feelings and with a little imagination validates that special bond between a dog and their person. The books leave the reader to look at their own beloved pet and ponder the question: What if dogs really are angels in fur coats.

Ancient City Poets: How much of the book is realistic? Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life? 

C.L. Enuton: My books are fiction fantasy but I base the character’s personalities on real dogs and people. Angel in a Fur Coat and Legend of the Pink Toe are based on real animals that have in some way been a part of my life. The personalities of my past pets, neighbor’s pets, as well as some of the dogs I've met at dog parks. Every animal I have met has had their own unique personality.  

Wayward Angels and Dolittleology are loosely based on my experience working in a mental health setting with kids and utilizing a therapy dog group within the students’ treatment plans. The pug in Dolittleology is based on my cousin’s dog, Stimpy, who had almost a human quality about her.

Ancient City Poets: What are your current projects? 

C.L. Enuton: Right now I’m having fun promoting the Fur Angel Series. In addition to author interviews, blog tours, and book signings, I also make talking dog videos and Fur Angel memorabilia for others using their own pets. People can order their talking dog videos through my page on a site called Fiverr. The buyer sends me a picture of their dog (s) or cat (s) along with a personalized message. I then do a voiceover of their message and program the pet (s) in the photo to talk. Most of the orders consist of birthday wishes, holiday greetings, advertisement for businesses and websites and book trailers. My page for the talking dog videos is http://www.fiverr.com/gooberella

I also make personalized Fur Angel necklaces and magnets. The buyer sends me a photo of their dog or cat and I Photoshop on angel wings, encase the photo in a hard dome glass, and make a necklace or magnet. You can order a Fur Angel by going to http://www.AngelsInaFurCoat.com

Ancient City Poets: Do you know of St. Augustine, Florida?

C.L. Enuton: Yes, in fact the cover image for Legend of the Pink Toe is a St. Augustine sunset, flipped upside down and Photoshopped into the background of a picture of Xia. 

Ancient City Poets: Can you offer any advice to writers?

C.L. Enuton: My biggest advice to other writers is to take every chance you can to put your book out there, for you never know who may see it and you may not get that opportunity again. 

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Who will parade by my gated window next? Will it be a poet? A writer of zombie novels? Maybe a children's author? Check back on Wednesday and find out with us here at the Ancient City Poets blog.

Visit the Indie lights Book Parade on Facebook.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Indie-Lights-Book-Parade/323851481148915

Thank you for all your support!


With Respect,

Chris Bodor,
Ancient City Poets / Poet Plant Press

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