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Frank Dutkiewicz is a writer and critic for AtomJack Magazine. Not too long ago he reviewed “Sha’Daa Tales of the Apocalypse” and gave my story: “Way of the Warrior” a glowing review. In fact, he was so kind that I thought I’d drop him a “thank you” note and we began corresponding about writing, the state of publishing, and trying to break through to the next level. I liked Frank and decided to send him a copy of short story collection “Digital Daydreams 2.” I told him that I hoped he’d enjoy it. He wrote back and asked if I wanted him to review it once he got it. I said sure. He said he’d try to get the review done and have one of the sites he works with post it. I sent him the book and a few months went by.

Frank contacted me to thank me for the book and to ask me a few questions about my process, my writing history, even what I intended to do with my stories over the next few years. I suspected he was trying to work something out — get a handle on me and my work — and knew that his review would be interesting. After he showed me his completed review my comment was: “When did you start channeling my wife, my friends, and my mother?”

I was joking of course. He had made an honest attempt to really review the collection and to explore what he saw as my potential. It is quite a compliment that he was willing to say a few of the stories were good, some were bad, most could have been better and that he thought I had the ability to do that — to do better. Despite the lukewarm review, he thinks I got potential and worries that I may never hit it. (I think that’s my mom talking through him.)

The review is honest. And for that I can only be grateful. Do I agree with him? Not a 100%. Frank doesn’t love a few stories that other readers have absolutely adored. I have gotten fan mail on some from as far away as Osaka, Japan. But that’s ok. It’s impossible to please everyone. But to still convince them that you have an ability is far more important. So, read Frank’s review. Compare it to your own thoughts on my stories. Do you agree with his overall assestment? Let me know. It’s all good and it all helps.

For Frank’s review, click here: http://blog.atomjackmagazine.com/?p=167

This one came to me courtesy of that inexhaustable supply of humor — the internet. Funny thing is, I tried a couple of these and they are real websites. I won’t swear that they are all real but the ones I tried were NOT Porn sites (admit it, that was your first thought) but legitimate sites whose owners just weren’t thinking. Enjoy.

1. ‘Who Represents’ is where you can find the name of the agent that represents any celebrity. Their Web site is:
www.whorepresents.com

2.. ‘Experts Exchange’ is a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views at:
www.expertsexchange.com

3. Looking for a great pen? Look no further than ‘ Pen Island .’ It can be found at:
www.penisland.net

4. Need a therapist? Try ‘Therapist Finder’ at:
www.therapistfinder.com

5. Then there’s the ‘Italian Power Generator’company. Check it out at:
www.powergenitalia.com

6.’IP computer’ software, there’s always:
www.ipanywhere.com

7. And the designers at ‘Speed of Art’ await you at their wacky Web site:
www.speedofart.com

Seems I have a gift for the sentimental story. I originally got into the Chicken Soup for the Soul series with a story entitled: “My First Kiss.” It was published a few years ago in “Chicken Soup for the Romantic Soul.” People generally thought it was very sweet. (It was about my first kiss, which I experienced in the coat closet when I was in First Grade.)

Well, I now have a story in “Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love.” It just came out and should be available in your local book store right now. This one is about how I met my wife. People think it’s pretty cute too.

If you’re inclined, pick it up and take a look. My story starts on page 8.

We all feel sorry for ourselves. Sometimes we have good reasons for it. Most times we don’t. Well, every now and again I’ll come across a story that doesn’t so much make me feel sad for someone else but rather challenges me to do better with what what I’ve got.

The link below is for a video on Patrick Henry Hughs. I won’t spoil it by telling you all about it but I will say that it is inspirational. As Patrick states quite clearly, he doesn’t have “disabilities.” He has “abilities.” Watch it and be inspired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

I got this link from a friend who’s a big dog advocate. It’s sweet and sad and will make you smile. The point is to argue against “Breed Specific” legislation. In other words, don’t ban the dogs cause some people are too cruel or stupid to own them. Which is where I get my title. It’s been said (I know that I’ve said it) that there’s no such thing as a bad dog. Only bad owners. And though there are occasionally dogs who are so far gone (from abuse) that they cannot be saved, most dogs (like people) can be saved through love, understanding, kindness, and guidance. (If you follow any of the stories that came out of the infamous Michael Vic dog fighting ring, you will see evidence of that fact.) So if you’re in the mood for something sentimental and sweet, that has dogs, click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73j-H8jgQSs

PS

Most people don’t know this but Petey (the dog from the famous ‘Our Gang’ films — the dog with the circle around one eye) was an American Pit Bull. Yup, the dog millions of kids would have killed to have owned was a pit bull.