Wednesday, January 26, 2011

A Little Fortune Cookie Told Me...

I always enjoy reading fortunes in fortune cookies. I don’t usually focus on them, but around a year ago I got a fortune in a cookie that read something like “Your life is turning in a new direction.”

I thought I’d kept that particular one since it made so much sense to me, although I can’t locate it now. My life has been turning in a new direction. I’m now a full-time writer and a part-time animal shelter volunteer.

Before, I was a lawyer and part-time writer. When the economy changed and the kind of law I wanted to practice didn’t, I wasn’t able to find work. I’m a real estate attorney who doesn’t do finance or litigation. Contracts for complicated real estate deals became less prevalent as people didn’t buy or sell buildings as much, or enter into substantial leases--both my enjoyment and my expertise. I did look into other kinds of law work. But for now, at least, that part of my life is on hiatus.

But my writing keeps my time occupied--along with everything I’m doing to make sure as many people as possible learn about my new Pet Rescue Mystery series. I love writing for Harlequin Nocturne. I also love writing my Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter Mystery series. But my new Pet Rescue Mystery series, a spinoff from the Kendra series, has taken a special place in my heart.

It’s so special that my initial research into how pet rescue organizations work led me to volunteer at one shelter, then another. At the moment, I’m thrilled to be a dog adoption counselor at Pet Orphans of Southern California. I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to introduce people to their prospective best friends, then see both humans and canines bond into what will hopefully become a permanent relationship. It’s amazing!

I love it so much that I’m trying to set up as many book signings as possible for the first in my new series, BEAGLEMANIA, in conjunction with animal adoptions. More information about that to come.

Do I miss practicing law? Of course. I’m not fully giving up on it. But I love what I’m doing now.

By the way, I sent out a law resume the other day to a Chinese restaurant chain looking for a real estate transactional attorney. Haven’t heard back yet... except to receive a response e-mail thanking me for applying, and giving me a free helping of orange chicken next time I go to one of their restaurants. I wonder what my fortune will be then.

6 comments:

Monica Ferris said...

What a kind and clever thing for that Chinese chain to do for people sending resumes! Good luck with your new series. Myt new cause is local drive t spay & neuter the companion animals of poot people.

Linda O. Johnston said...

That's such a wonderful cause, Monica. Spaying and neutering can help prevent so many unwanted pets. Thanks for your good wishes. And I'm looking forward to my Chinese meal!

Janie Emaus said...

Believe it or not I once got a fortune that read.."The light at the end of the tunnel may be an oncoming train."

Linda O. Johnston said...

That's a scary one, Janie!

Betty Hechtman said...

What a great idea about booksignings at pet adoptions.

I'm afraid if I volunteered at a shelter, I'd bring all the animals home. So nice of you to do it, Linda.

I do pick up animals I find wandering in the street and try to get them back to their home.

Linda O. Johnston said...

It's really hard not to fall in love with them all, Betty. But at least now I'm working with people who are eager to adopt a new pet.