DOGTOWN USA

Hi,

Great premise, I'll put it on my watchlist. Meanwhile, I have a dog tale for you.

If Carl Hiaasen and The Office had a baby, it might look something like ANIMAL CRACKER.

Can a bunch of smart, sassy women get the goods on their boss at Boston’s venerable Animal Protection Agency? Hal Mason is Brad-Pitt handsome, with a Harvard professor wife and an adorable but shiftless son who wins the heart of Diane Salvi, the organization’s new communications director and the book’s narrator.

The malapropping, narcissistic Hal, famous for his animal-themed ties and jokes, has managed to earn the adulation of the organization’s board of directors and the scorn of his staff. When his negligence leads to the dogshit literally hitting the fan, Diane and her reporter roommate Genie set out to dig up some dirt on him, with a little help from friends in the office.

There's never a bad time for a fun read in which the good guys (or gals) wreak vengeance on a conniving boss who deserves no less.

Thanks for considering ANIMAL CRACKER.

Best,
Andi

I will give you points for having a good story here, but I would suggest that your writing style lends itself better to a screenplay. In fact, I could see this as a film and that's something you might want to consider.

Lockjaw

Yes, Dogtown was originally written as a script.

I will give you points for having a good story here, but I would suggest that your writing style lends itself better to a screenplay. In fact, I could see this as a film and that's something you might want to consider.

Lockjaw

A well thought out comedy. Empathetic, well drawn character. Wonderfully detailed, vivid settings. True-to-life dialogue. Spot on satire. Insightful narrative. Hysterical wit. Remarkable writing. A stellar read. Backed.

DOGTOWN USA.

Small town pettiness juxtaposed with the goodness of a little guy’s heart narrated with strength and control to offer a briskly moving plot, original story line and worthy literary devices.

Backed.

Azam Gill
“Blasphemy!”

You have written a very interesting, often humourous and unique storyline, almost screen play like, which I do like, and created a most memorable main character in Buddy. The dialogue is realistic and well written and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

08 June 2010
Dogtown USA caught me by surprise . I was several paragraphs in before I realized the brevity and almost screenplay writing style was responsible for the images that were springing so readily to mind. There is no superfluous embellishment, no fancy frills , no excess meandering and consequently the freshness of the prose shines through. An attention holding plot, comedic 3D characters striding out at just the right pace. Without a doubt totally enjoyable. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

just read the first chapter, this is more like my kind of reading, its funny and entertaining, will be back for more - backed
alison [ENDQUOTE

GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU, ALISON.
Drat! THE Caps Key sticks on me sometimes.

just read the first chapter, this is more like my kind of reading, its funny and entertaining, will be back for more
backed

alison

Has to be one of teh most original books on the site. For some reason it reminded me of Twin Peaks. Rather surreal, very quirk and genuinely funny, I think this is one of those rare finds for me that I look forward to here - something that defies expectation, convention and logic. I am never a fan of present tense voices but this works so well. It's difficult to critique as it is so different from other books, but I certainly didn't find any punctuation/grammar issues. Well done.
Carl
The Time Hunters

It's like watching Tom and Jerry in print. Pretty unusual and a perk on this site. Backed, smiling.

Rosalind
Good for Him

Great and bizarre premise. Written with clever wit and a light touch. Happy to back this for you.
Please consider taking a look at my book, The Job.
Craig

Hi Vincent-I was stuck there with you and feeling mighty pissed off. Is this a vision of hell? Superb and darkly comic your writing grabs and carries. Backed with all good humour and the very best of wishes.

Richard

I'm a little dense today. What was the vision of hell? You were stuck with me where?
Darkly comic? Hmm, I thought I was writing satire and tongue in cheek stuff.
But hey, thanks a bunch for your welcome comment.
Vince Johnson
DOGTOWN USA

Hi Vincent-I was stuck there with you and feeling mighty pissed off. Is this a vision of hell? Superb and darkly comic your writing grabs and carries. Backed with all good humour and the very best of wishes.

Richard

I don't think I've ever read anything like this before, and I was drawn in. The screenplay immediacy actually works quite well. Witty and intelligent, it's a breath of fresh air amidst the literary standard.

Backed with pleasure.
Abi xxx

Yes, DOGTOWN USA was oriignally written as a screenplay. That is why it sounds like one.
`
QUOTE] Hi Vince,


Well, imagination is certainly not your short-suit, is it. With the tense being in the present tense, I read this as I would a screenplay, actually. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't flow like a novel. It's different, that's for sure. I think I'm liking it so far and it certainly deserves a place on my shelf. Kinda fun.

Charley
"5ive Speed"

You write present tense well. Great cast of characters here.
xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

Dog Town USA

[Thank you for taking the time to read my book]

This is a funny, quirky story. I really like Damn Dog. Dog Town sounds like Stepford, only with a dog fetish. Having the judges for the Best Small Town contest turn up unannounced makes this a riot. Even the narration is in keeping with the ironic gone.

Amusing and entertaining. And Backed. If you can possibly find the time to take a look at Bokassa’s Last Apostle in return, I’d be very grateful, thanks.

Jeff Lee !
Great to hear from you, old friend.
I'm gonna read your book just to prove to myself that you can't pull off a book about a Ladies Temperance Club.
I know it must be a huge practical joke, so I will be watching closely to see where you trip up..
More later,
Vince Johnson
DOGTOWN USA

Hi, Vincent -

Excellent writing (and trust me, I know how difficult it is to write comedy), the pace mushes right along, and the characters leap off the page at me.

Question: does the dog have an agent? If it's going to get anywhere in the biz, it's gonna need one.

If I saw Dogtown on the shelf at Borders, I'd grab it up in a heartbeat.

Backed, happily. And I'd love it if you could share your thoughts on my book.

Best of luck here, and thanks.

- Jeff Lee
THE LADIES TEMPERANCE CLUB'S FAREWELL TOUR

I love the plot Vincent. You have a wicked sense of humor, that brings your characters alive. Backed with pleasure!

Dear Vincent, I got so excited when I saw that you had backed, "He Loves Me." Thanks so very much. :) Since I have already "backed" & "commented" on your book, I came to your "comment" page to help it advance more. I will also put it on my "watchlist" to hopefully help it move up (everytime someone comments/backs my book, it moves up. Could you please take a moment to back my unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories." I'd be ever so grateful. :)
Love, Susie :)

Dear Vicent, I love your fiction, thriller, fatasy, & comedy stories, especially the jokes at the top of each chapter. :) You have a good read because you create interest by having short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, which makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing/commenting on your book to help it advance. Could you please return the favor by taking a moment to back/comment on my TWO books, "He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not" & the unedited version? "Tell Me True Love Stories." Thanks, Susie :)

This is a story with a little bit of everything because of the inclusion of Buddy's standup routines. It's amusing and easy to read because of your writing style. I enjoyed it a lot. I'm adding it to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is a fun book! And it's set in a gorgeous location. Alaska always becomes kind of a character in its own.Your MC is really fun and I like him. All in all this is well written and I really enjoyed reading it!

Missy
Mark of Eternity

Talk about an original plot, DOGTOWN USA gets the bone. You have a terrific narrative voice; I thoroughly enjoyed your colloquial style of telling your tale. It very easy to read and equally entertaining. This is purebred fun. Congratulations. Backed

Richard Bard
BRAINRUSH

DOGTOWN USA:

Vincent,

Your pitch is filled with potential drama and conflict and a promise of something very original and different.

I love the voice. I love the language you use. I love the present tense immediacy of the prose. I love the crisp, taut dialogue, that sounds as though it is coming out of the mouths of real people. I love the humour and the wit.

This is a most enjoyable read.

Backed, with great pleasure.

Sheila (Pinpoint)

After reading your pitch, I knew your book would be something different and fun to read. I love your tongue in cheek sense of humour and your outlook on life which says you have seen it all.... I can't not back your book:)

All the very best with your story Vincent- a lot of people are going to enjoy reading it!
I hope you have the time to have a look at my book.

Warm regards,
Manolya- Love in No-Man's Land

I knew this was going to be good purely from the opening pitch (and I wasn’t disappointed). Your eccentricity and observational humour is right up my ginnel. Fantastic read!

Fanlavan – Museum of Old Beliefs

Dogtown

This starts well, with a cast of characters arriving and being searched for, er, dogs.

"By Relentless out of Dolly."

But there is a rogue loose somewhere. Like the husky, my ears prick up with interest.

I laughed at Balto going woofwoof and eyes lighting up. Class, you can't beat it.

Damn Dog, in that long tradition of misunderstood Superheroes operating outside the law (Batdog and Spider-dog spring to mind), does the right thing but gets the blame.

Buddy Brown (forgotten denizen of the prologue) is in pursuit.

Damn Dog dumped on the edge of town like a western hero. He'll be back, I suspect.

This is a sparkling, eccentric work and I have no hesitation in both backing it and saluting you.

Nick
"Mirror In The Sky" (always seeking readers)

backed.

shah

ahh another gem on here. good luck vincent. i'd buy it tomorrow if published.

Vincent, your first chapter reads well. Good narrative and dialogue. Nothing really to nitpick there.

Happy to back this.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

This is an interesting concept. Your narrative voice fits well with the subject matter, and the first chapter is a good way to introduce the characters.

My only concern is that the book’s pitch hints at a drastic change somewhere in the middle. Those are two interesting ideas to try to meld together. Can you make it work?

At any rate, this looks to be a fun read. Backed.

Your light and witty delivery make Dogtown USA a fun, engaging read. I knew from your pitch that both Buddy (the main character) and Damn Dog (Buddy's dog) were going to be endearing, despite their faults. You've portrayed them perfectly. Great cover too.

Loved the guard scene with the lady investigators. The banter with the incoming cars did a nice job of setting up the scene for Dogtown and it's strange dog rules. Paragraph 12 - I would consider spelling out 30s (to thirties). Also, Guard does not need to be capitalized in that case. The wrap-up of this section with the pit bull's behavior and the information on his papers, along with the guard's response was wonderful.

Reading on, the history and statue of Balto in the dog park, very descriptive. The physical humour of thinking about people stepping in dog crap and falling is laughable - good job there. Poor Damn Dog saves the baby and gets no reward other than being chased off! This is a very easy, enjoyable read. Great job - backed.
Jared
Mummy's Boy

Hi Vincent, Dogtown sounds like a colourful place. This is a really funny piece of writing. Its a pretty quirky town where everyone seems to take themselves very seriously. The policeman on the boarder was very funny, any dogs in the back? Only purebreds aloud was a nice touch. The idea of this beautiful small town been wrecked by a renegade dog was very funny and I loved the scene where the Damn Dog caught the baby in his mouth and all the locals chasing the poor dog. Buddy at the end is interesting, why is he getting this dog to torment the town? Nice hook. On my shelf. Helena (A Load of Rubbish)

Vincent,
I think your short pitch works well. Your long pitch is good also but might benefit from splitting into a couple paragraphs.
Opener has the feel of a player. Nice.
Excellent...I love it when people say phooey.
I spent time in my twenties recreating Harold Lloyd scenes at parties for friends. Most people didn't enjoy them unless they were stoned. I like your book because it makes me think of those parties and also wonder if you enjoyed Best In Show as much as I did?
In any case I wish you the Best of Luck with this...
-=Bradley

What a hoot! I prefer Damn Dog to the others but then his brother lives at my house! This could become a cult or at least a cartoon! Heading for great things. Jim D Serpent's Blood

This is a very amusing book, with some excellent character drawing. Damn Dog himself is a very likable animal. An unrecognised hero, he rescues the baby from the runaway buggy, only to be blamed by the baby's mother; and then rescues the two children from the fire, when the mayor's dog, Champion, completely fails. The fact that he is never given credit for his heroic acts is very sad and moving. It's good to know from your pitch that in the end both he and Buddy will be acknowledged and praised. In the meantime, this is very funny, on the Charlie Chaplin, Norman Wisdom lines of the little fellow who is looked down on but is a hero in the end. Backed.
Gerry McCullough,
Belfast Girls.

As a reader I found this hugely engaging and a very funny, well written book.

What a wild ride -- it careens along like an animal control vehicle commandeered by a damn dog. Backed

Well, this is certainly different and I've happily backed it. Kop The Lucky Bean Tree.

Good plot, interesting characters, and an amazing story. Backed.
Jonathon

Vincent,

Dog Town USA - It it weren't for people being deceived by needs for scape-goats, that dog would be a hero. Is he going to have his day? This is a great tale of humorous pathos. Thanks for sharing.

Yes indeed, Damn Dog will have his day! So will Champion and Bull.

Vincent,

Dog Town USA - It it weren't for people being deceived by needs for scape-goats, that dog would be a hero. Is he going to have his day? This is a great tale of humorous pathos. Thanks for sharing.

Pia (Course of Mirror)

Clever writing and funny too.

Good luck with it.

Melxx
UNICORN (crime/thriller)

LOL DOGTOWN, It's a good humorous novel. I laughed and laughed... Now there was a twist of a serious concept in it... I like it. Two Thumbs Up!

hello, this story is very theatrical, from the strong visual foundation to the character, and dialogue. It's a comedy with dogs, and everyone loves dogs:) (mostly:) Often, i felt i was reading a script and believe there's a definate market for it (i used to work in film and fun, family scripts were rare - yet sort after for summertime viewing. There are programs that guide the process)). Microscope bits: loved 'heavy white teeth' 'poo postie' 'statue' (reminds me how often i laughed of loud)// Cacked at the Karate scene, especially the kick, and the doc catch/ 'at the light' is repeated// Mayors dialogue Fab, it's so easy to see him (that sherrif from Dukes, or a George Costanza type); and of course Buddy's sparse dialogue fit well too. Best wished for getting this published, or a script written, sold, and made, Monique Grbec (The Male Influence, which after all might not be your style - but any attention would be appreciated)

Read the first couple of chapters. Not too sure what I was expecting.
This is really funny. Sometimes I find that people claim their books are funny, when they aren`t.
This actually is though. Which is nice. Gave me a little laugh before getting ready to pack it in for the night.
The opening is engaging, you have dialogue right off the bat and that drew me in. The plot is really
interesting, very different, and clearly it is intricate.
Backed
T.L Tyson-Seeking Eleanor

Read the first couple of chapters. Not too sure what I was expecting.
This is really funny. Sometimes I find that people claim their books are funny, when they aren`t.
This actually is though. Which is nice. Gave me a little laugh before getting ready to pack it in for the night.
The opening is engaging, you have dialogue right off the bat and that drew me in. The plot is really
interesting, very different, and clearly it is intricate.
Backed
T.L Tyson-Seeking Eleanor