I’d like to introduce you to Robin Reynolds who is the author of a new book, Life to the Max:  Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max and is the Head Noodler at her company, NICE Creative, an advertising agency and the publisher of her book.

What do you do?

I work with clients to help them tell their stories. Whether it’s in the form of print, broadcast or Internet advertising, comedy monologues for Yakov Smirnoff or a hardcover gift book co-authored with my dog, I strive to connect with people in a way that inspires them to think reflectively, act astutely and chuckle once in a while.

Tell us about your new book.

Life to the Max is a joyous romp through the up’s and down’s of life as seen through the eyes of a rescue dog named Max. Designed as hybrid chapter/picture book, the story relates the major events in the lives of Max and his family and the lessons (his Maxims) learned from each experience. Not just a story about a dog, Max is a symbol of courage and of maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Readers of all ages have found it funny, inspiring and poignant; something they can return to time and again for encouragement, inspiration and reflection.

Why did you write it?

Did you ever know someone who has lost a dog friend and you didn’t know what to say?  Have you ever wanted to encourage someone to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity? Or have you ever had to explain pet loss to a child?  When our son was about 10, we had to deal with this all these issues when we helped our 12-1/2 year old Airedale Terrier, Max, to pass. I looked around for books that would help my son as well as my husband and me, but I only found chapter books that were made to appeal to an adult audience or picture books that were meant for the very young. What’s more, the books I found centered on death and grief. I wanted something that would celebrate what we learned from having Max in our lives.

That’s when I was inspired to write my book, Life to the Max:  Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max. The story deals with end of life, but that is not its sole focus. The point of this story is that we can learn something from every experience we have and every being we encounter in life--even the one at the end of the leash.

What makes you an expert in your field?

I learned about the importance of resiliency and maintaining a positive attitude at a young age.  When I was 9, my dad died suddenly of a heart attack. At that time, there were no positive perspectives on death, no grief support groups and no celebrations of life. I survived the chaos, fear and uncertainty of that event by working hard, developing a sense of humor and accepting that life is full of uncertainties. I am now an award-winning writer with more than 25 years of experience and a penchant for sharing stories that will make difference. I have a deep affection for dogs—especially Airedale Terriers—which have been a part of my life since I was a youth. I am currently the mom of one 16 year old son and two Airedale Terriers, Amber and Krissy.

What type of people should read your book?

This book is a grown-up picture book with child-like appeal which makes it perfect for adults and kids who may be facing challenges and need to be inspired by a great attitude. It’s appropriate for families to read together, teachers who should be appreciated, parents of human or furkids and anyone who loves or has lost a dog. I like to say it’s for dog lovers and lovers of life of all ages!

Are you on any social networks? eg. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn

Twitter:  @nicerobin

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Robin-Reynolds/1313623203

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/myprofile?goback=.psr_*1_Robin+Reynolds

Advice for Teens or Parents of Teens

Appreciate what every situation can teach you.

Favorite Quote

Never miss the chance to tell those closest to you that you love them.—Maxim #14, Life to the Max: Maxims for a Great Life by a Dog named Max

Favorite Theme Park

Jurassic Park (Because it makes you scream while you experience it in air-conditioning!)

How can we purchase your book? Learn more about you? Do you have a blog?

My book is available for sale at http://www.lifetomax.com, at http://www.amazon.com/Life-Max-Maxims-Great-named/dp/0979529409/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_i and can be ordered through most major bookstores.

To learn more about me, you can visit http://www.lifetomax.com/about/ or http://www.nicecreative.com.

Follow my blogs at http://lifetomax.com/blog/ and http://nicecreative.blogspot.com/.