Acclaimed Author J. Wynn Rousuck Grabs Best Novel Award at DWAA
On February 9, 2025, the Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) celebrated its annual awards banquets, where renowned author and journalist J. Wynn Rousuck was honored with the accolade for Best Adult Fiction – Humor for her captivating novel, Please Write A Novel in Letters. The event took place in New York City and coincided with the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, where dog lovers gather to experience the intersection of literary works and canine companionship.
Please Write emerged victorious in a highly competitive category, standing out among notable contenders such as Teri Wilson's Dog Days of Summer, C.B. Wilson's Labradored to Death, and Tracy Lyn Carter's Lawyers, Dogs, and Money. This novel, published by the esteemed Bancroft Press based in Los Angeles, is characterized as an epistolary work with a cinematic flair, narrating the correspondence between Vivienne, a widowed Cleveland artist, and Zippy, a mixed-breed terrier saved from the streets of Baltimore.
Zippy's letters, infused with personality and guided by the wisdom of Boston Terrier Winslow, chronicle her adventures, dreams, and the profound impact she has on her owner, Pamela, a journalist facing her own upheavals. The novel resonates with canine appeal akin to the beloved A Dog’s Purpose while offering emotional depth reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, weaving a tale brimming with humor, love, and loss.
Acclaim for Please Write spans reputable sources, with Publishers Weekly hailing it as a “Sweet, hilarious... a must-read for dog lovers.” Kirkus Reviews praised it as a “witty and poignant exploration of the connections between dogs and their humans,” while Modern Dog Magazine acknowledged it as “quirky, whimsical, and heartwarming.” Best Friends Animal Society described it as a “lovely and loving piece of fiction that will melt the heart of any dog lover.”
In her acceptance speech, Rousuck expressed that receiving this recognition was especially significant for her. She emphasized, "Please Write is about connection and companionship—ideas that resonate strongly with dog lovers everywhere. Winning this award confirms its universal appeal, and I sincerely hope Hollywood is paying attention."
The enthusiasm surrounding dog-themed narratives in film and television is no secret. The success of titles like Marley & Me, which grossed $247 million globally, and A Dog’s Purpose with $205 million speaks to audiences' enduring affection for stories showcasing our furry friends. Animated ventures have also thrived, with The Secret Life of Pets earning an astounding $894 million, while DC League of Super-Pets followed suit with $204 million. Live-action films such as Dog, starring Channing Tatum, transformed a modest budget of $15 million into an impressive $85 million box office profit, underlining the viability of dog-centric storytelling.
With this rich legacy of success, Please Write is exceptionally well-positioned for film adaptation. Its unique structure—a narrative relayed entirely through charming letters—lends itself beautifully to either an animated or live-action format, promising an innovative storytelling experience.
The DWAA's Maxwell Award, which celebrates excellence in dog-related literature since 1935, underscores Rousuck's achievement as among the pinnacle milestones in canine storytelling. With the thriving market for dog-themed works in both literature and film, Please Write not only showcases artistic merit but also heralds its potential to captivate audiences beyond the printed page—perhaps onto the silver screen.
For more information on the Dog Writers Association of America and a complete list of winners, visit dogwriters.org.
In conclusion, Bancroft Press, an independent publisher known for its exceptional storytelling, continues to prioritize works with cinematic potential. With aspirations to transition Please Write to the screen, they remain committed to delivering heartwarming narratives that touch the hearts of readers and viewers alike. As the press's publisher, Bruce L. Bortz points out, Please Write stands as a testament to the powerful bond between humans and dogs, ensuring that such enchanting stories resonate across platforms, guiding them from print to film.
Please Write emerged victorious in a highly competitive category, standing out among notable contenders such as Teri Wilson's Dog Days of Summer, C.B. Wilson's Labradored to Death, and Tracy Lyn Carter's Lawyers, Dogs, and Money. This novel, published by the esteemed Bancroft Press based in Los Angeles, is characterized as an epistolary work with a cinematic flair, narrating the correspondence between Vivienne, a widowed Cleveland artist, and Zippy, a mixed-breed terrier saved from the streets of Baltimore.
Zippy's letters, infused with personality and guided by the wisdom of Boston Terrier Winslow, chronicle her adventures, dreams, and the profound impact she has on her owner, Pamela, a journalist facing her own upheavals. The novel resonates with canine appeal akin to the beloved A Dog’s Purpose while offering emotional depth reminiscent of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, weaving a tale brimming with humor, love, and loss.
Acclaim for Please Write spans reputable sources, with Publishers Weekly hailing it as a “Sweet, hilarious... a must-read for dog lovers.” Kirkus Reviews praised it as a “witty and poignant exploration of the connections between dogs and their humans,” while Modern Dog Magazine acknowledged it as “quirky, whimsical, and heartwarming.” Best Friends Animal Society described it as a “lovely and loving piece of fiction that will melt the heart of any dog lover.”
In her acceptance speech, Rousuck expressed that receiving this recognition was especially significant for her. She emphasized, "Please Write is about connection and companionship—ideas that resonate strongly with dog lovers everywhere. Winning this award confirms its universal appeal, and I sincerely hope Hollywood is paying attention."
The enthusiasm surrounding dog-themed narratives in film and television is no secret. The success of titles like Marley & Me, which grossed $247 million globally, and A Dog’s Purpose with $205 million speaks to audiences' enduring affection for stories showcasing our furry friends. Animated ventures have also thrived, with The Secret Life of Pets earning an astounding $894 million, while DC League of Super-Pets followed suit with $204 million. Live-action films such as Dog, starring Channing Tatum, transformed a modest budget of $15 million into an impressive $85 million box office profit, underlining the viability of dog-centric storytelling.
With this rich legacy of success, Please Write is exceptionally well-positioned for film adaptation. Its unique structure—a narrative relayed entirely through charming letters—lends itself beautifully to either an animated or live-action format, promising an innovative storytelling experience.
The DWAA's Maxwell Award, which celebrates excellence in dog-related literature since 1935, underscores Rousuck's achievement as among the pinnacle milestones in canine storytelling. With the thriving market for dog-themed works in both literature and film, Please Write not only showcases artistic merit but also heralds its potential to captivate audiences beyond the printed page—perhaps onto the silver screen.
For more information on the Dog Writers Association of America and a complete list of winners, visit dogwriters.org.
In conclusion, Bancroft Press, an independent publisher known for its exceptional storytelling, continues to prioritize works with cinematic potential. With aspirations to transition Please Write to the screen, they remain committed to delivering heartwarming narratives that touch the hearts of readers and viewers alike. As the press's publisher, Bruce L. Bortz points out, Please Write stands as a testament to the powerful bond between humans and dogs, ensuring that such enchanting stories resonate across platforms, guiding them from print to film.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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