CONNIE GOTSCH—author, host, animal lover

Connie Gotsch is the author of the youth novels Belle’s Star,  and Belle’s Trial, both available from Artemesia Publishing. Written from a dog’s point of view, the books empower children aged eight to twelve to make good choices and practice self discipline. The character of Belle is based on the personality of Kiri, a dog that shared Connie’s life for 16 years before passing over the rainbow bridge. Belle’s Star won first place from both the National Federation of Press Women and New Mexico Press Women for Juvenile Fiction in the 2010 NMPW and MFPW Communication Contests. This year, Belle’s Trial won a Silver Mom’s Choice Award, First Place in the new Mexico Press Women Communication Contest for Juvenile Fiction, and an Eric Hoffer Award Nomination.