Casting for Hazel

Just what does Hazel look? Someone asked that question at a recent book club meeting, and everyone had a slightly different take. Sure, she's medium-ish size and is colorful, but what exact shape is she? What breed does she mostly look like? Just as readers have different images of Stance and the other human characters, some imagine Hazel as their German Shepherd, while others see her as more of a Lab-type creature.

Flash forward, and the question gets serious when you think about casting. Sure, to pull off Hazel - or any familiar - will require 3D modeling and special effects, but hopefully Stance's companion will be based off of a real animal and not Andy Serkis prancing around on all fours. Given that, what would she look like? A friend sent me a photo that I love, and all I could think about was a line of dogs at a casting call. Unfortunately, like any casting choice (think Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss), some people are bound to be disappointed. Fortunately, for readers, in their mind their dog can always win.

As for Nya, pictured here, even if she doesn't get the lead role, there's always the need for a stunt double. Slap some paint on her, and she's probably good to go assuming the chew toys and other payments are acceptable.