A different rabbit-hole
On an on-line author chat the other day someone asked me if my sad farmer story had a cat — and immediately I knew I would have one. My vicar’s daughter is going to be a bit lonely at first, so she acquires a kitten — you’ll have to read the book to find out how. But I knew from the start it was going to be a black and white kitten, not a tabby — though I have nothing against tabbies.
So then of course, I had to go looking for a photo of the kitten, who is now called Star. And it was such an adorable search that I had to force myself to stop once I had three possibles. And eventually I narrowed it down to one, and here she is. Meet Star.
Are you a cat lover?
All stories should have a pet or two. Some authors will always have a pet in every story, it makes them more familiar somehow. On another note, I finally got my copy of A Bride for Marcus, after Fishpond dithered and finally after 8 weeks couldn’t supply, AmazonAU had it delivered across the ditch in less than 2 weeks. Took advantage to get another couple of books I wanted that don’t appear on mainstream sites. Thank you for this and I cannot wait for the novellas to appear.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth. I’m so sorry the paperback of Marcus caused you so much hassle. I hope you find it worth the wait!
I take your point about pets in books — I enjoy them, too — but for me-as-writer, I need to have a reason for them to be in the book.
Of course, she has to gave a cat! Not only does every farm need a cat, but every woman does, too – at least at some point in her life! I regret to say that my otherwise exemplary husband truly hates cats, so I have to have my kitties vicariously these days. I have friends and neighbors whose cars are always happy to have an extra worshiper! Star is the perfect kitten combo of gorgeous and just a rad mischievous-looking! And will the farmer like Star, too?
Constance, there was a “barn cat” that kept down the mice and rats, and my sad farmer was fine with that. Like most farmers, he’s practical — any animal has to “earn its keep.”
But this kitten is destined to be a pet — a house cat! My heroine has never been allowed to have a pet, so . . .
As for your question, “And will the farmer like Star, too?” we’ll see…
I love cats! My cat is a huge part of my life. I’m looking forward to reading your next release.
Thanks. I love them, too, Sandy, though I don’t have one at the moment.