WHAT WRITERS AND CATS THINK OF EACH OTHER

WHY DO WRITERS HAVE CATS?

Probably for the same reason I do.

Fergus and me

I need someone who will listen to my latest chapter without making the comment that it stinks.

When I receive a rejection letter, Fergus sits on it!

He also listens to my incessant mumblings about ‘THE PLOT’ without complaint.

He doesn’t mind being ignored while writing is in progress.

He takes being shut, albeit accidently, in the linen closet, in his stride.

Why is Fergus such a wonderful pussycat being?  Because he thinks this absentminded, mad woman who spends her days talking to herself while tapping on a flat, black piece of plastic is the best thing after a tin of the finest tuna.

WHY DO CATS HAVE WRITERS?

Probably for the same reason I do.

Hi, I'm Fergus

There’s company 24/7.  A plus in winter because the heater will be on all day.  There’s also someone on tap when I feel like a game of hide and seek, not to mention my morning walk to check out the cows in the paddock and ducks in the dam.

Breakfast is served at 6am sharp 7 days a week.  Tuna in springwater.  I lovvve tuna in springwater.  Purr Purr.

This is my laptop

There's an abundance of places to sit as well as sleep.  Printer, laptop, laptop bag, atop reams of A4 paper, IN tray, bookcases, window sill, desk, swivel chair.

Of course, this all comes at a price.  You have to appear to be listening and interested while being read to.  I know it’s difficult but falling asleep at this point in time is not recommended.  And never get up and jump off the desk right after the chapter is finished.  Your writer might think you didn’t like her work.  Better to hang around for a minute or two and purrrr. 

And then, of course, there's those rejection letters that arrive in the post from time to time.  Never a good moment, but I've found that scratching them ferociously before sitting on them seems to make my writer feel better because she always gives me a treat.

I think most writers are a bit odd and mines no exception, mumbling away to herself, while completely ignoring me.  At first it upset me.  I wasn't used to being ignored, but I've since come to realize that without this type of behaviour I'd never have a moments piece.  Let alone get through the day.  After all, living with a writer is tiring work.

And then there's my IN try

And on the same note.  In my experience writers tend to be absentminded creatures so if you happen to get shut in a cupboard or closet it’s a bonus.  You won’t be bothered for at least an hour.

And, of course, the all important printer to catch the morning sun

My office chair.  I chose red because it goes well with the grey, lilac tones of my coat

It takes a long time to train one’s writer in cat ownership.  And I’m happy to say that my writer is making progress, albeit slowly.  In the meantime it’s not so bad because, let’s face it, I’M BOSS!
  

My favourite vantage point, atop the bookcase, where I survey my realm

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