Today's scribe: Rosie SorensonAuthor of: They Had Me at Meow
Check out the interview:
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WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CATS?
What began as an accident, feeding the cats in Buster Hollow, became something I looked forward to – a lot. I was recovering from a couple of surgeries and needed to make myself exercise. The cats gave me a reason to get out of bed. I had been writing for a few years before that and just for fun thought I’d write a story about Uncle Nicky and Tuxedo. I sent it to the San Francisco Chronicle and they published it! That was such a thrill that I wrote and sent them two more, which they published. Soon, my friends were urging me to write a book.
HAVE THE FERAL CATS EVER PUT YOU IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION?
No. The only danger I’ve experienced has been from the occasional suspicious stranger or from dogs let off their leashes. I carry pepper spray for both possibilities.
IF PEOPLE WANTED TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOTSTEPS, WHAT'S THE FIRST STEP?
If someone wants to care for a feral cat or two in her neighborhood, that would be terrific. One person can make a big difference in another critter’s life. I have a section in the book about how to do that. The most important thing besides feeding the cat is to make sure it’s fixed! I talk about that in the book as well and provide resources for people who want to know more.
OTHER THAN TAKING CARE OF YOUR CATS AND WRITING, WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO?
I love to read! I just finished an amazing novel about race relations in 1950’s Mississippi – “The View from Delphi,” by Jonathan Odell. The power that fiction has to tell the truth always amazes me. Even though reading the book was painful at times, Mr. Odell makes the reader care about all his characters, even the ones who are mean and nasty. His book is great study in how to write a novel.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANY ASPIRING YOUNG WRITERS?
Read, Read, Read. Write, writer, write – every day if possible. Writing is such an anxiety-producing, lonely pursuit that a writer must find other writers to cheer her on. Also, it’s important to find the best writing teacher you can – one who can give you feedback without destroying your desire to write. Such teachers, in my experience, are rare, but are vital to your development. Don’t let anyone destroy your creative dreams; sometimes, they’re all we have.
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Thanks so much, Ms. Sorenson, for the interview!
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