where is ann going?
Gee. . . if you figure it out, let me know, huh?
Sorry, just a little levity there. I do have some idea where I'm headed, professionally speaking, and I'd be glad to share my ideas with you.
As I mentioned back on what has ann done?, my first professional sale was a short story, "The Witch's Cat," to L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future, Volume XI. Granted, I was deliriously happy at that point to sell something, anything--but because the story was based on one of my favorite people, it remains one of my favorite stories.
("People," you say?)
Well, you know. Fur people.
"The Witch's Cat" grew from my musings on what cats would have to say to us if they had the chance. Or specifically, what one cat would say: Ursus, our solid-black half-Siamese, who never runs low on either conversation or Attitude. We refer to him, mostly lovingly, as our resident neurotic.
Back in our old apartment, Ursus would lurk by the front door like a hammerhead patrolling for baby dolphin, just waiting for the chance to sprint to Glorious Freedom. Mind you, on those rare occasions when he did zip past us to Glorious Freedom, his nerve would inevitably fail him. Instead of escaping, he would huddle, a shivering mess, in the well at the bottom of the stairs until we came pounding down to roust him out. Of course, Ursus had gone completely ballistic during this process, so rousting him out involved both Spousal Unit and myself, Pounce kitty treats, several towels (for padding) and thick leather gloves. Usually both the Spousal Unit and I sustained flesh wounds.
I'm writing a book about Ursus now.
Well. . . he is an interesting character, after all. And the book isn't really about him. It's about Mackie, Ursus' alter ego, the hero--er, protagonist of "The Witch's Cat." So one of these days--assuming I make it all the way through this project, and assuming I can wheedle some editor into liking it--you'll be seeing the witch's cat at a Target near you. (They give a percentage off mass market paperbacks, you know.)
In the meantime, copies of WOTF, Volume XI are still to be had--just check out your local bookseller. (Maybe even Target, for all I know.) Or your local library.
More later. . . .
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This page was last updated on 10/01/97.