Everything I Wanted to Know About Writing I Learned From My Cats

As an insomniac, I have tons of time to think about writing (when one should be writing) and what they have learned, and how. I honestly think that my cats have taught me most of what I need to know.

1. Steady and cunning get you what you want.

If you don’t have a cat and have never seen them stalk a fly/ladybug/moth you’ve missed out on a lifetime of lessons. They will sit as still as can be and stalk that thing till it’s just in reach. And eight times out of ten, they get what they are going after.

Just like writing! You have to be steady in your course and you will achieve your goals. You have to make sure that you keep the eye on the prize. If you don’t get it the first time keep on keeping on, it WILL happen.

2. Know who you can lean on.

Cats are particularly finicky over who they will ‘sit’ with. My cat Earl can walk up to me, nudge the laptop from my lap, curl up, and fall asleep. He only stays there long enough for a cat nap, but he knows that he can do it and won’t be chastised for it. Our cat Opal only lays on you when you were laying down and near sleep, that’s when she felt safest.

In writing, you need to know who you can go to for critiques, ideas, and a good pick-me-up. There are some out there that you can’t trust, and those that would be hurtful to your ‘mojo’. You don’t want to ask someone to critique your work if they are going to say, “Seriously? Do you think you can write? That scene where they are in the cafe SUCKS!” After something like that, you may never write again. If you can find a friend who will look at it and say, “You did a good job, but I think some work could be done on the cafe scene. I was a little confused when she walked out. Can you tell me more?” You’d be more likely to get on with writing and make that cafe scene great.

3. When life gets hectic go to another room and vegetate.

When the kids are running around, I’m cooking, and my fiance happens to be working on computers or filling up the wood stove, it can get hectic in the house. The cats then know it’s time to head upstairs into the bedrooms or hide in the living room when everyone is in the den.

When I write, I can’t do it around the family with the kids screeching, the dog barking, and the dishwasher and washer going (man that last spin cycle is LOUD). I have to take myself out of the hectic atmosphere and go somewhere where the romance can flow. I hide in my room where my office is, some like to go to the library or a coffee shop. You need to figure out what is right for you and go there, do that.

Realize that you can get inspiration for writing from anywhere, so keep your eyes open and keep writing.