MEOW MEOW MAGGIE AND LARRY!!!!!! (and a fun contest!)

Meow, Meow and purrs to Maggie and Larry!  What a time you two have had!  Glad you could take a moment from your adventures to come and share a bowl of milk and some lovely catnip cookies with me!  My mom told me all about you when she was reading your author, Molly MacRae’s LAST WOOL AND TESTAMENT. She also told me Larry is having a contest for Molly MacRae's newest book DYING WISHES due out in July! 

Maggie: Meow Miss Missy! Thank you for having us here. This is very exciting. Larry might be a kind of quiet, though. He’s still recovering from his ordeals, poor old guy, and he spends an awful lot of time sleeping. Purr, purr. 

Larry: Mrrrph.

I have to say you two must be some of the luckiest kitties ever living with all that wonderful yarn!  Never ending toys!  What is your favorite color?

Maggie: Well, my favorite color is the same beautiful deep indigo blue that my dear Ivy loved. But even though we are cats, we do have some rules. We must be very good and not bat at balls of yarn when customers are trying to decide which ones to buy. And sitting on rolls of unspun roving is also a no-no. But helping to display the yarns by looking beautiful next to them in the shop window is an honor. And let me tell you - CASHMERE! OMG! 

Larry: Mrrph, purrrr, snore.

Maggie, you are part of a mystery within the mystery.  Without giving away one of the most exciting parts of the story, what was it like for you to BE one of the mysteries Kath solves?

Maggie: Now that it’s all over, I can see that it was absolutely THRILLING! I had to keep my wits about me like a kitty ninja - ready to hiss and scratch, leap and bite. I was so brave! But you’re under the impression Kath solved the mystery? You know, I’ve never really thought much of her.

Were you worried at any point things might not turn out purrrfectly well?

Maggie: If I’d known Kath was involved I would have been TERRIFIED. You know, I’ve never really thought much of her. Did I already say that?

What did you think when your author, Molly MacRae introduced Larry the orange kitty to Kath?

Maggie: Good luck with that, Larry.

Will you be helping Kath solve any future crimes?

Maggie: She’s going to need all the help she can get.

Larry, what do you think of your name?  Are you REALLY a Larry like Geneva thinks?

Larry: I’ll tell you a secret. I’m patient.

Most people envision a cat’s life as being really pretty easy. What’s your take on this? 

Larry: Short answer: YEOW!!! Long answer: The ease of a cat’s life is entirely dependent on circumstances, skill, and luck. If you are abandoned, if you are driven out, these are circumstances that are hard to overcome. But if you have the skill to find a kinder situation and to move in and become one with that kindness, then luck goes with you my friend and that is a great blessing.

Larry this is something you would definitely have your paw on.  What is the most important thing a human should know about adopting a cat?

Larry: I think this ancient cat haiku says it best - 

                  

Offer a warm lap.

Cats bestowing purrs and love

And fur will find you.

Maggie, what is the most glamorous thing you’ve done as the star of a novel? 

Maggie: Being IN the book – in the whole series! I never dreamed such an exciting thing could happen. Of course, it makes sense, because I am beautiful and brave and intelligent.

Which great human detective would you both like to meet and solve a crime with? 

Maggie: Jane Marple. She knits and she’s very clever.

Larry: Columbo. He probably wouldn’t mind if I slept on his raincoat.

Looking over the past year, what has been the best moment for you in your sleuthing careers?

Maggie: The purrrrr satisfaction of finding the solution. 

Larry: Finding a new home.

Molly and Kath have gotten the big call, a Hollywood producer is going to bring your series to the big screen.  Who do you want to speak your parts for you?  You know, to share your thoughts as you solve each new crime?

Maggie: Meryl Streep. She’s amazing! She can do anybody and I loved her in Mama Mia.

Larry: Ed Asner

What are you working on now? Can you tell us a little about it?

Maggie: Larry’s working on another nap.

Larry: I am not. Well, yes I am, but in the next book, Dyeing Wishes, I’m also working on clues for finding Granny’s secret dye journals. In my own quiet way.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Maggie: Yes! Larry and I have an idea for a contest.

Larry: Write an original cat haiku and put it in a comment on our interview.

Maggie: And we’ll read them and pick our favorite and get Molly to send the person who wrote it a copy of our book with our paw prints!

Larry: Purrr, we love cat haikus.

Thank you for taking some time with me today! 

Maggie: You’re very kind to have us. If you’re ever in Blue Plum, please come see us. 

Larry: Thank you for the catnip cookies and milk. They were purrrrrfect. 

To enter Larry and Maggies contest, leave your entry below and leave your email or email my mom, Regan, directly at Regansreads@gmail.com.  We're going to run our contest till next Tuesday, February 26!

Meet my New Friend! Jugs!!!

Meow Jugs!  You are purrrfectly fantastic for taking the time from your busy schedule of important cat stuff to chat with me.  Before we get into my questions for you I want to let my loyal subjects know that you are the star of Carolyn Hart’s Nela Farley stories.  I heard from my mom you are a big part of how Nela solves the crime in WHAT THE CAT SAW the first book in this wonderful series. So now I have some questions for you!

Did you investigate any crimes before helping Nela solve the one in WHAT THE CAT SAW? 

Only local stuff, like finding out who raided my mouse colony.

Are you looking forward to helping her solve more? 

A cat will do what a cat has to do.

What inspired you to trust her with your feelings about your person’s death?

She was sad. I was sad, too. Cats always know.

Most people envision an cat’s life as being really pretty easy. What’s your take on this? 

Do they ever have to climb a 50-foot tree? Take on a big palooka who doesn’t belong in their territory? Outrun a greyhound? Persuade a big hairless creature to get the heck up and open the door? But there are the perks. Rolling in the dirt on a summer day. The sunny window sill in winter. Total adoration from the ones who love me.

What is the most important thing a human should know about adopting a cat?

Cats need companionship. Every day. 

What is the most glamorous thing you’ve done as the star of a novel?

Oh intereviews here and there, my picture (along with Hers) on the Celebrating Cats page on Her website.

Which great human detective would you like to meet and solve a crime with?

Miss Marple. 

Looking over the past year, what has been the best moment for you in your sleuthing career?

I found that guy that raided my mouse colony. He won’t come on my territory again.

Nela and Carolyn have gotten the big call, a Hollywood producer is going to bring your series to the big screen.  Who do you want to speak your part for you?  You know, to share your thoughts as you solve each new crime?

Tail drooping here. The series being considered is the Death on Demand books. I can’t believe they’d pick those cats over me. But that Dorothy L’s actually the cat’s meow . . .  

As for me if my turn comes. Maybe that big guy Michael Wallis who did the gruff car in that car flick. 

What are you working on now? Can you tell us a little about it?

I’m grooming my tail. Just in case I get the big h’wood call. I think She’s getting ready to start a new Bailey Ruth book. I’ll have to check with her about all the cats in Heaven . . .

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Maybe you’re the cat’s meow. Thanks!

 

Thank you for taking some time with us today! 

Meet My New Hero -- Hamlet from the Black Cat Mystery Series!!!!!!

Meow Hamlet!  Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule of important cat stuff to chat with me.  And lest my readers think all you do is slumber among some excellent reads like Ali Brandon’s Black Cat Mystery series, eat an occasional snack and choose your human’s next big read, let me tell them, you are also quite the sleuth. 

Let me start with an easy one—what is it like living above and having access to a fabulous book store?

           

And meow to you, Missy. Actually, it is a busy life. Between naps, I spend my time making sure that the humans who work at Pettistone’s Fine Books are doing their jobs. They need much supervision, particularly Darla, who also happens to be my caretaker. But the bookstore is nice. Most of the time it is quiet—book buyers are mostly polite humans—and it is nice to be able to choose a different shelf each day for lounging.

How long have you been investigating crimes?

            You would think I had been doing it all of my lives, since I am so accomplished at pointing the paw at criminals! But, it is only since Darla took over the bookstore a few months ago that I have been involved in murder. For some reason, she seems to find herself involved in more unsavory situations than the average human.

What inspired you to start looking into those dastardly deeds some humans commit?

            Since Darla is my human family, and we felines are loyal animals, I have no choice but to assist her. I would prefer to nap, of course, but a cat must do what a cat must do. Besides, when Darla and her friends try to solve murders on their own, it is very disruptive to my nap schedule!

You have a great way of getting your human, Darla Pettistone, to do her part of the who-done-it.  How do you know which books to pick?

            As you know, felines are well-versed in human languages, but very few humans speak fluent cat. So I am forced to communicate in the only way that she can understand. Luckily, there are many books in our store, so I can almost always find exactly the title to express myself. It is not my fault if Darla is not always clever enough to figure out what I am trying to say.

Most people envision a cat’s life as being really pretty easy. What’s your take on this?

            Only a human would think our lives are easy! A feline’s life is actually very complicated. We must nap on a regular basis, and it difficult to stay asleep when humans are always interfering with our routines. And a cat cannot sleep just anywhere. The first step is to find every sunny spot in one’s home, and then rotate among them throughout the day. Laundry fresh out of the dryer will work in a pinch, but for some reason humans seem distressed when we take advantage of this convenience. I don’t understand that reaction, at all! I have also found a warm computer to be rather cozy if not as soft.

What is the most important thing a human should know about adopting a cat?

            We may pretend to be aloof, but felines require much love and attention from humans. I was a feral kitten, myself, and I was very lucky that Darla’s Great-Aunt Dee took me in before something bad happened to me on the streets. Some humans think we can survive on our own eating mice, but we are domesticated animals and must have proper food and water. Oh, and one other important thing. Dee made quite sure that I would be taken care of after she was gone (strange how humans have only one life). That is something that not all caretakers think to do for their felines!

Do you think you’d like a girl kitty to work with you?

            Perhaps, but she would have to be a very clever girl kitty, purrrrrrrrr.

What is the most glamorous thing you’ve done as crime solver?

            I fear that solving crimes is not as glamorous as it looks on television. I’ve had to get my paws dirty more than once to bring a human criminal to justice. But I believe that I have made an appearance on what humans call YouTube. (Shouldn’t it be called MeTube?)

Some humans think we black cats can be bad news.  I think we’re smarter than the average cat.  What is your take on that?

            All felines are smart but, yes, even mice know that black cats are the most brilliant and humble of all!

Which great human detective would you like to meet and solve a crime with?

            Mr. Sherlock Holmes would probably be clever enough to assist me. I have read his stories, and he is very cat-like. Though I am not sure I would like his pipe.

Looking over the past year, what has been the best moment for you in your sleuthing career?

            I cannot say too much in case there are humans who have not already read my stories, but I did save Darla’s life at great risk to my own.

Darla and Ali have gotten the call, a Hollywood producer is going to bring your series to the big screen.  Who do you want to speak your part for you?  You know, to share your thoughts as you solve each new crime?

            Hmm, that is an interesting question. There are many actors who might aspire to voice me, but I think that Robert Downey, Jr. would be the most appropriate choice. I am certain he would win an A-Cat-emy Award for that.

What are you working on now? Can you tell us a little about it?

            Ali Brandon has just finished recording my latest adventure which is titled FIGHTING WORDS. Someone at the dojo where Darla and Robert are taking karate lessons comes to a very unfortunate end. But, even more distressing, I find myself teamed up with a canine for part of the story!

Is there anything you’d like to add?

            I want to thank all the intelligent humans who read my mysteries. I hope you will “like” me on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/blackcatbookshopmysteries where I post my most clever observations. Ali Brandon is there sometimes, too.

Thank you for taking some time with us today!

            Thank you, Missy. Me-OOW!

You can learn more about my new hero, Hamlet, here!!!!!

BLACK CATS AND SAMHAIN (HALLOWEEN)

Greetings my faithful followers!

I want to talk to you about keeping your kitties, especially your black kitties in your houses the next week or so.  This is an updated post from my one from last year but it bears repeating. 

As clever and talented as I am, I don't have an opposable thumb and do need a little help with typing. In other words, I have to rely on my mommy, Regan Taylor, to input my profound observations. She's been really busy lately with her day job and her writing Traveling Bride but even humans need to take a break and relax now and again and what better way than to take my dictation? But she understood how important this is to me and to your kitties too.

My favorite holiday is coming up on October 31. Okay, granted I'm only almost three years old, but I know my holidays. It's also my brother, Bogie's birthday. Much cause for celebration. Samhain is the celebration of our new year. All this month the veil has been thinning and on the night of the 31st it is at its thinnest and all kinds of wonderful things, magical things can happen.

Historically, however, there are people who don't understand what a special day it is for us and our families. Even today there are people who hurt us this time of year just because we are black cats. (You may have noticed I'm a black cat). I'm being nice here but there are people who hurt black cats this time of year and especially on Samhain or what some of you call Halloween. They think there is bad magic about us or that they need to hurt us to have their own magic. That is simply not true. We're cats, just cats like those with orange or gray or multiple colored furs. Our fur just happens to be black.

My brother Bogie is also a black cat and we are very happy our mommy protects us from bad people. Granted, she could be a little nicer and have a whipped cream fountain continually providing us with our favorite treat all day every day but otherwise, she's pretty good to us. 

Our local humane society refuses to let people adopt black cats in October so they can protect us from bad people. If you have a black cat, keep him or her in the next two weeks. Please keep them warm and safe and don't let them out.

Oh! Okay...my brother Mel who is a fluffy white persian says that sometimes mean people pick on white cats too this time of year so if you have a white one you should keep them inside too.

Like people we can't help what we look like. We don't get to pick what color our fur is going to be. We come into the world and just like you we want to be loved. The color of our fur doesn't make us good or evil anymore than the color of a human's hair makes them good or bad. So if you see a black cat this Halloween smile and say hello. Then, if you don't have a kitty, maybe think about how happy your life could be with one.

Something else to think about as we get closer to the holidays (my mommy told us about this) is that there are senior citizens on limited incomes who have pets but can't afford all the good treats and things that are out there for kitties. Sometimes they don't have the best food for their kitties. A simple donation of a few cans of food or a bag of wet food to your local shelter will go a long way to helping someone who loves their kitty (or dog or rabbit or other animal) this holiday season.

Well, it's time for my mommy to get on with her edits and me to pick up my scepter and getting back to ruling the universe.

A guest post from one of my loyal subject -- Miss Sibley Sue

I've been very busy this week. With the drama queen leaving I've had to rearrange my toys and make sure the boys, Mel and Bogie, understand that part of the universe I rule includes the now vacant room. Well vacant except for some of my toys. So, my friend Miss Sibley Sue has offered to fill in for me.  She is the star of her mommy Ann Tracy Marr's book To His Mistress (but it should have been Miss Sibley’s Triumph.

Right now, I’m out to garner some sympathy -- I need it. Last Monday morning I was in a fight and got bitten five times. Yes! FIVE times! Once in the back, once in the side, and a whole bunch in my leg, as if I am a stupid chicken. My mommy made me go to the vet, who mauled me further and heaped insult on injury by giving me a shot of long term antibiotic. I am thinking of adding a vet to the next novel -- one patterned after Dr. Kevorkian and I know my fellow felines will support me on that score.

Please feel sorry for me until I am up and jumping again.

Remember -- I may be bloody, but I am unbeaten. Possibly because cats rule, but more likely because I am so sweet.

Yours in celebration of Fancy Feast, the great comforter,

Miss Sibley Sue 

 

Making the Most of Play Time

Greetings!

I am writing today with some advice for your kitties so please be sure to let them know I have some insightful information for them!

We kitties love to play. We can be very creative with our games too--we are inventive and will tell you the rules if you "listen". You know, watch our body language, our facial expressions (yes, we do have them) our eyes and ears. Of course the rules are set up so we win. Our motto is "It's not how you play the game, it's how the kitty wins."

One of my favorite games is having mommy run around in front of me with one of my fishing poles (I have four). I love to chase the feathers or other pretty objects at the end of them. My favorite is a purple boa with a bell. I especially like to play with that one about 2 in the morning when I bring it up on the bed and wake mommy up. She's always good for a treat when I do that.  SHE thinks she is luring me out of the room with the treat.  My soul purpose is to get a treat. If she just put a barrel full of them out every morning I wouldn't need to wake her, but she is a poor human who thinks she's in charge. 

I also enjoy playing this game right before mommy leaves for work in the morning which brings me to my point -- making the most of play time.

You know these humans are always running off to work (whatever that is). Personally, except for when I was a kitten and hid in mom's purse and almost went to this work with her one day, I think she hangs out the big room she calls a garage and won't let me out into all day. Why though, I can't understand.

But with their always running to work or the store or some such, they don't have really enough time to entertain us, do they? So what I make sure I do every morning is follow mommy everywhere she goes. You can engage in all kinds of fun games in that short time--for instance:

Makeup -- those pretty brushes she uses to put a hint of color on her face? Makeup brushes? They make great toys to toss around and whop your brother with the end with the bristles. If you grab it just before your mother does and then run she has to chase you. It's great fun and you get to help her work out.

Tissues -- I enjoy eating a good tissue snack now and again but mommy doesn't think it's a good idea. But if you grab the end of one and run out of the room, pretending to eat it she has to chase you. The game is then on -- I call this one Keep Away -- keeping the tissue away from Mommy! (or daddy if that's what you have.)

Shoelaces -- when your mom or dad tries to tie them, grab the ends and pull. Bat at them and then they can't get their shoes on. It slows them way down so they have to pick up one of your other toys -- like my Mr. Mouse -- and dangle it in front of you till you start to play with that. You can get a good 2-3 minutes of playtime with your human just by pretending you want their shoelace.

When mom is running late it's the best time for play. There she is, trying to get out the door and I'm right there with her! She'll pick up a fishing pole and I'll sort of chase it -- but not leave the front of the door. Then she'll pick up Mr. Mouse or my catnip banana and scrunch it making that lovely catnip smell!  When she throws it I'll sort of run after it, but pretend it isn't interesting. Then the good part comes -- she'll give me (and my brother Bogie) some treats which we gobble up...but I rush back to the door just as she's getting there. By this time she's missed her bus at which point I think she should just stay home BUT then she runs to the big white box and pulls out whipped cream!  Our favorite.  We all get a spritz of it and while we're enjoying our morning snack she rushes out the door.

As you can see, I've gotten myself some fun play time, mommy got to enjoy my company and once again she is reminded I am the Empress of the Universe and therefore in charge!

Kitty as Governess.

Hello again! I've had a very busy week, but never too busy for my fellow felines.

I recently received an email from Miss Sibbie Sue Sibley. I have it on good authority she is the be-all and end-all for Ann Tracy Marr. I heard my mommy talking and Ann Tracy is going on this blog tour with my mom--I'm still trying to figure out how you go on a tour without leaving the house but works for me if mom is home.

Sibbie Sue asked me why are I am a limb of Satan? She says she angelic, sweet, and totally loveable, as a cat should be. If you don't watch your image, those dogs (like Kelley Heckert's) will think they rule the world. Yes, we are infinitely superior to the canine species. And no, they should not rule.
Well here's the story. I didn't get to be Empress of the Universe by being totally sweet and cuddly all the time. You see, my brother, Mel, was here before me and HE wanted to be the alpha kitty. Can you imagine that? I knew from the start that was going to be MY place. I even stare down my vet!

As to Satan, well my mommy has a book coming out soon, Devil's Details and in you'll see whole other side of him. It was Mel, aka the Delicious Mellow-icious, who first came up with the idea that someone as....assertive as me...was naughty. And you know the phrase about someone being Devilish and it means they're fun? Well that's me!

Sibbie Sue also told me her writing debut as a governess was as a governess in one of Ann's books. I like the kind she is, kind and all-knowing, with perhaps a hint of magic -- though she had to pretend to be human.

I heard you can learn more about your mom, Ann and some of her friends on that tour my mom is going on. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=56438417580.

Oh! and if you want to see my brother Mel....

Question from Kelley Heckert's Two Dogs

Hi Kelley! 

<<I love your new blog>>

Thank you. For a long time now I've thought I needed a forum to share my vast wisdom. As many know, cats are very clever and smart and all knowing. If the world lived more like us we think it would be a happier place. What's to find wrong with napping, eating, stretching and watching life go by?

<<What a beautiful cat. >>

Thank you!

So, Kelley, your dogs asked:

Is it true that cats think they are better and smarter than dogs.

Well to be honest, we KNOW we are smarter!  We know the best foods, best places to sleep, and we're very good at ignorning humans when they say that "no" word. We never take no for an answer!

But better. No. Not really. We believe that animals, all animals and especially companion animals make the world go round. They -- we -- add so much to humans' lives. Just think how much your two dogs have given to you and how little they ask in return. I don't know them, but I have a feeling your life would be pretty empty without them and they make your life better every day. Anyone with any kind of animal should know how much better their lives are to have them.

So we are paws down smarter, but not better.

And Kelley, my mom told me that you are a Celtic romance author who tells Timeless tales of romance, conflict & magic and if people want to know more about you they should go to www.kelleyheckart.com

Welcome to my Blog!

As you can see from the title I am Miss Missy, Empress of the Universe, Daughter of Satan. I rule all I see and a lot of what I don't. Okay, all of what I don't because at some time I may see it of someone I know or see may see it or their friends, family, or someone else might see it. Therefore, it is mine.

While I live my life in the guise of a cat, I happen to be a very special cat. With my consort, Bogie -- pronounced "Bow - gi" not Bogers or Buggers (as the odd human who is moving out soon calls him) or Bogalicious as our mommy does, his name is Bogie. He's kind of shy but, like me, has opinions and because he is a cat, they are valuable opinions -- unless they are different than mine. Mine are always the best.

I also have an older brother named Mel. He thinks he should be the boss. He is not -- because I decree his is not.

And then there's our mom. She's okay -- when she gives us whipped cream. Her

opposable thumb does come in handy.

So why this blog?

Well, I have some valuable opinions and information and what better way to share them than through a blog. I'm happy to dispense suggestions from a cat's perspective and who knows better the best in life than a cat? I'll also be having some guest posts from other kitties and their perspectives on the world. 

If you have a question you need some suggestions on, let me know!  

And today's tidbit -- human ladies, tone down the perfume. A little goes a long way and you don't have to share with the world. 

Oh! And it doesn't make you feminine. That comes from within!