They squeeze into your life, take over your home and make you their slaves. Oh . . . and help you write books.

Where do authors find inspiration?

Well for me the answer was right on my lap. Yes, having started my writing career with the humorous title "The Little Book of Stress" the fact that cats are so relaxed was the inspiration for "The Little Book of Calm for Cats" - which shows cats how to chill out in their seven hectic lives of napping, sleeping and resting.

The next cat title was a collection of cat philosophy entitled "Utterly Adorable Cats" - I am delighted to say that this book has been translated into more than 20 languages.

What next - well with the research done by the cats that have owned us over the years, Mungojerrie, Mistoffelees, Macavity and Midnight - we put together our latest book "The Secret Diary of Adrian Cat" - this is a year in the life of an adventurous cat who is keen to find love and become world famous.

 

Here is a short excert:

 

Sunday March 2nd

Today I had an intellectual day - Snowball would be impressed (if we were speaking).

Wrote a poem entitled DesideCata. I am thinking of becoming a cat laureate!

DesideCata
Stroll placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in a long tranquil nap. As far as possible, without being in any way humble, be on good terms with all creatures - with the obvious exception of dogs. Meow your desires loudly and clearly and occasionally listen to others, even your human, for she may be calling you for dinner. Avoid the company of fleas, they are vexations to both spirit and body. Enjoy your achievements - particularly wallpaper lovingly scratched and pieces of string thoroughly chased. Keep interest in your career, there will always be a need for good mousers in the changing fortunes of time. Be yourself; especially do not feign affection - except when you need a warm lap to sleep on. Neither be cynical about the love of cream, for through your charmed and enchanted existence it is as perennial as the grass it comes from.

Take kindly the council of the years and rejoice in the fact that you have nine lives.

Nurture arrogance of spirit to shield you from sudden misfortune such as getting stuck up a tree. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born out of getting less than twenty hours sleep in a day. Beyond a wholesome discipline be gentle with yourself and groom yourself frequently. You are a cat of the universe, so much greater than humans and dogs; you have a right to be served. And even though you may sleep through most of it, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. With all its snacks, adventures and peaceful dreams, it is truly a beautiful world. Be content. Continue to be happy.


My other inspiration comes from mythology - my next book is for children aged 9 - 11 and is entitled "Medusa Island" - should be out in May 2008. However, with the cats contantly demanding attention I expect it wont be long before they force me to write another book about them!!!