One of the first things that we warn folks before they come to our house is ‘we have cats…five of them.’
It’s a strange thing that folks (readers and listeners) who don’t know me personally know about me. I share quite a bit about my life, and I was worried that I talked about the aforementioned cats a little too much. Then I went to FenCon.
Two seperate people asked about my cats. Then I got an email asking about them- wanting to know why there were no pictures of them on the site.
It made me think about what we are all seeking in this day and age of instant access with people all over the world. The same thing humans have always wanted. Connection with other human beings. We like to know personal details no matter how silly they may seem.
It’s a curious thing about being a podcaster; you’re in peoples ear drums, in their car, in their bedroom, entertaining them. It’s a very personal thing. You start to wonder about folks and feel a personal connection with them. It’s something about someone reading to you.
I have not (as yet) had a bad personal experience with listeners or readers. I’ve been very lucky that so far, everyone I have met has been kind, generous and very sweet. They talk, not just out about my writing, but about my life. I am still sorting out that boundary for myself, but so far the most intriguing question is about the cats.
This weekend at FenCon in Dallas, Texas I realised perhaps it wasn’t just me. It was revealed in the art show. Cats are big in fantasy. We like them on covers. We like them with jetpacks. We like them dressed up like people. It’s a thing…and I as a fantasy writer am almost required to have cats. Luckily five have chosen us to carry out their orders.
Who am I to fight the power. So, I think I will just post a picture of Sebastian and Viola, and let you judge what kind of person I am from that…
Now I am off to hang up a picture of a cat wearing a jet pack…
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I warn people too. Last thing I want is to have people over who are horribly allergic to the little beasts. We have four.
Loves the big kitties.
Doc
High-five! I also have 5 cats, all being indoor cats, which the majority of people in NZ is a tad weird. I generally warn people, but mostly because they may think I’m a bit nuts – and I would rather spare them the awkwardness of being in my house and thinking I’m nuts – or than may be allergic.
I love my Feline 5
Thank you for posting the picture of your gorgeous kitties! I could almost reach into the screen to feel the soft fur!
My kitties have their on blog. I have not been faithful at posting lately but will get back to it soon.
I would have thought the idea of Cats being big in fantasy would not be a surprise to you…considering your two big fantasy titles both have a big cat on their cover…and hot chicks.
Hot Chicks are big in fantasy too.
Oh, you didn’t know? Fantasy writers own cats. Science Fiction writers own dogs.
Steampunk writers own hamsters with jet packs.
Seriously though, Adorable kittens. Was it hard getting them into the States or were they all Tee’s?
They came with me from New Zealand- though they were not in the seat next to me. It was easy to bring them…since NZ doesn’t have rabies they came right in!