Meankitty Wants to Know: Monica McCabe

Today's interview is with adventure romance author Monica McCabe (www.monicamccabe.net) whom I personally have met and can verify is a good chin scratcher. The only problem is her fondness for dogs, though after much petting and coaxing, I will be posting an interview with "Woggy Girl" (the dog) tomorrow or the next day. Never let it be said I cannot be bribed! In fact, if you feel like bribing me to interview you or your CAT or just send you a treat in the mail, I can send you a list of preferred bribes.

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1) Why did you decide to be a writer instead of a cat sanctuary owner?

I always swore if I hit the lottery I’d start a sanctuary. Since that hasn’t panned out for me I decided to write a book and get rich that way. Then I’ll open KITTY TALES and read poetry to the residents.

2) Why do you think cats are better than dogs? (Since you call yourself a writer, I trust your answer will be eloquent.)

Well, I was born under the sun sign, Leo, which means I totally connect with the notion that cats are better than dogs. After all, there’s no zodiac sign named after a dog, now is there? So they have a constellation or two, big deal. There are billions of those. So common. There’s only 12 zodiac signs. Enough said.

3) Tell me about the felines in your fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play in your narratives?

First there was an orange tabby named Boscoe (pictured). He’s so cool that he’s nicknamed Boss Man. His role in Diamond Legacy was short, but he’s okay with that. Beefing up a fictional romance tale didn’t rank high on the hipster meter and he has a reputation to live up to. Besides, he had plenty of other things to do, like ruling the household. He left the fame pandering to the dog.

The dog is Woggy Girl (interview to come). She’s a total ham, has no concern over dignity, and drools all over anything that makes her happy. I mean, find a chipmunk or squirrel to chase and she’s content. Still, when I offered her a role in Emerald Fire I had to break out the bucket. Her joy soaked everything she came in contact with.

4) On the off-chance you have yet to incorporate cats into your fiction, when do you plan to rectify this egregious error and demonstration of poor writing skills?

I’d never make such a horrific mistake.

5) What are your favorite works of fiction involving cats or favorite fictional cats?

Well, Puss n’ Boots was my childhood hero. That dude was cool. And to this day I still have a crush on Vincent, the lion man of the TV show Beauty and the Beast.

6) Do you have any amazing, or at least humorous, real life cat stories you'd like to share?

Lots of them! I’ve shared my life with cats since the day I was born. I’ve more than a few favorites too. The one with the classiest name was Mercedes 450 SLC Sports Coupe. I just called her chadums. There was Barney, so named because he was born in a barn. He was the biggest love muffin I ever had. Lizard Kitty, who I called Lizzie but should have called her Sneezy because she loved to sit in your lap and be petted, but it always led to sneezing. Especially if you rubbed her whiskers. Oscar is the one that nearly got me arrested for smuggling. His adventure is currently up on my website. www.monicamccabe.net

7) Multiple choice 1. What is your preference and why?

A) Long hair. Because they’re pretty and now that I have the Dyson Animal Vacuum with Turbo Wand, no stray hair can hide from me.
B) Short hair. Easier to take care of.
C) No hair. Ack! Naked cats? What kind of blog are you running here?
-- Note: I am not, of course, referring to the hirsute qualities of your most recent hero or heroine.

8) Multiple choice 2. You have a writing deadline but the cat who rules you wants some attention. Desperately. Do you:
A) Lock the cat in another room and keep working? Like this would ever work. Pay back on a stunt like this would be too costly.
B) Pet the cat for a couple minutes and then toss her cruelly aside? Hey, what goes around comes around. Karma alone would prevent this from ever happening.
C) Pet the cat as long as she wants because you know it will inspire and refresh you? One must always keep in mind who rules the household. Failure to acknowledge this always has consequences. What are a few minutes in the grand scheme of things anyhow?
-- Note: If you answered anything besides C, we suggest you consider the fact you could have written a much better book if you had been inspired and refreshed instead of mean to the cat.

User submitted:

How goes the discussion about discipline in your house?

Not really discussed much. Though, now and then both sides must remind the other how animals and humans should coexist to keep the peace.

What one thing would you change about your pet/human?

Honestly? Nothing. I’ve had so many pets in my lifetime and the thing I love the most are the varying personalities. Hopefully, they feel the same about me.

Do you believe pets and humans come to resemble each other over time?

In some cases, maybe. Mainly with dogs. Cats like their individuality too much to play that game.

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Sincerely,
Meankitty
www.meankitty.com