Meankitty Wants To Know: Trish Milburn

Like last week's author Annie Solomon, author Trish Milburn, who writes Young Adult fiction as Tricia Mills, belongs to Typing Slave's local writing chapter. Trish is an exceptionally determined author who plugged away for years before she got her big break. We cats can fully respect exceptional determination. That type of consistent behavior often nets us things like table scraps, ear lovin's, laps, newspaper crinkles, kitty treats and general attention. In April her YA novel HEARTBREAK RIVER was released, and in May her Harlequin American Romance HER VERY OWN FAMILY was released.

Far be it from me to suggest her next Harlequin American Romance be HER VERY OWN HUMAN SERVANT, from the viewpoint of a fabulous feline looking for worship, love and tuna in all the wrong places that finally start to go right.

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

Alas, I think our subdivision has a rule specifically against the establishment of cat sanctuaries. I know -- the nerve! So I console myself with writing stories.

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

Honestly, I like both. I grew up with both dogs and cats as companions. We lived on a country road where people would dump off their unwanted animals, and they would always find our house. My sister and I showered all the kitties and puppies with love.

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?

Oh, uh, um...so far I haven't had any cats in my stories. Will have to rectify that situation posthaste.

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?

See answer to No. 4. I'm guessing you don't want to know that I've had dogs appear, do you?

5) What are your favorite works of fiction involving cats or favorite fictional cats?
Puss in Boots from the Shrek movies.

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

Alas, no.

7) Multiple choice 1. What is your preference and why?
A) Long hair
B) Short hair
C) No hair
-- Note: I am not, of course, referring to the hirsute qualities of your most recent hero or heroine.

B. I think they're really cute, especially if they have those little round faces. Also, less likely to make my sneeze. Sorry, allergies.

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?
B) Pet the cat for a couple minutes and then toss her cruelly aside?
C) Pet the cat as long as she wants because you know it will inspire and refresh you?
-- 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.

I don't want to be attacked by cat ninjas, so obviously C. :)

User submitted:

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

I don't have pets, but I'd love to again someday.

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

I've seen some funny pictures that would lead one to think so.

Can you type with a cat stretched out across your wrists? If not, why not? Otherwise, how's the carpal tunnel?

Hmm, never tried. But it might be nice in the winter when my hands are cold.

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Sincerely,

Meankitty
http://www.meankitty.com/