Q: What prompted you to write this book?
A: I was always telling my cat anecdotes to poor unsuspecting souls and someone suggested that I should put all of the stories in a book. I thought it was such a good idea, that I wrote "Cat Tails."
Q: How many cats do you have?
A: Six cats share the house, but five are in the first book. My new Himalayan is in the next book "Cat Paws."
Q: How long did it take to write this book?
A: About a year from the first manuscript to the actual published release. In less that a year, it is already in its third printing so there must be lots of cat lovers out there.
Q: Are all cats similar in personality?
A: Of the six ladies and gents that live with me, no two are remotely alike. For some things, it can be a trait specific to a breed but for most things, it is no different than people all being very individual.
Q: How did you acquire six cats?
A: Well, they didn't all arrive at one time. The oldest is a Blue Point Siamese who is eighteen years old and they go all the way to a year old kitten. I take in unwanted or abused cats and find they make wonderful companions. I like to think that they are happy to find a warm loving environment. I always say that the cats allow me to share their home.
Q: What prompted you to write the second cat book, "Cat Paws"?
A: After I had written and published "Cat Tails," so many people told me how much they had enjoyed it. I received so many requests for more anecdotes, that I finally decided to write "Cat Paws."
Q: What is "Cat Paws" all about and are the same cats in this book?
A: "Cat Paws" is the continuing anecdotes about my family of felines. The original five cats, Minkey, Charles, Nathan, Mr. Mouse and Miss Kiss are all back with more stories. A new little lady Himalayan named Amber has joined the family. As a result, there was lots of interaction among the various cats to write about.
Q: Who does the illustrations?
A: My son, Christopher Bailey, has done all of the art work both on the cover and the five interior drawings. He has no formal training, but his natural ability has brought all of the cats to life on the pages of "Cat Paws."
Q: Why do you write cat stories?
A: I had always wanted to write at least one book. Many years ago, I was told to write about a familiar topic. Having six cats in the house gave me ample material so I just started to write about their day to day interplay with each other from my point of view. I also knew there were a lot of cat lovers who might enjoy the stories.
Q: Are there going to be any more stories about cats?
A: I am already working on the next book which will be called "Cat Whiskers" and which should be ready for release in the summer of 1998. For this book, I am asking cat lovers to submit their favourite anecdote or cat name so I can include them in the next book.
