Happy Mardi Gras!

Happy Fat Tuesday, everyone! But, please, take care of yourself (and your friends). Don't be this kitty:

Happy #FelineFriday!

Musetta is just not sure about this plot point....

Cat as peacemaker

A true and touching story about war – and a cat named Morphine, from the New York Times.

Wine for cats?

Why drink alone when you can drink with your cat?

SWAT Cat gets a condo - Happy #FelineFriday!

Do you know about SWAT cat? This stray calico adopted - and was adopted by – the Boston Police Department's Special Weapons and Tactical (SWAT) unit. She's had some adventures – including a worrisome period in December 2015 when she went missing. But now she's back and has a new home, a lovely kitty condo, courtesy of the BPD. Full story here.

photo courtesy of the Boston Police Dept.

Blackie comes to the U.S.!

Official U.S. pub date isn't until April 1 (no fooling!), but Amazon now has "As Dark As My Fur" available in hardcover with FREE SHIPPING! (Click here to be connected.)

Cat love for Valentine's Day!

"Got a bunch of cat love, no stopping that! Hand's up, let's adopt a cat!" Rapper Moshow shows his feline feelings in this video. And while he's honoring his local Portland, OR, shelter, you know there's a shelter near you with kitties willing and able to love you!

What is love?

Sometimes, it's roses, sure (thank you, sweetie!). But sometimes it's taking the time to look over a friend's essay or job application. To shovel your neighbor's sidewalk, cause you're out there already and he's warm and dry. Sometimes, it's that call or email that comes "for no reason." Or when your kitty brings you her favorite orange mouse? Yeah, I think that's it. Connection – that's what love is.
Thanks, all of you, for reading. For being my Valentine. Happy day, all!

May I be your Valentine?

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day (a silly holiday but one I personally like, in small doses). If you're so inclined, take five minutes out of your day to send a valentine to a writer you like, in the form of an online review (Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, etc - wherever you frequent).

Hell, send two, or three, or a dozen. Writers are happy to share the love. And trust me, they WILL feel the love.

(naturally I'd be thrilled if you did this for one of my titles, but embrace it as you will...) I'm going to do this. Won't you? Happy Valentine's Day!

(Borrowed from Laura Anne Gilman, a lovely writer)

Caturday

Because it is the weekend, and because we could all use a little good news - here's a clip from a new documentary called "Kedi," about the street cats of Istanbul:



The New York Times gives it "four paws up."

A very February #FelineFriday

No, "cat curling" isn't a real sport – and this isn't even an Olympic year. But still... Happy "#FelineFriday!

I do love oysters... (books in series orders)

Funny what you find when you're playing around the Internet. When I saw a site advertising "Books in Series Order," I immediately clicked through. Sure enough, this site has an accurate listing of all my books to date. But what really intrigued me was that it had a little bio of me, apparently drawn from interviews I've given.

In part, it reads:
Most of her books feature punny titles and plenty of cats, but there is also more than meets the eye when looking at her books. The heroines that the books feature are often modeled after herself, in that each of her characters is a part of herself. There is a darkness that lines the stories that she tells through her novels, which points back to the noir connections in her writing. Her books often use murder, mystery, and music to drive her stories, all while staying true to a core of animal rights. All of this being done without ever becoming preachy or self-righteous. Those already familiar with animal rights issues will surely agree with the message that Simon is putting across with her novels, while those who are unfamiliar will find new information presented in engaging and new ways.

For the full writeup (including the series list), click here.

"Morality... this book is about morality"

"Morality. This novel, narrated by ... a cat named Blackie, is about morality." Wow, how much do I love this review of As Dark As My Fur? Sometimes, when you read a review, you learn things about your own work. Thank you, Jeannie Rigod.

Best Super Bowl ad EVER!

Go Cats!!

Cats at Westminster? #FelineFriday

Now here's the oddest cat story of the week: This year, the Westminster Dog Show will feature ... a cat! Read about Jungletrax (that's her name) here.

AP Photo

"Do one thing every day that scares you."

"Do one thing every day that scares you." That quote, often attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt, may not have been voiced by the great First Lady, but it is still excellent advice for expanding your horizons. It's true in writing, too. Afraid of a conflict? Go there. Not sure you can resolve a plot point? Try. Secretly fear you can't write that novel? You'll never know unless you start it, will you? Be brave, today! Seize life and make it your own.