Book Review: How to Make Your Cat an Internet Celebrity: A Guide to Financial Freedom

I am reviewing a different kind of book this month, mostly because I think it was hilarious and must be shared. My sister pointed me toward this book, by Patricia Carlin (Quirk Books, 2014). I read it in a couple hours and laughed more than I do watching an episode of Seinfeld. Carlin is clever and funny and captures pop culture purrfectly.

I am pretty sure my sis found this book looking for actual advice, as she has a cat cuter than the Grumpy Cat. There are some poignant thoughts about cats as internet sensations in the book, and a lot of silliness that is fun for cat owners and YouTube browsers alike. I could not identify my cat in her analyses of celebrity cat types, but perhaps my cats are not destined for internet fame. Alas my financial freedom will have to be found elsewhere.

Although I have some gems, trying to outdo the Grumpy Cat with my annoyed meezer. Here she is in a party hat!

Don't Forget the Fun

It seems the last couple years I have had my eyes on the screen and fingers moving on the keyboard. I have written, revised, rewritten, studied craft, studied the industry. I've gone to conferences, written pitches, synopses, queries and done all the things we writers are supposed to do.

I forgot to have fun. OK, there was a little bit of fun. When you make up imaginary worlds on a regular basis and move made up people through them, it is a lot like playing with Strawberry Shortcake dolls, except this is serious work with character development and a plot that makes sense and moves at a good pace and don't forget to have tension on every page.

Yeah, I forgot the fun. It is the reason writers get into this business. It certainly isn't for the money. I was reminded of this by the main character in the brand new novel I am writing. She has a huge obstacles to overcome, and sees the sad underside of life, but has the cheeriest, most optimistic outlook I have ever met. She wants me to play, and so I must.

Perfect timing for her to come along as we start summer 2015. Get out and play! This is supposed to be FUN!