Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A cat lover from an early age, I wrote my first cat tale, “The Cat and the Dog,” in a grade three creative writing exercise – the story of a cat and a dog lost in the woods, and the police shooting the dog for some reason. I drew inspiration for the story from Disney’s The Incredible Journey.
Inspired by such books as Hardy Boys Mysteries, Marvel Comics and Mythology by Edith Hamilton, I wrote several published short stories with his grade nine English teacher.
Then life happened. I stopped writing, only scribbling bits of story every so often. A family came along which turned into single parenthood. I raised my kids and wrote here-and-there.
Throughout my life, cats have been a welcome and influencing presence. From Tia (a Siamese) to Booties (a Tabby with White) to Rusty (an orange boy with little ears) to Sam the Siamese, I have loved all my felines (and still do). I’ve loved all my cats so much so I started to write about them. They have inspired and delighted me to create cat stories and to find feline facts for my books.
Cat lover turned author, I published my first book, 365 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Cat, in 2012. I followed that with “The Christmas Cat” and “The Christmas Cat 2.” Recently I released How Do Cats Do That? on Amazon and will publish The Wonder of Cats in Fall, 2016 and “The Christmas Cat 3” for the 2016 holiday season, also on Amazon.
An English Major, I graduated from Medicine Hat College with an Associate of Arts Diploma in 1995. I continue to research our furry felines and write cat fiction and non-fiction and hope fellow kitty-cat people will enjoy my work.
Currently, I reside in Medicine Hat, AB with my two cats: Tanzy (the feisty feline) and Alley (the mischief maker).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
How Do Cats Do That?: Discover How Cats Do The Amazing Things They Do
After looking at other cat books online and doing some research, I found a need for a book like this. And I am always inspired by cats.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need to go through a routine to write. I get out of bed and have an iced java, followed by a Coke Zero. I shower and make coffee then sit down to write by hand. This routine gets me energized and ready to write. Thanks to lots of caffeine.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many books about cats have influenced me, like Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Cooper and It’s a Cat’s World . . . You Just Live in It: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Furry Feline by Justine A. Lee.
What are you working on now?
A print version of How Do Cats Do That?
“The Christmas Cat 3”
The Wonder of Cats
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, fiverr.com, cat Facebook pages
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. You never know when you’re going to strike gold.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make your writing a priority.
What are you reading now?
The Cat On My Lap: Stories of the Cats We Love edited by Callie Smith Grant
What’s next for you as a writer?
Complete the current projects above and write “Jasper” a novelette about an old lady and a young Siamese. And write my first novel – a cat crime caper
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Cat Encyclopedia
Holy Bible (New King James Version)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Author Websites and Profiles
Peter Scottsdale Website
Peter Scottsdale Amazon Profile
Peter Scottsdale’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account