Everyone likes to know how books get started and where the ideas come from when questioning authors. Many of these questions have been answered from, Cat Michaels and I over the past several months. You can see more of those here. ► The Story Behind “Just Between Sam and Me”
Today, we’re here with an all new set of questions from readers about our book, “Just Between Sam and Me.” I’ll share my first four, then I leave a link for you to visit Cat’s page to read hers.
Okay, here we go!
Many readers have asked us:
Did either of you have a cat as a child and, if so, how did it inspire you to write about Sam?
Yes, I grew up with cats my whole life. We did have a cat named, Sam, but he was black and white like this one. So when, Cat Michaels mentioned our cat having the name, Sam, I was excited.
Robin from MO asked:
What childhood memories would you like to share about your cats?
This is super easy and one I can’t live this story down with my family to this day. When I was very young, I had to make sure the cat we had at the time was fully dressed everyday. Of course I had all the doll clothes, so why not, right?
One day my older brother, John asked me how I thought our cat, Katrina at the time, liked being dressed up.
I said, “Oh she loves it!”
Then he said to me, “It looks like she doesn’t have much a choice in the matter.” 😂
She was so cute running around our house in her little bonnet! To be honest, she didn’t really seem to mind. With that being said, I would not try this at home, not all cats will go along with that. Meow!
Others have asked if we are current cat owners?
Cat Michaels will tell you no, but I believe she has a relative and neighbor with a cat.
If you follow my pages, you know we have owned our three kittens the past 15 years. Yes, they will always be kittens in my heart. ❤️️
Sadly, our male cat, Frank passed away two years ago this month. We still have his sisters, Lola and Jeter. They are the sweetest and stay by my side most of the day as I sit here and work.
Jane, from North Carolina wanted to know:
Is Sam a magical talking cat?
If you have read the story, at one point he does reveal his feelings, but that’s all I can tell you about that part.
Is he magical? No, but we considered it. The reason we decided against it, was then we’d have to add it to a “fantasy genre” and we didn’t want this story to be that. Our book is very true to life with real life situations.
Jill from MA wanted to know:
Did you have a childhood BFF like Isabella?
Very much so. If you have read any of my “Maggie, Millie, and Merrie” stories, I dedicated those books to my sister and our best friend growing up. (Even though the girls in my story are triplets.) Our friend, Cindy and I have known each other since I was in the 4th grade. My sister and I have always felt like she has been a sister to us, as she spent many, many years at our home.
What kind of things did you enjoy doing together?
We did a few of the same things you will read about in the book. Sleepovers and we played the card game, Solitaire a lot. We’d spend countless late nights enjoying that game.
We didn’t have horses, but we pretended we did one winter. We always acted out movies we had seen. I can’t remember the movie, but we’d gallop around in the snow and it very real to us. I sure hope kids use their imaginations these days. We have the best memories of that and so much more.
Sue from, Connecticut wanted to know:
What’s your favorite Middle Grade book you read as a child?
To be honest, I was not a big reader of Middle Grade novels at that age. Of course I was always reading school books. I loved magazines and our mother bought many of them. Comics, Teen Magazines with famous stars, fashion and all the top music hits.
Since I can’t share the images of those here, you can see more about them on this link. ► Teen Magazines. (♪ I think many of you will remember these. ♪)
So, that’s all I have for now. Are you ready to hear some more questions Cat and I’ve been asked lately? Tap on the photo below to visit her page.
Until next time,
Happy Reading!
~Rosie
✨If you still would like to get a copy of our new book or any of my other titles, visit the following pages. ✨ Don’t forget, “Just Between Sam and Me” is on sale until January 09, 2021 till midnight. ✨
Thanks always!
PS. Don’t forget to check back in the first part of February. ❤️️ I have a few projects in the mix for 2021 and will hopefully by then have a few things to share with you about that.
Your cat story was so cute. I grew up with cats and can’t imagine them allowing my brother or me to dress them. Such a great post!
Hi Auden. Our, Katrina was one patient kitty with me. Oh, I tried to dress the other ones, but they’d have no part of that.
Thanks for your kind words and I hope you are doing well.
I love hearing how both of you came together to create this story. Thanks for sharing the back story. So happy for all your Success. Well deserved!
PS. I used to dress up my cat too ❤️
Thank you so much for following our journey and for your support, Carmela.
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one playing dress up with my cats. They have the cutest costumes out their for pets now, but I wouldn’t dare waste my money on them with our two. They wouldn’t go for that at all. I’ve been tempted, though. Ha. 🙂
Oh my, Rosie, I cannot imagine any of the cats I know sitting still long enough to be dressed in anything. You have a magic touch with felines. Grandma’s cat, Snowball, let me pet her, but since she was a farm cat I never tried to dress her.
Your childhood pals sound just like Isabella! And such vivid imaginations and play! Sadly, I lost touch with many childhood friends after leaving home right after high school and moving to different parts of the country. Blessed I have found more friends and cyberpals like you since then!
Funny that you mentioned a farm cat. Our dad decided one day to rescue a few and had no idea he brought home farm cats. They are much, much different than domestic cats. Wild is more the word like it. They didn’t last in our home more than a couple days so back to their country home they went.
Yes, we had lots of fun growing up with our, Cindy. We lost touch after years as we raised our families and were able to pick up right where we left off.
I’m so glad you are connected with new friends. We have been blessed with the best, haven’t we, Cat?
Thanks for your note today. Appreciate you. 🙂
Loved the blog and stories. I remember that when you were little I learned to read before you, so I would read to you. I remember reading Mrs. Piggle Wiggle together. One of my fondest memories. You were so funny without cats. They were always your live breathing dolls. ☺️❤️🤗 So proud of you and your success.
Hi Robin, I was hoping you saw my story about Katrina. I did love those kittens, didn’t I? 🙂
Having you read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle’s stories was on of my fondest literacy memories, as well. I’ve tried to re-read them and they are just not the same without you.
Thank you for your kind words and support always. You’re the best!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Thanks for sharing how your personal experiences influenced your book. Always interesting to get the back story. So happy for all your success. Well deserved!
Thanks so much, Julie. It’s fun to add things from our real life experiences.
We appreciate your support always.
Enjoy your weekend.