Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them arrives this month

This is a terribly exciting month for me as it sees the arrival in the world of my new book, Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them. I’m so proud of this new ‘baby’ of mine with its elegant cover, paw-printed end-papers, gold bookmark, charming illustrations and the wonderfully enticing endorsements on the back. I’ve already received some reviews, including one which was so lovely it made me cry, and I’m excited to see my book displayed in bookshops. How I wish I could pop into the Bodleian Library and see it on display there.

Family members and a few close friends have now had the chance to read it, and I have enjoyed asking them which chapter appealed most. One friend doesn’t particularly like cats, but she really loved the book. So I hope it won’t be seen as a book only for felinophiles. There is much in it to appeal to the general reader.  All the writers covered are such different personalities, and they were ‘owned’ by cats who were also very individual and quirky. I hope you will enjoy reading it too.

Many thanks to all of you who have already pre-ordered the book. I will be sending your orders out early in October, so I’d love feedback from you all as to which writer and which cat you found most intriguing.

If you’d like to discuss this book with your book group, I’m happy to provide by email a list of discussion questions to stimulate your conversation, and I can offer a discount if you want several copies for your group. Just contact me to make arrangements.

You can buy my book through all good bookshops. If you would like a signed copy or plan to give a copy as a gift, you can order via my website, and I’ll post one off to you. Sadly, postage to the UK and USA is so horrific that if you’re there, it’s best to buy from a local bookshop, but I can email you a signed bookplate that you can stick in the front of the book.

Or you might like to come along to one of the talks I’m giving in the next few months and buy a copy there (or perhaps buy one of my fabulous cat tea towels covered with quotes from the various authors), and I’ll even have some tempting cat jewels for sale. Talks will be illustrated with a range of photos and drawings that did not go into the book. If you are interested in arranging a talk next year for your club or library, please get in touch.

Events in SYDNEY

Haberfield Library
Thursday 16 October, 6:30pm. Bookings essential, book here.

Mechanics School of Arts, Sydney
Monday 27 October 2025, 12.30 pm. Bookings essential, book here.

Gordon Library
Wednesday 5 November 2025, 6:30 pm. Bookings essential, book here.

Hawkesbury Central Library, Windsor
Tuesday 18 November 2025, 10:30 am. Bookings essential, contact Library.

Mosman Library
Thursday 20 November 2025, 6:30 pm. Bookings essential, book here.

Cessnock Library, Hunter Valley
Saturday 22 November 2025, 11:00 am. Bookings essential, book here.

Kirrawee Library
Wednesday 26 November 2025, 6:30 pm. Bookings essential, contact Library.

Shoalhaven Library, Nowra
Thursday 4 December 2025, 10:30 am. Bookings essential, contact Library.

Waverley Library
Thursday 11 December 2025, 6:30 pm. Bookings essential, contact Library.

Events in CANBERRA

Paperchain Books, Manuka
Tuesday 14 October, 5:00pm. Bookings essential, book here.

Events in MELBOURNE

The Johnston Collection
Thursday 23 October, 10:00am. Bookings essential, book here.

The Athenaeum Library
Thursday 23 October, 7:00pm. Bookings essential, contact Library.