Cats have long purred their way into the hearts of writers. Renowned authors such as Mark Twain, who went so far as to rent cats while travelling, Edward Lear, whose half-tailed cat inspired a famous rhyme, or Doris Lessing, who wrote movingly of her disabled companion, were all inspired by felines.
I have many events coming up from October where I’ll be talking about these cats and the writers they owned. Some are at events, but many are free at libraries and bookshops. It would be a real pleasure to see you there, but please make sure to book as places are always limited. Here’s a current list of dates and venues, but new dates may be announced, so keep an eye on my Talks and Events page for updates.
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.
Many thanks to all of you who have already kindly pre-ordered the book. I will be sending orders out early in October. I so hope you will enjoy reading it.
You might also like to suggest the book to your reading group? I can offer a discount when four or more copies are ordered together, and I have prepared a set of discussion questions which I would be delighted to send you—just get in touch.
If you haven’t ordered yet, don’t forget that if you order before the end of this month, you will go into a draw for a chance to have your purchase cost refunded. And of course, I am very happy to sign and dedicate copies for you.
International orders
Unfortunately, postage from Australia is expensive and will increase the amount you pay if you order directly from me. So, if this is an issue for you, my book is already listed with international retailers, which may reduce the postage you pay. You could try looking here:
UK: Bodleian Library Bookshop
USA: University of Chicago Press
Intl: Amazon.com
You won’t be able to request a personal inscription for these orders, but I have designed a free bookplate you may like to download to place in it. Have a look here.
Don’t forget my companion items: my Purr-fectly Literary Tea Towel and my Meow-vellous Greeting Card. All three items are in my online shop now.
Do you have any funny or quirky cat stories? Let me know in a comment.
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