The Rascal Cat Brothers follows a black cat who, up until now, was a solitary cat, and now has a kitten moving into his home and has to adapt. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The story is the true events of adopting my two cats. The black cat, Midnight is actually my first cat I adopted from a shelter. The second cat, Snowball, is actually my silly younger cat, and this is the story of the day I brought him home. Ever since, the two boys have been amazing brothers, and Snowball has been super silly. I was inspired to write their story and their amazingly funny behaviors into a book series. They are my first pets, and I had no idea how silly and funny they could be. I thought their behaviors could be a great book, and what came out also came with a beautiful message.

Getting a new sibling can be challenging and confusing for children, as can bringing a new animal into the home with existing ones. Both situations can be the scene for humorous moments. What was your favorite scene in this story?

My favorite scene in the story is definitely when I find Snowball on the top shelf in my closet. That is a true event, and the illustrations in the books are my actual pictures. I just heard something in the closet one day and walked in to see this tiny 8.5 pound kitten on the top shelf of my closet. Midnight, of course, came to check it, too, but I was surprised and could not stop laughing. I think that is one of my favorite memories of Snowball. A favorite memory of both boys is definitely anytime they are cuddled up with me sleeping. I love when they cuddle with me and together. Snowball is bigger than Midnight in real life, and it is so cute and funny when he lays down on top of his brother rather than next to him.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

I really did not set out to explore themes. I wanted to write down the silly and adorable things I have seen my two cats do. I thought starting with how I brought him home and the silly things Snowball did along with the cuddles that Midnight loves would be perfect. I did not know then I would make it into a series. I thought the way I wrote it could be either a series or a stand-alone book. It just morphed into this adorable funny story of siblings learning together and becoming family. I am very lucky to have it unfold that way.

What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?

I am working on the next book in the Lets Talk! series called Lets Talk! Celebrating the Holidays. It is available November 1, 2023. The second book in the cat brothers series is going to come out sometime in 2024. Stay tuned for updates because that one is Snowball’s point of view.

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