I finished writing Wildcat on Christmas Eve at about 3PM. Sure, it's just another book in what is hopefully a long line, but if it is indeed the last of the Cat Star Chronicles, this is a very bittersweet time for me. Those cats have been a big part of my life since 2006--almost six years now. They'll continue to play a role for at least another year, because Wildcat won't be released until February of 2013. There will be edits and rewrites, but probably not another book. Still, nine books is a big accomplishment, and though they've enabled me to establish friendships with many wonderful people, my characters are friends, too, and saying goodbye to friends is never easy.
Thankfully, I have some old friends to revisit. I'll be working on the rewrites of existing manuscripts, but probably won't write anything entirely new for a while--unless inspiration suddenly strikes, which it has a habit of doing. It helps to be open to those bolts from the blue when they come, and to recognize them for what they are. Hopefully, I'll come up with another idea that's as good or better than the cats. I'm a better writer than I was when I was first published, and I can be more objective now. Still, Cat and Jack will always remain as dear to me as any friends I've ever had. There's a part of me in them, and they taught me a few things, too.
I gathered as many of the heroes and heroines together from my previous books as possible for a few scenes in Wildcat. Getting all of them in was impossible, and would have been very confusing for new readers, but those of you who have been with me throughout this journey will have no difficulty remembering any of them. I'm sorry I won't be answering all the questions about the future of everyone in the series, but I think you'll get the idea. It's been a fun time, and I truly do hate to see it end.
Speaking of ends...
Here's one I think you'll enjoy!

13 comments:
Mm mm I love those buns. Well Cheryl, as a fan of your books from the very beginning I can honestly say how much I've loved everything you've written and will continue to follow and be a friend through whatever you do next. :)
You were one of the very first to email me, Ana. Your support and friendship have meant a lot to me. Glad to know you'll be sticking around a while longer. :)
Congratulations Cheryl on the huge accomplishment of finishing your series. Nine books is a HUGE big deal, and I'm so proud of you! Can't wait to see what you come up with next! I totally agree with what you said about the bolts from the blue and recognizing them for what they are. You'll be mucking out a stall or bathing a wayward dog when the bolt strikes, and you will be off to the races once again!
Thanks, Marie! I certainly hope one of those bolts strikes soon. Though I do have to write a bunch of blogs for Stud's release. Maybe this is a good time NOT to have any great ideas!
First off -- congratulations! It's a wonderful book that will please your fans immensely!!
Second -- you've got lots of other stories inside you, and nothing is keeping you from writing more Cats and self publishing them!! You can have the best of both worlds!!
Third -- nice buns!! :)
I'm there with Ana, It's been a great ride and reads Cat Master. And I'm glad I jumped aboard with wild spaceship. I've loved every Thrust of the JOY rides. And it's only fitting that the Cats have nine lives. And I hope that Blue bolt knocks you right out of your boots and socks. I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. Too many goodtimes, and goodfriends, real and Cat characters. I've made and love. It's going to be another great year here.
By the way what is on this hunky guys left leg, under his butt cheek?
Congrats, Cheryl! I have no doubts you'll come up with a new cast of characters at the most inopportune time :)
Lovely buns!
@Elizabeth. Thanks for the encouragement and for being the best critique partner I could ever have! I hope you're right about being able to self-pub the cat books. I still need to talk to my agent about the feasibility of that.
@Donna. I believe that's the tendon on the back of his knee. Looks a little strange, though, doesn't it?
You've been one of the most fun things about my writing career. You make me laugh every day, and your continued support means a great deal to me. Thanks for being there!
@Mellanie. Yeah, about half-way through another book, I'll finally get the right Idea and have to scrap the first half!
Back at ya, Cheryl! Don't know what I'd do without you, Nan, and Mellanie!! Oh, wait... I do! I'd SUCK without you three!!!
Cheryl,
Please write a Polyamorous story. I really enjoyed the Wolf Tales series by Kate Douglas. There are just not enough stories like this out there! There's something very appealing about having a mate within a loving group where everyone can exist without jealousy.
Cheryl,
Please write a Polyamorous story. I really enjoyed the Wolf Tales series by Kate Douglas. There are just not enough stories like this out there! There's something very appealing about having a mate within a loving group where everyone can exist without jealousy.
I hear you CSF! The only problem with that is that Sourcebooks wouldn't publish it. But that's not to say it couldn't be published elsewhere. We shall see!
Got it. Thanks. I'll back off :-)
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