Four-Footed Writing Companions

It's hard to see the void who's positioned himself between me and the keyboard, but that's Raven. He's appointed himself my newest furry writing companion. Provided it's not too hot. Or there's nothing interesting happening on the back deck.  He's not as experienced as the editors and writing companions who filled the position before him, but I'm confident he'll learn. Perceval and Arya want to be my editors. They've perfecting the art of walking across my keyboard. In Arya's case, she particularly likes to stand on keys. Just to make sure she really gets her point across.

 Crow likes to be in the same room so he can offer moral support while I work, but he's more of a thinker than a doer. He looks on from his sunny spot on the cat tree while I write. I'm required to pay a pet tax by skritching his chin if I get up to grab tea or a snack. All of this four-footed company is most welcome as our senior editor died on Monday afternoon. Miss Cuillean had retired from her position about four months ago, but out of respect, no other cat would take her place while she battled her final illness. Now that she's moved on, the younger cats are seizing their opportunities and I have all the furry contributors in the middle of what I'm doing that I can handle. 

Alexia's Furry Editor

There are few jobs as solitary as writing.

That is, unless you have a furry editor that pokes their nose where it doesn’t belong…on your keyboard, across your screen, on top of your hands. But we still love them!

I have a Siberian husky for a writing buddy. When I first started, his name was Loki. He kept my feet, and my heart, warm. He was by my side as I finished my second fantasy novel. And someday, when that book gets its chance to be published, it’ll be in his memory. At least for me.

Now, I have a new furry editor! Ullr the husky pup. He’s better at feeding my muse—by which I mean he demands more walks. But, he is two. So it’s expected. 

Ullr is getting better at keeping my feet warm.
And he’s quite accomplished at closing my laptop! But his best quality is his soft fur that works better than any stress ball or fidget. All I have to do is sit and give him some long scratches for my mind to relax and hone in on my story. It’s very zen. Of course, he’s also incredibly talented at getting in the way when I’m doing yoga—so maybe it’s a trade off. 

There’s good and there’s frustrating with Ullr. All I know is I would be much lonelier at my writing if I didn’t have his furry butt beside me. Here’s to my furry editor!

Do you have a writing buddy your craft would suffer without?

Jeffe's Furry Editors

 First things first: the Romancing the Vote auction is live! I'm offering six months of author coaching to the winning bidder and the bids are climbing! This is an important cause and tons of great stuff from all kinds of wonderful industry folks. Go forth and bid!

Our topic at the SFF Seven this week is an homage to our furry editors. I have two, my Maine coon cat buddies: 

Isabel, who specializes in floof and loving. She is not entirely helpful, so far as keyboard access is involved, but she's the best at purring companionship. Total win.

I took this picture today. Jackson visits my writing desk daily, politely sitting to the side of the keyboard (win!) and staring at me until I pet him (not ideal). Observers have accused him of whispering the books into my ear. I will neither confirm nor deny. I can only say that, as a ghostwriter, he works pretty cheap.