Friday, November 22, 2013

Dreams Do Come True: The Cat Writers' Association

Logo courtesy of the CWA/Debbie Glovatsky 


I've enjoyed writing since I was a little girl. It took me into adulthood before I found my niche, which is why the blog you are reading today evolved from solely a book review blog to a celebration of all things feline and fiction (and feline fiction/nonfiction!).

I have a file folder in my desk filled with articles I printed out from the Cat Writers' Association website dated 2006. I studied the membership requirements and made a vow to myself that one day I would become a member of this exclusive group of cat writers. It took me another 5 years to start blogging, and even more time after that before I realized I had a passion for blogging about cats just as much as blogging about books. (And as I always say, cats and books just go together, don't they?)

I finally realized that as a blogger, I am a writer. Thanks to the encouragement of the lovely Layla Morgan Wilde of Cat Wisdom 101, with butterflies in my stomach I filled out my CWA application and went to work putting together my work samples. Half of my submissions were sponsored posts that I have received compensation for, and the other half were pieces I wrote about Tara. She inspired this whole journey.

Wednesday night I received an email from CWA Secretary Wendy Christensen titled Welcome to the Cat Writers' Association, followed by a welcome from CWA President Lorie Huston, DVM. This is really happening. I'm a Professional Member of the Cat Writers' Association. I'm part of a group of writers whose work I have admired for years.

I am so honored and excited for the future of this blog and any other opportunities yet to come.

Dreams do come true, and for me, it's all for the love of cats.

15 comments:

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Congratulations! The Woman would love to join but she's never been paid to write about cats but maybe someday she'll actually get something published by someone other than herself and can join in.

GLOGIRLY said...

Congratulations, Melissa!!!
I'm inspired by your enthusiasm, optimism and compassion.
You're what it's all about.
xo,
GG

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Melissa,
Big purrs and congrats! I'm thrilled to hear you were accepted as a professional member. You have much to offer the cat blogging/writing community and the CWA. Welcome aboard.

Lorie Huston said...

Congratulations, Melissa. We're proud to have you as a member. You've earned the status and we're lucky you've joined us. Welcome!

Karen B said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment. HUGS

Michstjame said...

Congratulations! It;s wonderful that you have made a dream come true!

SeaThreePeeO said...

Concatulations. We're very happy for you.

The Paw Relations

The Island Cats said...

Congrats! That's so cool! The mom would love to join...but she hasn't written anything that's been published...only our blog.

Texas, a Cat in... Austin said...

Concatulations!

Bea said...

That's wonderful, congratulations!

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Concatulations!! But...to put a damper on it, I am a member teehee...........I'm not an author (yet)...............

meowmeowmans said...

Hooray! Congratulations, Melissa! We're so proud of you. :)

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Congratulations!

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Congratulations! My human is a member... which is odd because I'M the cat around here! And it IS called CAT Writers, right?

Dru said...

Congratulations Melissa! Woo Hoo!