Children’s author Erin Hayburn, and her cat Mr. Howard, are chatting with me today about their new illustrated children’s book, Mr Howard the Rescued Cat.
Bio:
Mr. Howard: As I’m the star of Mr Howard the Rescued Cat (and far more interesting than the author) I think I should have a say in this. My name is Mr. Howard McGregor and this children’s book is based on my true rescue story as a young, and ever so handsome, kitty cat.
After a spell of homelessness and trying to survive on my own (not too successfully, I might add), a new family rescued me and welcomed me into their home – which already had an old dog living in it (how rude!). I won’t bore you with the details of my antics in said new home (you’ll have to read the book for that!), let’s just say there were a lot of new Rules I wasn’t necessarily keen to follow…
Erin Hayburn: Look, Mr Howard is right, he is more interesting than me. I’ve always loved drawing and now it has finally paid off! Actually, it hasn’t paid off, unless it somehow booms and becomes a bestseller. But it has come in handy! Otherwise, I’m a very ordinary Aussie working hard for the money to feed the fur babies! My partner and I have recently rescued two old dogs (12 and 14 years) from a shelter and needless to say, they more reluctant to obey the new Rules than Mr Howard was!
What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
Mr. Howard: I personally enjoyed that ‘Mr Howard the Rescued Cat’ was all about me and how wonderful I am.
Erin Hayburn: My favorite aspect was the illustrating and being able to discuss such an important topic (rescue animals) in a more lighthearted way, which will hopefully encourage children and their parents alike, to adopt animals needing a second chance. I also found writing from Mr. Howard’s perspective allowed me to be more creative and outgoing, because again, he is more interesting than me.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
Mr. Howard: Well, my favorite is definitely Mr Howard the Rescued Cat…for obvious reasons.
Erin Hayburn: As my only short story is Mr Howard the Rescued Cat, I’d have to say it’s my favorite too. Mr. Howard had too much personality and a really meaningful origin story to not write about him. It allowed me to illustrate, and express my passion for animal welfare, as well as subtly promote the message that sometimes a good, safe life, requires some rules. This applies to everyone – animals, kids, adults! There are rules and boundaries (no matter how boring or “unfair”) that are there to protect us. I think the ending of Mr Howard the Rescued Cat and Mr. Howard’s ultimate decision reflects this balance. In fact, it was the ending (which really did happen in real life!) was what made me finally decide to write this book.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
Mr. Howard: Huh?
Erin Hayburn: I think fiction would be my first choice. It is an escape from reality and a way to create your own world. That being said, Mr Howard the Rescued Cat was entirely based on a true, non-fictional story, so I’ve just contradicted myself there…
What exciting story are you working on next?
Mr. Howard: I have recently been introduced to two geriatric dogs that my people have rescued from a shelter. It’s been gripping stuff and would certainly make for an exciting story. Watch this space!
Erin Hayburn: Although the new comradeship of Mr. Howard and the elderly dogs is fascinating and would make a good read, I am currently not working on anything. It’s quite hard to make it in the book world, especially as a painfully modest person who struggles to promote said book! So, luckily, I do still have my day job and the joy of caring for, and loving, Mr. Howard and now the “well aged” dogs too 🙂
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Mr Howard: No comment.
Erin Hayburn: I consider myself more someone who has published a book, rather than a writer. Which is still an achievement and I am so grateful and overwhelmed by some of the wonderful reviews I have read about Mr Howard the Rescued Cat. Maybe if Mr. Howard scores a sequel I’ll redub myself a writer!
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
*Mr. Howard has exited the room*
Erin Hayburn: I’m not even going to pretend I am good at this aspect! I have enlisted the help of Author Marketing Experts for this very reason. From the feedback I have received for Mr Howard the Rescued Cat I know there is real potential for the book to do well, but I definitely need the help when it comes to researching markets for my work.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Writing from Mr. Howard’s perspective. I’m surprised how easy I found it to think like a cat…
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to do something involving drawing (does this book count?!) and to rescue dogs and give them a good life. Don’t tell Mr. Howard, but I was very much a dog person before he came along! He has since brought me over to the cat-side.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
If you’re thinking of getting a pet, check out rescue shelters and pounds first! You’d be surprised how many breeds, sizes, and ages are available and looking for a home. They will take a little while to settle in, but there is no greater joy or sense of accomplishment as when you see your pet happy again after everything they have been through. You start to see their true personality shine through and can be proud that you helped them to blossom into the beautiful souls they didn’t have the chance to be previously. Hand on my heart, you can tell how grateful they are and how much they appreciate you and what you have done for them.