Day 2 of the Paranormal Blog Tour: Behind the Scenes Blog Post

Welcome to Day 2 of the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour. Today, all of the authors will be posting about their “Behind the Scenes” tips or experiences to give you a sense of what it’s like to be a paranormal author. I’ve picked as my subject today, my cat editor and muse, Samantha. She is my dear furry baby. At this time of year, I’m always reminded of what it’s like to be an owner of a black cat around Halloween. Not only is she a walking Halloween decoration all year long, but an inspiration of how we shouldn’t be deceived by appearances or stereotypes. Black cats make the most wonderful pets, and really should be loved this time of year, not feared.

The Cat Muse, Samantha.

So, let me introduce you to Samantha. I named her after the TV show “Bewitched” main character, Samantha. She almost was Xena, but I decided she fit more personality wise with Samantha. Xena ended up as her middle name. She is very stubborn, and humphs whenever she is picked up. She’s past 17 years now, and I cherish every new day with her. Her back legs are a bit stiff, but she still lends me her presence while writing, laying next to me while I’m typing this blog post now. The picture shows her in cat muse position moments before I’ve written these words. She definitely is a cat friend tried and true. Though, she is hard to photograph since she is black. I have to have her on a blanket or surface that is lighter than her. Even so, it’s hard to see her cute face unless there is direct light.

Which brings me to being an owner of a black cat. This time of year is dangerous for black kitties since there are so many stereotypes. I remember taking her to the vet and she needed a medical bath. I had dropped her off and gone home when the phone rang. The attendant called me to come back and pick her up since she wasn’t allowing anyone to touch her. When I got there, my cat was in the cage, arched back, hissing, looking like all Halloween decorations. But I knew what it was. Her cute face was VERY scared. I started talking soothingly, and the attendant said, “Don’t open that cage. She’ll scratch you.”

“No. Can’t you see she’s just scared?” I reached in, and started talking calming words again to my cat. She started to debristle, and ease into my hand. I realized the lady was scared of my cat because she was black. I figured a good attendant would sense a scared cat. But the stereotype of black cats had probably been so ingrained in her with the image of scary black cats, she really thought my cat would hurt her. Thing was, I took my cat, and switched to another vet.

There’s a day in August called National Black Cat Day where pictures are posted of black cats since they tend to be the least adopted kind of cat. Plus, today is #BLACKCATDAY on Twitter. Unfortunately, black cats are the ones that can survive really well on their own since they are black. It makes them invisible to find or catch. My cat is literally invisible when outside at night. I have to watch her or call her with cat food making sounds, because she’ll be sitting in the dark and I can’t find her. She differently is invisible at night.

Black cats make great pets, and Samantha’s my black kitty muse all year long. She’s sat next to me while writing the entire Beware of Warlocks series. I can’t think of her anyway else than as my constant cat companion, cat editor and muse. She helps my writing in so many ways, she’s almost a co-writer. When I get stuck, I’ll reach out and give her a pet and stroke to get my mind going again. She just helped me now, with a big purr as I reached over to help with this post. What writer could ask for more?

She’s everything but unlucky. She walks in front of me all the time. But it’s mostly to get me to feed her. I’m lucky to have her love and support.

So, this Halloween, think of black cats as well, a myth as those scary creatures depicted in horror films. Just like vampires, zombies, and werewolves, the spooky, black cats of Halloween are mythical legends that really don’t fit the real life cuties out there as pets with so many people. I salute them, and my cat, in all they do for their owners.

Beware of Warlocks is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, and iTunes.

For more great “Behind the Scenes” posts, visit the other participating authors in the blog tour.

• Marilyn Vix Website/Blog: http://marilynvix.com

• A. Armitage Website: http://jarmitageauthor.blogspot.com/

• Kessie Carroll Website: http://netraptor.org/blog

• Sara C. Roethle Website: http://saracroethle.com/

• Ani Gonzalez Website: http://www.anigonzalez.com

• Sherry Soule Website: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

**GIVEAWAYS and Book Discounts listed at the Paranormal Romance Blog Tour 2015 Page!

Plus, enjoy my newly released Beware of Warlocks Box Set. It’s Bewitched meets Eat, Pray, Love. Until tomorrow, -Marilyn

Today’s website to visit is: