About ‘Baby’ Yesterday, August 30 th 2024, I posted a short note on social media. It simply said, “Please do not contact me today, my baby cat died in my arms earlier this morning.” My reason for posting that notice publicly is that it was easier and less heartbreaking than writing individual messages to those who know me. What amazed me was the response. Not only from those I intended the message to reach but also the flood of comments from people I don’t know. Many, I am sure, have never responded to any of my previous posts. So, strangers, all with words of condolence and sympathy. I thank you all. Your words of support or comfort mean more than you know. In reply, I think it is only right for me to give you a little background about ‘Baby’. She found us, adopted us. One morning, about three months ago, I stepped out of the house and saw a small cat curled into a doughnut shape. She was in a small space between some flower pots. I lifted her from the damp ground.
I’m jotting this as I travel in a car, it's okay, I’m a passenger, not the driver. I realise many people like to know about the authors whose books they read, so this post is a reveal, a confession... I am a bit of a petrolhead. I'm on the right, wearing sunglasses. Although I do mention cars in several of my books, I do not often go into any intricate descriptions. I like to leave much of the detail in my stories to the reader's imagination. I think this respects the reader, allowing them the freedom to create such subjective images, and for their imaginings to become an integral part of the story. My belief is allowing the reader personal visualisation is what makes books far superior to a film, or a movie, where every detail is spoon-fed to those watching, it leaves nothing, or very little to the imagination. Whereas with a book the author simply suggests many things, it is the reader whose mind interprets and creates the fictitious, fanciful world they find the