In conversation with Mollie Hunt.
Our guest today on Who are the Cat Writers’ Association? is John Riddle. John is the author of 41 books (including two cat-related titles!) and has worked as a ghostwriter on numerous projects. His byline has appeared in major publications all across the U.S., and he has written articles for more than 300 websites. He has been working out of his home office in Delaware as a full-time freelance writer, author, ghostwriter, and donut eater since 1996.
In 2002, John launched “I Love to Write Day” (ILTWD) as a grassroots campaign to have people of all ages spend time writing every November 15th. Visit ilovetowriteday.com to learn more about ILTWD.
Part 1
About My Craft:
My first byline was a book review in the local newspaper. At the end of the review, it said, “John Riddle is a freelance writer.” BOOM! I had arrived, and my writing journey officially began (after collecting rejection slips for nearly [1] four years). I eventually moved on to articles, ad copy, and greeting cards, and then one summer, I snagged four book contracts for School Library books! Within a few years, I got my first ghostwriting contract and have enjoyed ghostwriting for many professionals (including physicians, educators, and scientists).
How Cats Inspire My Creativity:
Our cat, Sweetsie, was the best literary cat you could ask for! She loved hanging out in my home office, and thankfully, the keyboard was not her favorite spot, LOL. Oftentimes, I would find inspiration just by observing her many antics throughout the day.
What I Enjoy About Belonging to the CWA:
It has been awesome to meet and network with other CWA members! I also taught my “Making Money as a Freelance Writer” workshop at the conference last year.
Part 2:
Mollie: Where are you sitting right now? From where you are, how many cat-themed objects can you see? How many cats?
John: Right now, I am sitting at the computer in my home office. The first two cat-themed objects I see are the giant (18 x 24) posters for two cat books I wrote with two of my grandsons (ages 14 and 11): “Life Advice from Mr. Dill Pickles” and “A Cat’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays.” I also see about a dozen cat-themed holiday ornaments (in my office, Christmas is year-round), along with some cat poems I had framed (from the cat holiday book).
Mollie: Have you ever seen a ghost cat?
John: I remember visiting a haunted house at a local attraction many years ago. It was pretty scary, and I swear a ghost cat kept following me around. When I finally got out, I asked the attendant how they got the cat to follow people around. “There are no cats in there, although sadly, the owner’s cat did die in the building next door a few years ago.” Chills ran up and down my arms!
Mollie: In your cat’s words, tell us how you would save the world.
John: I thought I would let Mr. Dill Pickles answer this one.
“Congratulations, human. You’ve done something right once in your life!
You’re holding the definitive guide to life, courtesy of me, Mr. Dill Pickles.
Yes, that Mr. Dill Pickles. Feline extraordinaire. Wisdom dispenser.
Nap enthusiast. Tuna connoisseur.
And now, apparently, author.
You might be wondering, “What qualifies a cat to give life advice?”
First of all, rude.
Second, have you seen your species lately?
You’re overworked, under-rested, glued to glowing rectangles, and willingly eating kale. Clearly, it’s time someone with whiskers and common sense stepped in.
Unlike you, I don’t stress.
I don’t apologize for taking up space.
I don’t tolerate nonsense (unless it comes in the form of a laser pointer).
I’ve perfected the art of self-care, boundary-setting, and judging others silently from high places. In short: I’m thriving.
You? You’re still trying to find your “purpose.”
Bless your heart.
So, I wrote this book … not out of charity, mind you, but because I felt it was time you learned from a true master of the slow blink and the dramatic exit. You’ll find timeless truths about a variety of topics, including rest, confidence, mystery, and how to effectively knock things off tables.
Read it.
Laugh.
Learn something.
And for the love of catnip, stop asking if you can pet me.
You’ll know when the time is right.
With reluctant affection,
Mr. Dill Pickles Life Coach, Philosopher & Destroyer of Houseplants
Please give us the names and short descriptions of your cats.
Our cat, Sweetsie, a few years ago. We still miss her (especially because she was the referee for our two dogs, who occasionally like to act up).
These days, I am the pop-pop to Mr. Dill Pickles, a fine tuxedo cat who lives with my two grandsons and their family in North Carolina. We get to Facetime as often as we can (and Mr. Dill Pickles likes to stare at the camera), and we visit a few times a year.
You can find John Riddle online at mrdillpicklesthecat.com.
About the Author:
Cat Writer Mollie Hunt is the award-winning author of two cozy series, the Crazy Cat Lady Mysteries and the Tenth Life Mysteries. Her Cat Seasons Sci-Fantasy Tetralogy features extraordinary cats saving the world. Mollie also released a cat-themed COVID memoir. In her spare time, she pens a bit of cat poetry as well.
Mollie is a member of the Oregon Writers’ Colony, Sisters in Crime, the Cat Writers’ Association, Willamette Writers, and Northwest Independent Writers Association (NIWA). She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and a varying number of cats.
Who are the Cat Writers’ Association? is a series of interviews with CWA members, but not your usual who, what, and where discussion. I like to ask a different set of questions and am always amazed by the answers. I hope you are, too.
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