Thursday 4 June 2015

Guest post: Why are cat books so popular? by Vanessa Morgan

Today I'd like to welcome Vanessa Morgan, author of the newly-released Avalon: A Heartwarming True Cat Story to my blog. So sit down, grab a mug of hot chocolate and a cat, and read on...




People are obsessed with cat pictures on the Internet. Over fifteen percent of the web is cat-related content. That's a lot.

Cats are now taking over the literary world as well. No matter what genre you look at – horror, mystery, Christmas, romance, memoir – it's easy to spot books in which cats are an important part of the story.

While researching my book Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story, I read a lot of cat books to have an idea of what works and what doesn't. Just like so many other people, I quickly found myself addicted to those stories. I came up with three theories on why cat books are so popular.

Cats make us feel good

Did you have a bad day? If you delve into a good cat book, you can't help but smile and feel positive again. Cat books remind us of the good things in life: loyalty, true love, and friendship. And, of course, any cat's behavior will have you crack up with laughter in no time. By picking up a cat book, you are guaranteed to be confronted with lots of positive vibes and emotions. This can be addictive. Because once you know how easy it is to smile when you feel down, the more you'll seek out those feelings.

It's in our genes

Humans are hardwired to love on anything that is cute and cuddly.Whether it be babies or pets, most people want to make them happy. Therefore, we tend to recognize ourselves in and identify with the characters portrayed in cat books. We all want to belong and feel understood, and reading cat books is a good way to remind us that we do.

Cat people are introverts

Research shows that cat people are more introverted than dog people. Instead of going for long walks, they prefer to stay inside and read a book, preferably with a warm cat curled up on their laps. And if that book helps them to feel better about themselves and the world, then so much the better.


So, there you have three possible reasons why cat books are popular. Do you agree or disagree? Can you think of other reasons why readers love cat books? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter using @eeriestories.

Can't wait to experience all the good feelings a good cat book has to offer? Start with Avalon: a Heartwarming True Cat Story ;-)

Blurb:

Some cats need nine lives to make a difference. Avalon only needed one.

From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat.

With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon's demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.

By turns jubilant and deeply moving, Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever been obsessively in love with a pet.
Purchase links:


Amazon US // Amazon UK // Amazon FR


Author bio:

Vanessa Morgan is an author, screenwriter, and blogger. Two of her works, The Strangers Outside and A Good Man, have been turned into films. Her short film script Next to Her is currently in pre-production. When she's not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, digging through flea markets, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats. Avalon has appeared in several of her books and films.


Social media links:

Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest //  Google+ // Bloglovin // Amazon // GoodReads // Blog 



a Rafflecopter giveaway

17 comments:

  1. My cats are loving and cuddly. I am an introvert, too.

    I enjoyed Vanessa's book.

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful review on Avalon, Medeia :-D

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  2. Great interview! Besides the reasons Vanessa pointed out, I think there's another reason: cats are simply hilarious :)

    Rosa @ Cat Lady Confidential

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    1. I totally agree. Why didn't I think of that before? :)

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  3. Hi Annalisa and Vanessa - 15 percent .. gosh that's a lot ... incredible stat. But they do sell and people love to read stories about pets ... horses, dogs etc ... and cats by the bucket load apparently .. cheers to you both - Hilary

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    Replies
    1. And with the promo of this book I'm trying to get the percentage up to 50 ;-)

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  4. I believe we're wired to love on cute critters. I think they are addicted to cat, dog, and other critter stories for that reason.
    Big congratulations, Vanessa!

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  5. Your book sounds great. I love cat books and I am an introvert.

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  6. Vanessa, my latest is a cat book, although these cats are nothing like Avalon. Best wishes to you and your books!

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  7. I've always loved and owned cats. They make the house feel alive. Plus animals are so accepting.

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  8. Cats rule and as soon as I love somewhere I can get a pet that is all I want.

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  9. I have two cats and two dogs.I have to walk the dogs a lot, but I really would rather stay in with a good book and a cat on my lap. One of my cats is pretty evil, though...

    Congrats on the release!

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  10. I have always had cats. I'm back and forth about dogs, but ALWAYS have cats. They are super cute!

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  11. I will definitely be reading Vanessa's book. I adore cats and love reading books about them, or with them as characters. I host Cat Thursday on my blog and Vanessa's Traveling Cats is a regular link up. We so enjoy having her posts to visit. They're always so wonderful and informative. Thanks for this lovely post and for the giveaway!

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  12. I think I'm going to be in the minority here! I have no idea what goes on the mind of a cat and it scares me a little! They are loyal at feeding time and when they want a warm lap to sit on, but I see them as loners; so different from dogs with their displays of affection and amazing abilities. Run!!!

    Visit Keith's Ramblings!

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  13. Thanks, everyone, for commenting on Vanessa's post. My cat and I read with interest :-)

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