What inspired you to write "Katz Kan!!! A Katz Perspective"?
The inspiration for Katz Kan!!! A Katz Perspective came from a vivid dream where I found myself walking through a grand manor house or museum. While exploring, I stumbled upon a portrait on a wall, in an elaborate antique frame, featuring the five members of the Katz family. This experience led to the story being "downloaded" into my mind, as if delivered in its entirety through a sudden, surreal flash of creativity. The portrait of the Katz family in this dream sparked the idea that these characters had a unique and powerful tale to tell. I feel as if I was transcribing the script from a movie that I had "watched" as opposed to creating characters and scenarios.
How did you come up with the unique concept of blending cat fiction with coming-of-age themes?
The fusion of cat fiction with coming-of-age elements emerged organically from the vision in the dream. The dream's characters, five distinct Katz family members, were imagined as navigating the complexities of growth, identity, and responsibility. The metaphor of a cat’s independence and curiosity naturally lent itself to exploring the journey of self-discovery and maturation. The story merges feline instincts with the struggles of adolescence, creating a perfect blend of fantasy and real-world issues. The cats and dogs theme emerged within the dream. I feel as if I have been given the task of sharing the story with the world.
Can you tell us more about the main characters and their development throughout the story?
The five Katz family members are each unique, embodying different aspects of personality and growth. Their development is shaped by their experiences, both as individuals and within the family unit. As the narrative progresses, readers witness their inner struggles, growth in character, and the deepening bond between them. Each character reflects a particular stage of self-discovery, symbolizing different facets of the human (or feline) condition—whether it’s learning to trust, overcoming fear, or realizing the strength within one's self and in unity.
What message or moral do you hope readers take away from the book?
Katz Kan!!! A Katz Perspective carries the message of resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of embracing individuality. By following the Katz family’s journey, readers learn that even the most seemingly aloof or independent individuals need connection, understanding, and courage to navigate life’s challenges. The book promotes empathy, the power of family (in its many forms), and the idea that everyone has a unique role to play in the world, as well as the the theme that even when one is the under dog, or cat in this case, with the odds against you, you can, with tenacity, go the distance and overcome that which first appeared insurmountable to achieve victory.
How do you think the dynamic between cats and dogs in your story reflects real-life relationships?
The dynamic between cats and dogs in Katz Kan!!! mirrors the contrasts found in many real-life relationships—opposing personalities, competition, and the struggle for dominance or understanding. Yet, despite these differences, the story highlights how even the most unlikely of companions can learn to coexist and find common ground, ultimately supporting each other’s growth. The relationship between cats and dogs in the story serves as a metaphor for overcoming gender, societal and personal divides.
What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
The most challenging part of writing Katz Kan!!! was integrating the mystical, dream-like quality of the story with grounded, relatable character development and instilling a thread of moral fibre throughout. While the dream served as a clear source of inspiration, translating its esoteric elements into a coherent narrative that readers could connect with emotionally required careful balance. Blending fantasy with a coming-of-age story that still felt accessible was a rewarding but demanding process.
Are any of the characters or events in "Katz Kan!!!" inspired by real-life experiences or people you know?
While the characters themselves were derived from the portrait seen in the dream, aspects of their personalities are reflective of people tat I have encountered in life. The family dynamics, moments of conflict, and individual growth all contain echoes of real-world interactions and emotions, albeit channelled through the symbolic lens of feline characters.
How do you think "Katz Kan!!!" stands out among other young adult books?
Katz Kan!!! distinguishes itself through its unique blend of anthropomorphic fantasy and deep emotional themes. Unlike many young adult books that focus on either action or romance, Katz Kan!!! offers a rich, layered narrative that weaves together mystical elements with the universal coming-of-age experience. Its origin in a dream gives it an otherworldly depth that stands apart from more formulaic stories. Not to mention that the book is less than a hundred pages, making it not only a condensed page-turning adventure, but also affording parents and children or teachers and students to discuss many of the coming of age themes highlighted in the book.
What role does fantasy play in your story, and how did you balance it with the coming-of-age elements?
Fantasy plays a crucial role in Katz Kan!!!, serving as a vehicle for exploring deeper themes of identity, purpose, and transformation. The dream-like aspects of the story, such as the talking cats and their metaphysical journey, allow for creative expression of these themes. The balance comes from grounding the fantastical elements in real emotional experiences, making the Katz family’s journey relatable to readers going through their own life transitions.
Can you share a bit about the short story segment within the book and its significance to the main plot?
The short story segment within Katz Kan!!! acts as a tale within the tale, offering readers a deeper glimpse into the history and legacy of the Katz family. It provides essential context for the characters' present-day challenges and motivations. This segment serves to enrich the narrative by revealing the spiritual or ancestral roots that continue to influence the Katz family, creating a more layered plot.
What kind of research, if any, did you do to create the world of "Katz Kan!!!"?
Much of the world-building in Katz Kan!!! came from intuitive inspiration derived from the dream accompanied by my own sparks of humour and creativity.. However, I also researched feline behaviour, family dynamics, and common coming-of-age themes to ensure that the Katz family’s journey felt authentic and relatable. The symbolic roles of cats in mythology and literature were also explored to add depth to the characters.
How do you handle writer's block or creative slumps while working on a project like this?
Writer's block was often overcome by revisiting the dream that inspired the story. By returning to that initial vision, I found renewed inspiration and clarity which allowed me to see the landscape thru the eyes of each character. When needed, stepping away from the manuscript for a time and allowing the subconscious to work also helped. Meditative practices and walks on the beach helped facilitate the "downloading" and crystallizing process of the story into my mind.
What are some of your favorite books or authors that influenced your writing style for "Katz Kan!!!"?
Influences include classic coming-of-age tales like The Catcher in the Rye and The Chronicles of Narnia for their ability to blend personal growth with imaginative storytelling. Authors like C.S. Lewis, known for his use of allegory and fantasy, had a particular impact on the style and themes of Katz Kan!!!.
Do you have plans for a sequel or future projects related to "Katz Kan!!!"? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?
A sequel is certainly possible. The ending of Katz Kan!!! A Katz Perspective alludes to one of the characters continuing the next "perspective/" The book will have to be read to have a clearer understanding of my previous statement.
What are your thoughts on AllAuthor? Is this a website you see yourself using for some time, even in the future?
AllAuthor has been a valuable platform for connecting with readers and fellow authors. The community aspect, coupled with its promotional tools, makes it an excellent resource for ongoing engagement and book promotion. It’s definitely a website that I see myself using well into the future to share updates and new works related to Katz Kan!!!.
