Client Success:  Laura Cadenhead Pens Delightful Tales of Rescue Pets in “Hollyhood Critters”

“New projects usually excite me, but my biggest surprise while writing Hollyhood Critters was my complete lack of confidence,” admitted first-time author Laura Jane Cadenhead. “I felt vulnerable, so I’d quit, but the fictional critters and their made-up stories never left me alone. They haunted me, lashing out with complaints about my slothfulness, avoidance, and downright cowardice.”

Obviously, there are life experiences grounding the plot of these make-believe tales.  In 2003, Laura and her husband Mike unwittingly dedicated their home and spare dollars to rescue pets.  These pets surrounded the couple day and night with their unique personalities, antics, and disasters. When Laura ignited her imagination to give voice to them in the 23 tales, the critters went on wild and wonderful adventures upstairs, in the basement and backyard, as well as way beyond the fence.

The pack includes Cally, the wise yet shifty calico cat; Tsali, the overtly anxious, sock-obsessed Bichon; Coco, the delusional, smart-mouthed toy Poodle; Simboss, the rash-covered, smelly Maine coon cat; and Chilly, the timid yet observant and vocal Guinea pig. Unusual as usual, the Hollyhood Critters are full of chaosity and ang-zide-ness, but even with that, this ragtag pet family all agree “the pack is right!”

Critter Speak is the rescues’ way of communicating. While using their ears to listen to Mike and Laura, barking, meowing, or chittering responses, the pets also have their own conversations and clashes through nature’s gift of telepathy.  This also works with new arrivals and wild animals.

Laura, a retired public school teacher who loves biking, hiking, camping, and teaching yoga, penned this book with children and families in mind. Yet, the fanciful stories have proven to be very accessible, even adored, by adults of all ages.

Over her years of writing and revision, Laura discovered, “The more I write, the less I doubt myself as a writer.  And from the convoluted, misaligned pages I sent, Wayne’s heartfelt, constructive coaching consistently lifted my writing ambitions and directed the work itself.”

“I encourage budding writers to be open to seeking and receiving the professional help you need. Find a coach, editor, and project manager like Wayne who teaches new approaches while guiding toward solutions.  He managed the process to publishing, directing illustrator Kevin Gosselin on his path to bring the characters and settings to life on the cover and through the interior artwork.  Then, Jera Publishing designed the interior and administered details with the printer.”

“Also, if you struggle, keep talking to your characters. They will talk back and keep you inspired to write.” Holding a copy of her newly published book, she smiled and added, “Now, I know I am a writer, and through sharing advanced copies to adults and reading to children, I’ve learned I can touch people’s hearts through the stories of the Hollyhood Critters.”

The softcover book and e-book are available at retailers around the world. Laura suggests you take a look at Bookshop.org.  Through buyers’ choices, this unique seller supports independent bookstores, thus far $40 million over their five years on the web.

And join her book signing events and author’s appearances, including those where Laura reads a tale or two to children in local libraries. Laura also welcomes offers to share her book with groups in person and online.

And as if inspiration one day arrived on her doorstep, Hollyhood Critters, Volume 2 is already underway!  Nowadays, Laura is eager to explore her creative writing adventures while one or more adoptees—a cat, a Guinea pig, a dog or two—accompany her tippy-typing away on her keyboard.