Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Twofer Tuesday- Catspiration

I decided to crack open a Zane Grey a few days ago. It's been interesting. I can't help but be 12 years old sometimes, though, and his choice of name for the Bad Guy makes me smile. It is unlikely that today this character name would make it to a mainstream novel.
Here are a few sentences from Valley of Wild Horses, by Zane Grey, Pocket Books, copyright 1927.

"Pan's cup was full. The days flew by. Snow and cold were nothing to him. Not even study, and the ever-malicious Dick Hardman could daunt his spirit."

I'm closing in on A Fly on the Wall, I think. I expect to wind it up within a few thousand words.
In this scene the characters in the main frame of the story have gathered at Mrs. Phlebos' house.

"A fluffy cat with the build the feline equivalent of a linebacker strode into the kitchen and rubbed up against Nick.
' This is Pussums Manynaps. He seems to like you. That’s good. If Pussums didn’t I’d have to ask you to leave.' ”




The neighbor's cat, Panther, has been so helpful to me while writing A Fly on the Wall that I thought it ought to be in it. Kitty was the inspiration for Pussums Manynaps.
Above, the Pussums model spends quality time in a cardboard box under the clothestree.

For more or to get in on the fun please see the Women of Mystery.

12 comments:

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I picked up some first edition Zane Greys at an estate sale last year. They were in nice condition and I gave them to my father at Christmas. I haven't ever read Zane Grey, myself.

the Bag Lady said...

Pussums Manynaps is a perfect addition to your story! I'm looking forward to reading it in it's entirety.
And Panther looks very content in that cardboard box.

Leah J. Utas said...

Bunnygirl, I quite enjoy Zane Grey. He's a good storyteller.

dfBag Lady, why thank you. I am sure the Pussums model would agree.
Panther was so happy in that box.

Barbara Martin said...

Pussums Manynaps: a perfect name for a cat character. The model appears to be well acquainted with you. Did said animal character arrive via the mirror?

Leah J. Utas said...

Thank you, Barbara.
I wish I'd thought of using the mirror that way. Dang. Pussums is a regular feline, if there is such a thing.

The neigbour seems to have adopted us.

Laura K. Curtis said...

Oooh, what a lovely cat. I had a black cat, myself. I had to give him away, though, when I discovered I was massively allergic.

Laura K. Curtis said...

Oh, and I forgot to say that as bizarre as Dick Hardman may be, the James Lee Burke novel I just finished features a sheriff named Hackberry Holland. Hackberry? Really? Every time I read the name, I ended up adding an extra syllable in my head so it was "Hackleberry", which for some reason sounded better to me.

Leah J. Utas said...

Too bad about your cat allergies. I find kitties are good for the creativity.
Love the Hackleberry. Seems to me there such a thing as a Hackberry, but I can't recall what it's good for.

Thomma Lyn said...

SQUEE! Panther is precious. And I so relate to Catspiration!

There is no doubt in my mind -- I would love A Fly on the Wall. And Pussums Manynaps -- what a purrfect name for a big floofy feline!

Leah J. Utas said...

Thomma Lyn, Pussums and I thank you for your kind words.

Panther is the sweetest pussycat I have ever known. It's too bad we can't call him our own.

I knew you'd understand about Catspiration.

Clare2e said...

You and your awesome character names, Leah! Dickens is green in his grave!

Leah J. Utas said...

Aw, Clare2e, thanks.