Thanks to Alana Joli Abbott for a recent interview just out today: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/an-interview-with-vicki-spandel
I so appreciated the chance to tell a little of the back story of No Ordinary Cat–especially with the sequel about to come out. That sequel, by the way, has a new title . . .
Finding Waihona
In a recent post, I identified the second book in the Singular Cat Series as Heroes in Hiding. Turns out, that title had been taken–repeatedly! The new title is Finding Waihona. And it has a very special meaning.
Waihona is a Hawaiian word for a place to keep valuable items–such as books. Hale waihona puke is Hawaiian for building that stores books: the library.
In my story, Waihona is a hidden lookout where Rufus and his feral friend Asha seek refuge from a coyote on the hunt. For two human characters, Jack and Lexi, that lookout becomes a sanctuary, an other-worldly retreat where they escape everyday life to share innermost feelings and dreams.
The Secret to Sequels
Like many readers, I didn’t give much thought to the way sequels are choreographed–until I had to write one. Turns out, you cannot just pick up the story where you stopped and move on. That works in face-to-face storytelling, but not in writing.
To work, a sequel must make a reader feel at home in the text, not as if they’ve come into the middle of a conversation and have to scramble to catch up. Connections to all that’s gone before are important–but a writer needs to make them without being redundant. This, I found, is harder than it sounds.
And of course, a sequel must also advance a bigger story. It must answer the question What happens now? And the answer to that question needs to top anything that’s gone before. It’s surprising what an enormous role setting plays in all this.
To expand Rufus’s story, I had to expand his world. I had to get him beyond Mr. Peabody’s back yard and that comfy spot by the woodstove. Much as A. A. Milne did for Winnie the Pooh, I gave Rufus a whole village in which to roam. This meant, of course, danger, opportunities to get into trouble, and chances to meet new characters–humans and otherwise.
New Characters
Wild creatures have always provided heart-stopping moments for Rufus. This time around, he faces a mortal threat in the form of a coyote who wouldn’t mind having a cat for dinner. (And if you think Jeni Kelleher’s coyote looks menacing, wait until you meet Millie, a Pacific octopus.)
In Finding Waihona, Rufus encounters a few new human characters as well. Among them, a fisherman who knows a thing or two about baseball–and about kids. A profoundly shy young pitcher whose talent could take him far if he could ever come to believe in himself. And a science teacher who uses his volcanic voice like a weapon.
Mrs. Lin and Mr. Peabody will also be back–opening a whole new chapter in their lives.
Finding Waihona is in the final stages of production and will be released later this month. Stand by for an announcement.
It will be followed later this year by the third book in the trilogy, Asha, Queen of Cats. Asha has a small fan club of her own. An amazing number of people are drawn to this creature of the wild. One reader said, “I was so happy when she didn’t stay with Mr. Peabody!” Indeed, Asha is at home only in the wilderness–no sitting by the hearth for her. She steps back into civilization only long enough to make sure Rufus doesn’t get too domesticated. It’s time this other singular cat had her own story, and Book 3 will give her just that.
Secrets to Great Revision
I have learned more about revision writing these fictional books than I ever imagined possible. As I continue to work on Asha, Queen of Cats, I want to share some of what I’ve learned in the form of brief easy-to-follow revision lessons you can take into the classroom. Look for these in weeks to come.
Thanks for stopping by, Happy New Year (May 2022 be memorable for the right reasons), and if you have time, don’t forget to read my Kirkus interview. Thank you, Alana–and thanks to all of you.
Six Trait Gurus 