An Author Chat

with

 Lindy Lindemann

For additional information, call 941-497-5943.

Q: A Cat's Tale is much like Dr. Seuss' book, Oh, the Places You'll Go, because it can be read at different levels. What would you like children to learn from reading about Tom Cat's journey, and what would you like adults to learn?

A: The same thing! That everyone has a purpose in life. You should look for that purpose, your own special place, no matter how young or old you are...even if you have to swim against the current. Always try to keep the right perspective whether you're looking down from the sky or up from the ground. And once you've found your place in life, grow where you are replanted.

Q: Tell me about a time you had to fight the current.

A: Just one? (Laughs.) All right, here's a big one. All my life I've faced mental health issues. When I was young I was picked on a lot by other kids. Luckily, I always had quite a few people on my side to help me. Even if they just offered a kind word, that small gesture showed me they cared. I spent a long time on my own journey. Eventually, modern medicine was able to help. Now, I'm helping others by telling them to never give up.

Q: So you've found your special place in the world?

A: Yes. My job is to serve others with whatever talents I have, and to serve wherever I am placed by God. Right now, I'm developing my abilities as a writer so I can create more stories that will help others. My next book is a young adult novel about a teenager whose sister suffers from schizophrenia. Of course, I also have worked in everyday life, to help others. My mother had Alzheimer's and needed round-the-clock care. My background as an occupational therapist helped prepare me for that. It's one of the greatest gifts I can give: sharing and loving.

Q: A lot of your stories either have animals as characters or touch on the importance of nature. Where did your love of animals, especially cats, come from?

A: My family owned a variety of cats, and I've always had a basic love for them. Their intelligence makes them so very curious, and yet they're also very affectionate. It just seemed natural to use a cat for the main character in A Cat's Tale.

Q: Tell me about your favorite cat.

A: That has to be the Siamese named Teena Marie. We got her when I was three years old. She lived fifteen years, so you might say we grew up together! She could practically talk. She knew everyone in our family by name and was very good at meowing certain words. One time she found a large turtle while she was out running around. She patiently herded the turtle home by patting each side of its shell as it walked along. Animals will give you so many gifts, if you let them.

Q: In, A Cat's Tale, Tom Cat shares one name with all his brothers. His journey helps him figure out his special name. Do you have a special name?

A: (Laughs.) More than one, actually. When I was in high school, I was depressed for a while so everyone called me Grinch. (Laughs again). Nowadays, though, I go by Lindy (or Terry.) My first name is Theresa, but my aunt passed her nickname on to me. She was a special lady.

Q: The proceeds from this book are being donated to your local animal society. What made you decide to give so generously?

A: When I was in grad school, two professors of mine rescued feral kittens. They worked hard to tame the cats then found homes for them. I've always wanted to help more animals than I could just by giving them homes myself. A Cat's Tale does that.

Q: Any more cats in your future?

A: Yes! I'm putting together a collection of poetry about cats. The working title is A Catalog of Cats.

Q: So even the title is funny!

A: You have to laugh to get through life.

Q: A little wisdom from Sage Lindy?

A: (Laughs) Only a little!