Why am I Sitting Outside in the Cold?
Kitten and Writer Training? and some news
In this post, you’ll find:
A reflection on the effectiveness of kitten training and writer training
Brief news about events
A Reflection on the Effectiveness of Kitten Training and Writer Training
In the summer, I decided to challenge myself to get more outside time throughout the year, no matter how cold, rainy, or unpleasant it might get.
One way I decided was to write outside every morning on our back deck. This was wonderful in the early summer mornings.
In late June, we rescued a kitten from the humane society. We brought her home, renamed her, and kept her inside despite her energetic indoor parkour playfulness. We have always had indoor-outdoor cats, but I hoped to train her in a few basics before we did any outdoor time.
When I would sit outside on my back deck to write every morning, she would stare at me through the window looking sad. We tried a kitten play tent, and thankfully, we received a full return on our money when we sent it back, because she did not like being inside of it on our back deck.
Finally, I relented and let her outside with me while I was writing each morning. She stayed on the back deck and in a fenced yard near it. It became our routine.
Routine is the best method for training a cat or a human, even a writerly human.
It turns out, she really loves coming outside every morning, except when it’s raining.
That worked for me, despite my earlier challenge to get outside even in the rain, I am somewhat reluctant when it’s coming down at more than a misty drip, or if the wind is pushing the rain under the overhang where I have my little chair and table.
It turns out that even though we live in an area where we get marine air, as well as the usual dampness of the Pacific Northwest, most mornings are good mornings to write outside.
But today is October 30th. The air temperature is 39 degrees. The sun is just coming up. I’m wearing two layers and a knit beanie. I may need to invest in some fingerless gloves.
Why? Because I am sitting outside writing on my back deck.
Why would I do this? Because my cute kitten-cat is in a habit and I did challenge myself to do this, so when she went out the door this morning and ran to my cheap folding table (this is not fancy lawn furniture I’m writing on) and then back to me, meowing, I knew what she wanted. I tried to talk her out of it, but she kept running back and forth and I decided I could keep up with my challenge, at least one more day.
So, I’m sitting outside in the cold, writing. My kitten-cat ignored me most of the time I’ve been out here, but it’s been an hour, and she just walked by, ready to go in. We have to keep our schedule, you know. It’s time for her morning nap. I have a bit of other work to do, some stretching, and then I’ll write again for a bit while she sleeps.
You may wonder, did I ever train her in those basics I mentioned earlier? Actually, yes. She does come when called by voice or by clicker. She likes getting praised, petted, and played with for a reward, but also expects a singular treat offering that she may or may not actually eat. She might be slightly spoiled.
But she is helping her human get outside every day, regardless of temperature.
I’m not sure if we’ll keep going if it gets below freezing. We’ll find out.
Brief News About Events in November
This is part you expected in a newsletter, right? Hopefully, you don’t mind the bit of reflection now and then.
I will be teaching a class called “Indie Authors: All the Freedom, All the Choices” and speaking on a panel “Keys to a Successful Writers Group” at Write in the Harbor is this coming weekend, November 3rd and 4th in Gig Harbor, Washington and hosted by Tacoma Community College at their Gig Harbor branch.
Then, I’ll attend 20Books Vegas, an Indie Author Conference in Las Vegas November 6-10. I’m going to learn and hopefully meet some new author friends. :)
There are two more days for these two Bookfunnel Events:
Scifi and Fantasy Megasale October
About the Books
You can find news and information about my books at my website Tyrean’s Tales
Book highlight for October: Dark Blade: Forged is on pre-order for next year!
You've got commitment to go outside in 39 degree temps. I wouldn't...unless paid. Hence why I was outside this morning in the snow and 32 degree weather for an hour. LOL I was layered up and had coffee.
You’re very brave to stick to your outdoor schedule in 39 degree temps! My fingers would cramp and my brain would lock up. Lovely kitten you adopted. Here’s to keeping up your writing routine and to turning out some excellent prose!