Today, we're talkign to Niki Anderson. Welcome, Niki. You are writing nonfiction. Do you also write fiction?
I don’t write fiction but I use a basic fiction structure for writing the anecdotes and stories that serve as examples in supporting my non-fiction themes.
What would you like for our readers to know about you personally?
That I’m just like them. I’m not exempt from the vagaries of life just because I’m an author and teacher. When I share the upshot of a story, you can be sure I was first the learner-student, and only secondly, am I the teacher-author. I write from my heart and experience, not from religious theory. A quote at the bottom of my author bio best describes my motivation for writing. “I delight in sharing the truths that are vital to my own life.”
Tell us about your family.
My husband is a retired manufacturing engineer. He now volunteers once weekly transporting veterans to their appointments at our nearby vet’s hospital. He builds craftsman furniture as a hobby (believe me, I’m blessed!), works part-time as a bike mechanic at REI (we both love bicycling), and rides a Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the summertime—with me on the backside if there’s a restaurant dinner at the end of the ride! Best of all, he loves me supremely; he’s the best prize a woman could win. Married 36 years in May, we have two married adult children, Jodie and J.J., and two granddaughters, ages three and seven.
Have you written other nonfiction books?
My four books include three inspirational non-fiction cat story titles and a gardening book, which is also a devotional collection.
What other books have you written, and where can the readers of the blog find them?
My bestseller, What My Cat Has Taught Me About Life (300,000 sold), and a second collection, Ins-pur-r-rational Stories for Cat Lovers, are still available at Amazon, and in new and used editions from dozens of Amazon vendors. Whiskers, Wit, and Wisdom: True Cat Tales and the Lessons They Teach, my latest, was released in July 2009. It can be ordered from any bookstore (Barnes and Nobles, etc.), from www.christianbook.com and on Amazon. The gardening book, What I Learned from God While Gardening, is out-of-print but available online.
Do you have any other books in the works right now?
I’m taking a break due to bursitis in my shoulder which doesn’t resolve without a keyboard recess. But I’m currently blogging on the topic of lifestyle balance, a subject I love.
Where on the Internet can the readers find you?
My website is http://www.nikianderson.net/ and my blog page is listed on the home page, or go directly to the blog at www.nikianderson.net/apps/blog .
What kinds of hobbies and leisure activities do you enjoy?
Gardening, entertaining girlfriends and couples, antique collecting, and serving high tea in my home are all hobbies that renew me. Reading, of course, is like savoring chocolate; I love everything from poetry and Bible commentaries, to history, literary fiction, and how-to nonfiction. And believe it or not, I even love housecleaning! This year I’m also cooking and serving a once-monthly ethnic dinner for my son and daughter-in-law. Thus far, we’ve feasted on fare from Russia, France, and England. Next month we’ll sample classic Thai. The best part is the guarantee of an evening of fellowship around a wonderful meal.
Why did you write the featured book?
After two previous cat books, I supposed I would move on to a new subject. But I kept hearing cat stories that begged to be told. I filed the stories, and at last, I decided to write a third collection. And naturally, Myles my red tabby, and Claw-dia my husband’s Maine Coon, were quite pleased with the decision.
What do you want the reader to take away from the book?
All my books point to a warm and approachable God. I want readers to view Him as an accessible Father who is both all-loving and altogether practical. The cat stories are merely a bridge to the heart of the cat lover, helping the reader to identify with the great spiritual truths of the Bible through the storyline of a true cat tale. The book is effective, by the way, for people not yet acquainted with a personal God. I don’t use religious jargon in the crossover, and I present God as the irresistible Friend for whom everyone longs.
Thank you, Niki, for the interesting interview.
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http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/
Would love a chance to win a copy! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love cats and would love to read this book.
ReplyDeleteHi Katrina and Wendy, You both must be cat owners (rather, those owned by cats!). All of you cat purr-sons may send me pics of your kitties and I'll post them on the MEOWcellaneous page of my website. www.nikianderson.net
ReplyDeleteGreat interview, ladies! I'm very interested in reading this book; I love the Lord and I love cats! It's the perfect combination. : )
ReplyDeleteI have two cats of my own, Jasmine and Bear, and they certainly *own* me, lol. ;-)
Thank you for entering me in the drawing.
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net
These sound like the perfect books for my Mum (and I always enjoy reading her books too).
ReplyDeleteI love cats, too. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeletehismercysurrounding(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would love to win! Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteSounds very different. Would love to read. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarla
I enjoyed reading your review. Thanks.
ReplyDeletegahome2mom/at/gmail/dot/com
I love cats and wish I could have one, but I am allergic to them. However, I am not allergic to reading about them and would love a chance to win this book.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
Dawn
I am a big a lover. I have grown up with cats all my life. My first cat's name was Mitch. He had a little gotee, reminded me of Mitch Miller.
ReplyDeletesharon54220@gmail.com
Love hearing the names of some of kitties in the comments, like your Jasmine and Bear, Michelle. I never tire of hearing new names for cats when I autograph my books. I always sign them to both the reader AND the "in loving recognition of..." the kitty. Niki
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book. I also love cats.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Trinity Rose
Hi Dawn, That's a great point. Others like you are allegic to cats but not allergic to reading stories about them. I often hear from people who regret their allergy primarily because they miss having a cat!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the wonderful, uplifting post, ladies! I must say Niki has been such an inspiration to me ~ she is so gracious and writes such beautiful books. I enjoy gifting friends and family with them. Bless you both!
ReplyDeleteWe have 11 cats..I need some humor to go along with them.
ReplyDeletelkish77123 at gmail dot com
We have 4 rescued cats right now. The littermate of my oldest cat now, passed away a few years ago. But she was a very special cat named angelica. She helped my son, with severe speech and langauge impairment, learn to talk. She was a one of a kind cat.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book.
debbie
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the cover of this book. Looks like a mischievous cat. Love to win. Thanks
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Love cats, and would love to win this book!! Thanks for the interview:)
ReplyDeletePlease enter me to win. Love the whole idea with cats. Interesting interview.
ReplyDeletecoolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com
Debbie, I've never heard about a cat who helped a child with a language impairment. I wish I'd had that story for my books. But cats continue to enhance our lives in unimaginable ways. Also glad you adopt rescued cats, as did we when Earl, Murray, and Myles joined our lives.
ReplyDeleteWould love to read the book!
ReplyDeletedancealert at aol dot com
I love animals and I'm sure I'll love this one! It's a unique type of book.
ReplyDeleteI can't think of a better combination for a topic of a book - our Heavenly Father and Cats! I have an 18 year old Himalayan Persian, Kameko. I call her my miracle because she survived our house being hit by a tornado & us not finding her until the 3rd after because we were barred from our addition due to safety concerns. Please enter me for a chance to win the book.
ReplyDeleteThanks you for a wonderful interview ~
Beverly
bgrider2@cox.net bgrider2[at]cox[dot]net
Would love to read this book. Have a cat who found us! She is named for a character in Arleta Richardson's books Grandma's Attic ....Sarah Jane!
ReplyDeleteMaureen
My sister would love this. She loves cats.
ReplyDeleteWendy
ebeandebe at gmail dot com
This sounds like a great book. Please include me.
ReplyDeletenancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
As I was reading the article my kitten was cuddled up next to my computer. She loves to have the hot air of the fan blow on her while she naps.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Lisa
Please enter me in this giveaway - Thanks!
ReplyDeleteseizethebookblog(at)gmail(dot)com
I am unashamedly a cat lover and am currently "owned" by three cats - one of my own and two that my adult children brought home (the children have moved on, but the cats stayed). I have already read and enjoyed "What My Cat Has Taught Me about Life" and love the way Niki makes cat stories inspirational. Thank you for the chance to win Niki's new book.
ReplyDeletecjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net