Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

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I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

A Celebration!


Let's blast the trumpets and break out the wine! Or, if you don't imbibe, we'll do it in reverse: break out the trumpets and blast the wine!

J.R. Mackenzie is now the proud owner of her own author website which I am happy to say has a few pictures of me on it.
And--the first book in the Temptation of Christ Parish series is complete. She's been fiddling with the manuscript for about five years now and word has already gotten out to frighteningly good critiques.

Here's the conversation we had when she laid the news on me:

JR: Our site is done. Finally. Done, done, done!

TOM: (hesitates) Um, remember, you told me a Sister Paul Marie said 'only turkeys are done,' and to use the term correctly. You're a writer, you should know these things.

JR: Oh, for heaven's sake, Tom. Not another digression.

TOM: Okay, okay. (pauses) Do I have to confess this one?

JR: Huh?

TOM: You said we have to confess them.

JR: Transgressions, Tom, transgressions, not digressions. Besides, I only said that to keep you on track.

TOM: Oh, that's mean.

JR: Never mind. Let's start over. The site is finished and there's the book, too.

TOM: (a mite sarcastically) Wow!

JR: Everything came together. I'm so happy.

TOM: I'm impressed.

JR: Now, all I need is an agent.

TOM: A what?

JR: You know, a literary agent. Someone to help me find a publisher.

TOM: Oh, that kind of agent. (stops to think) I know one.

JR: You do?

TOM: Sure. A really nice one. Talk to him all the time.

JR: Well.....?

TOM: He wasn't impressed. Said you didn't have a prayer.

JR: (gulps) No?

TOM: None.

JR: Not even one single rosary bead?

TOM: Not even.

JR: That's mean.

TOM: Just kidding..

Got her, didn't I? No, I love her book and I think you will, too. If you want more information, go to my address book above for the link. I'll continue my blog about this 'n that around here with occasional visits by you-know-who. You're invited to go right to the site, read the book's excerpts, her bio, and don't forget to sign up for the contest! C'mon--you know you want to, even if it means listening to a talking cat.

Hugs to all. (I'll keep you posted on the agent part.)
--  Tom


8 comments:

Brian's Home Blog said...

The new site is totally wonderful and everyone should be keeping tabs on it!

Everycat said...

We wish you all the best with the book (and getting an agent) We like your new site very much. Fun and professional.

Whicky Wuudler

Karen Jo said...

Congratulations to JR on getting her site and book both finished. I wish both of you the best of luck in all your endeavors.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

Nice to meet you Father Tom and it is great to learn about JR.

I know, I will purr for JR!

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Thank you all for coming to visit and commenting! To Karen Jo and Pierro, come back any time, you're most welcome! To Brian and Everycat--all I can say is that you guys are the best! (I feel as if I've just walked into a great party and I'm being introduced all around..a nice feeling for a Maine Coon like me. You know how we like to talk..

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We've heard of library cats before, but never a church cat. You are our first! We love your blog!

I is Jake said...

Tom yoo sound like fun. I loves to play PLAY play. Yoo wudnt mind if a woofie came to visit? My mom says I act like a kitteh if that helps?

OHBOYOHBOYOHBOY

::springs in my feet::
::springs in my feet::

I is Jake!

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Laila and Minchie and I is Jake~Thanks for the kind words! It's been a fun ride this past week. I'm glad you were a part of it. I can't wait to tell you all that's happening around here!