How to Care for Your New WIP, Kitten-Style

Man, January - it went by so fast! Seems like just yesterday ol' Jan and I were frolicking together in the Field of Apocalyptic Thundersnow... I mean, Dreams. Yeah, that.

Well, I hope you all had a fabulous first month to your 2011! Mine went by fast, I think, because I've been all wrapped up in this wacky new book I've been working on. It requires constant attention, and I feel like I need to be with it constantly, otherwise it's going to fall off the table and break its head open. Not unlike...

A KITTEN.

Drawing this parallel might seem crazy, and it's true that my kitten-obsessed brain is only bringing up the subject now as an excuse to spam pictures. HOWEVER, if you ask me, the process of effectively raising a kitten and of effectively developing a new Work-in-Progress are purdy darn similar!

Skeptical? Here's an unsolicited guide to caring for your new WIP... kitten-style!

STEP 1: PREPARE FOR ARRIVAL (Gather Thoughts)
Prep time! Whether you prefer to write a 10-page outline or, y'know, just sit in contemplation for a few minutes, the objective here is to create an open, yet safe environment for your new WIP (i.e. no exposed electricity sockets). Build up an idea of what you want to achieve with your writing-household's newest addition. This will be a journey with lots of twists and turns, so stock up now on inspiration, patience, and pet fur rollers. Vamos!

STEP 2: BRING IT HOME (Start Writing)
You've gone to the Idea Shop - or even better, your local Idea Rescue center - and come home with a WIP to call your own. Now it's time to test the waters! Write a little, introduce characters, and observe how the WIP reacts when you try new things, like dangling a piece of string in its face. (Answer: ADORABLY.)

Take this time to let your heart fill with boundless love for your new bundle of joy. Why? Because as little WIPpy grows and learns how fun it is to mutilate furniture, you may become frustrated and wonder what you got yourself into. It'll all be worth it, of course! (Right? Right.)

STEP 3: TRAIN IT (Get Serious)
During this stage, the WIP is the most fragile it'll ever be. It can't be pushed too hard to be perfect, or it will crack under the pressure; moreover, it can't be left on its own for too long without nurturing, or it will forget its previous progress and start ripping up your couch. You're building a literary foundation made from dedication and determination. So type with passion - full steam ahead!

STEP 4: LET IT GROW (Write That Thang)
At this point, your WIP should be gaining some autonomy. It's no longer just an idea or the fragile beginnings of a story: it is a full-blown Work (In Progress). As long as you don't stop feeding it entirely (nom nom, wordage) or forget about its existence, it will thrive. Yay!

Is it slightly less adorable, less full of endless possibilities? Sure. But with that loss of adorability comes a beautiful sense of knowing each other, of loyalty, of great days to come. Even if you worry sometimes whether it's plotting to kill you, this WIP of yours is a great friend to come home to.

And that's why cats are awesome And that's how to care for your new WIP, kitten-style! What are you working on writing-wise now? Also, have you ever raised a kitten or other baby animal? That's right, I'm not picky. (Who is when it comes to cute things?)