by Julie Lux, editor, goodnewsforpets.com

Until last month, Amy Shojai had served as the first and only president of the Cat Writers Association, Inc. During her term in office, the organization has grown from the independently held dream of two dedicated writers to an association with nearly 200 members. The CWA hosts an annual national conference and awards program and, most importantly to Shojai, had nurtured and encouraged many aspiring writers who are now successful published authors. As she turns over the top spot to Kim Thornton, Shojai looks back on her term in office and how the organization got started in the first place.

"I was a member of the Dog Writers Association and lamented the fact that there was not a similar group for cat writers," Amy recalled. She was not the only one interested in forming such an organization. "I didn't know it, but Michael Brim had had the same idea for a number of years."

When the Cat Fanciers Association brought their international cat show to Fort Worth, Texas in 1992, Shojai used the opportunity to begin to realize her goal. "I wrote letters to cat publication editors and contributors inviting them to a meeting to discuss forming an organization for cat writers," she said. "There were four of us at that initial meeting, Michael Brim, Debbie Phillips Donaldson and Suzanne Stowe from Fancy Publications and me." The group spent hours mapping out a plan but Shojai was a bit surprised when Brim announced the formation of the association at the CFA banquet that evening.

Propelled into action by that public announcement, the association began to take shape. "I told them I'd do any job but Treasurer," Shojai said. "Suzanne agreed to be the first treasurer, Debbie became the Secretary and Michael signed on as Vice President, so that left me to be President."

The founding four recruited a charter board of directors and began sending out news releases and letters announcing the new association. By the summer of 1993, there were 34 charter members and by the following fall, the Cat Writers Association boasted nearly 100 in its ranks. Today, the CWA membership fluctuates between 180 and 200.

For Shojai, one of the most satisfying accomplishments of the association's development was the first conference, held in Atlanta, Ga. in 1994. Primary goals of the Cat Writers always have been to promote networking and celebrate good writing about cats. "There were five or six sessions at that first conference," Shojai said. "About 18 people attended the sessions and less than 50 at the awards banquet. But, it was a very uplifting and rewarding event for me, to see the dedication of the people who had worked so hard to make this event possible." The meeting was the first annual, they confidently proclaimed, and that goal, too, has been realized. The 2000 convention in Kansas City illustrates the growth of the event, attracting 70 people to the conference session and more than 110 for the awards banquet.

"I am especially proud of the mentoring that goes on within our organization," Shojai noted. "That is the realization of a goal of Michael's and mine, to give new writers a foot up that was not available when we were starting out."

Shojai's career as a writer began when she was working as a veterinary technician. "I'd tell stories, happy stories, funny stories, heart breaking stories, about the pets I worked with to my mom," she recalled. "My mom said, 'Amy, you need to write those down." And I did, and for a year and a half to two years, I didn't get anything published."

Finally, the then-editor of Dog Fancy, "took pity on me," Shojai remembered. "I still have the rejection letter she sent me. Even though she didn't buy that article, she said that I had talent and gave me suggestions on how to improve my work.

"I sent her another story and she worked with me through two revisions before publishing it. And, she published the next five or six stories I submitted." It is this experience of talking with experienced writers and editors, of asking for advice and help that makes the Cat Writers Association so beneficial. It's the greatest benefit for new writers and for seasoned veterans as well. "If a member is working on a story and needs information, they can send out an e-mail to our list to see if anyone has experience with that subject," Shojai explained.

Now, with 16 books to her credit, and three coming out in the next year, Shojai knows the benefits of Cat Writers Association membership first hand. "My agent sent the idea for my new book, First Aid Companion for Dogs and Cats, to everyone. And, everyone turned it down," she said. "Then, at a Cat Writers convention, I happened to mention the idea to an editor from Rodale Press and they decided to publish it."

While Shojai diplomatically says that she is "an equal opportunity pet lover" her current companion is a cat, Seren, short for Serendipity. "She's my editor," Shojai said. "Every piece of paper in the office has her teeth marks on it." However, several of her books are dedicated to her German Shepherd, Fafnir, in fact, the first article she had published was about her late dog.

With her role in the Cat Writers changing from president to board member, Shojai hopes to have more time to indulge in her hobby of making stained glass, working in the rose garden, "My husband has more than 500 roses" and possibly realizing her ultimate dream, "to have horses."

For new president, Kim Thornton, Shojai advises, "Have faith in your self and your decisions. Rely on your colleagues for advice. Most of all have fun." And, Shojai plans to remain active in the association she was instrumental in founding. "It's my baby, I'm not going too far away."

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