Interview with Cosmo the Cat, owner of Melissa Burmester

Say hello to Cosmo, spoiled cat and proud owner of Melissa Burmester... who happens to be a 15-year old author! Yes, this talented young lady is the published author of the vampire teen novel, Ginger High.

And here to tell us all about it is Cosmo...

Thanks for stopping by this side of the woods, Cosmo. How did you come to live with Melissa?

Hello, my name is Cosmo, I was born in 2004. My mom and her family were looking for a pet and decided on a cat. My mom mentioned to her 5th grade teacher that she wanted to adopt a pet. The teacher’s cat just had kittens. Since I was such a handsome kitty, they decided to take me home. I was a terror in the beginning scratching at the furniture and I quickly learned not to do that. I love my whole family. They spoil me!

I understand Melissa is a 15-year old published author! How cool is that! When did she start writing?

She began to write the novel when she was 12 years old. I would see her writing short stories, but she spent the most time on “Ginger High”.

I hear she likes to write about vampires. What's her book about? Tell us all about it!

As my mom was typing, I could see that the book was about a very special school called Ginger High. The students who went there had mystical powers. There were many unexplained murders at the school. Daisy Fisher attended the school after her old school burned down and she realizes that she also has a special gift. She befriends Matthias, Amanta and Taeru who come to earth via a portal from a parallel universe. One of her friends is a vampire and she plays an important part in the storyline. I do not want to tell you anymore because I do not want to give the whole story away. I loved the cover, it looks sooo cool. I hope you like my mom’s book. I had fun watching her write it.

Do you give her ideas for her writing? What do you do while she works?

I always tell her to put a lot of cats (I do not like dogs) in the story but she did not listen to me. Maybe in the next book she will put in a cat or two. I can only wish! I like to jump on her lap, purring, and she has to stop working for 15 minutes so she can pet me. I can be very persuasive, and I will never give up. If she writes on the table, I like to sit on the laptop keys. It is so warm and cozy.

What do you mean you don't like dogs? Okay, I'll pretend I didn't hear that! So, when does Melissa write? During her school hours?

She told me that she would write during lunch. She was allowed to use a laptop during school time. My mom loves to write in the living room on the recliner. When the fireplace is lit, I like to lie near it and sleep.

What do her friends think of her? Are they supportive? What about her teachers?

One of her 8th grade teachers was told about the book and she mentioned it to her class. They were so excited that they invited her to the 2009 graduation and gave her an award. Boy was she excited. I wanted to go but everyone said I had to stay home. I love to ride in the car. Her friends have all read the book and loved it.

How did she publish her book? Was it difficult?

She tried to get an agent, but she was rejected many times. She decided to self- publish. It took about 2 months for it to be published. My other mom, Eileen, helped her to find the right publisher.

Well, good for herAny last words?

Thanks for interviewing me Amigo. Check out my mom’s website at www.gingerhigh.com where you can buy an autographed copy.

She also has a cool blog http://melissa-gingerhigh.blogspot.com/. (meow)

Thank you, Cosmo! You should be mighty proud of your young author mom!