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01/20/2005: "The "Cat in Lap" writing method"

A lot of writing books talk about how to be a successful writer. They say you have to learn to put “butt in seat” and stay there. Basically, the theory is that to be a writer you have to write. You have to shut up with all your excuses and just sit down and write.

The books will give you advice on how to stay there at your desk, how to keep your “butt in seat.”

Here’s a method I use:

One way to keep “butt in seat” while you write is to set a cat in your lap.

It works. The cat won’t want to move. You won’t want to move the cat. It’s cozy. Plus cats are good muses. (I have three.) Every time you start to get up out of your chair, the cat will make an annoyed, complaining meow. So, you’ll stay there just a little bit longer.

I guess you could call it the "cat in lap" method.

Of course once your legs and feet fall asleep, it’s time to get up - annoyed cat or no.