10 Questions with Magic the Cat

It’s hard to believe, but I met Deborah Blake virtually all the way back in September of 2008 when I interviewed her in anticipation of her book “Everyday Witch A to Z”. The rest as they say, is history.

Of course as time passed I learned that the real creative spirit, the person behind the celebrity that is “Deborah Blake”, is actually her cat Magic. After careful negotiations I’m proud to say that I’m finally able to bring you an interview with a fantastic author, and the real celebrity. That’s right, I give you 10 questions with Magic the Cat: Queen of the Universe.

1. How did you first meet Deborah Blake?
I was stuck in this stupid cage with my mom and my siblings. Deborah came to see us at the shelter and thought she was going to take just my brother home. I politely but assertively informed her she had to take me too. (And mom, of course.) So now we all live with her. What kind of a plan is it to get ONE kitten, anyway?

2. When did you realize that she needed your assistance with her writing?
When she was writing the second book, “Everyday Witch A to Z”. There was a LOT of stuff in that book; she clearly needed help. And she had “Ask Onyx” letters for her—it was obvious that someone needed to answer the “Dear Magic” letters!

3. How many books have you assisted her with so far?
That I’ve gotten credit for? Three: “Everyday Witch A to Z” (2008), “Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook” (2009), and the one we just finished writing, “50 Rituals for the Everyday Witch”. But really, I help her with everything she writes, even if my name isn’t mentioned. Somebody has to keep her on track, or none of us would get fed!

4. I’ve heard that Deborah has just sent her sixth book to Llewellyn Worldwide for review. Can you tell us a little bit about what to expect and the part you played in its creation?
Meow! I love the new book! It was my idea, in fact. She was trying to figure out what to write next, and I whispered in her ear that she should write a book of rituals for a year of magical practice. [She thinks it was her idea though, so don’t tell her.] There are 50 rituals in all, including 12 New Moons and 12 Full Moons, all 8 Sabbats, and some rituals for celebration (weddings and such) as well as the practical application of magick (you know, prosperity, love, and all that).

5. Is your writing with Deborah collaborative process or do you each work independently?
We definitely work together; she’d be lost without me! I usually sit on the top of the desk (if possible with my fuzzy butt right in front of the monitor) or on her lap. In fact, as she types this for me (my paws don’t work all that well on the keyboard) I am sitting on the desktop. You know, right on top of the notes she thought she needed to use. Snicker.

6. Do the other cats in the household ever contribute to the creative process?
No. Not at all. I’m the only creative one in the bunch. So I should get all the catnip. Just for the record.

7. Do you feel you’re a role model for other cats, and if so, how to do you handle the responsibility?
Well, yes—yes I do. And it is quite the burden. I need extra food just to keep my strength up. And treats, of course. I think all the people who read my (and Deborah’s) books should send me treats.

8. If my readers want to see and hear more from you, where can they go?
I have been trying to get Deborah to give me my own Facebook page. But for now, they will have to check me out at Deborah’s website www.deborahblakehps.com and blog http://deborahblake.blogspot.com or on her accounts on Facebook and Twitter.

9. Now that book six for Llewellyn is nearing completion, what other projects can my readers look forward to?
Well…she did just start on a new super-sekrit project…but I’m not allowed to tell what it is. Really, my lips are sealed. Unless you have treats. Oh, hey—is that a treat? Okay, it might have something to do with goddesses. But that’s all you get out of me. Unless you have another treat…

10. Parting shot! Ask us here at The Magical Buffet any one question.
Okay. Here’s my question: do you think black cats are really bad luck? Or just so good looking that everyone is jealous of them?

Everyone is jealous of them, obviously.

About Magic the Cat and her Owner Deborah Blake:
Deborah Blake is the author of “Circle, Coven and Grove: A Year of Magickal Practice” (Llewellyn 2007), “Everyday Witch A to Z: An Amusing, Inspiring & Informative Guide to the Wonderful World of Witchcraft” (Llewellyn 2008), “The Goddess is in the Details: Wisdom for the Everyday Witch” (Llewellyn2009), “Everyday Witch A to Z Spellbook” (July 2010) and “Witchcraft on a Shoestring” (September 2010). She has published numerous articles in Pagan publications, including the Llewellyn Almanacs and her ongoing column in Witches & Pagans Magazine. Her award-winning short story, “Dead and (Mostly) Gone” is included in the Pagan Anthology of Short Fiction: 13 Prize Winning Tales (Llewellyn, 2008). She is represented by agent Elaine Spencer of The Knight Agency.

When not writing, Deborah runs The Artisans’ Guild, a cooperative shop she founded with a friend in 1999, and also works as a jewelry maker. She lives in a 100 year old farmhouse in rural upstate New York with five cats who supervise all her activities, both magickal and mundane.

Magic the Cat (full title—Magic the Cat, Queen of the Universe) is one of Deborah’s five cats, but the only familiar and writer among them. She is black, which contrary to popular belief is actually lucky. She loves seafood, fruit of all kinds (especially raspberries and blueberries), and prefers to eat off of Deborah’s plate whenever possible. She is the reincarnated spirit of an Egyptian Pharaoh’s daughter, which is why she loves fruit and doesn’t believe that ANY of the rules apply to her.