Answer: Peg sat down at the computer, her pile of research on cat behaviour close at hand. She
planned to write a calm story about Pete, her pet cat, and his adoption. It would be a chapter
It would be from both her own and Pete's point of view, and she
wanted to pinpoint exactly what Pete would have been thinking at every moment (hence her
research).
She started typing. "It was a cold, dreary February day. I held in my arms a cute, little helpless-"
"MEOW!"
Peg started back in her office chair and realized that Pete, her cat, had somehow gotten himself
up onto her keyboard. He had randomly deleted the last three words she had written. To her
surprise, he kept hitting keys on the keyboard, and they all made sense.
"Oh my! This must be some freaky coincidence, I guess," exclaimed Peg.
The second sentence now read, "I held in my arms a handsome, muscular and courageous cat,
who thinks that it's a freak coincidence his owner didn't realize he could read and write before!"
Peg's mouth slowly made an "O" shape, but she realized and abruptly closed it. "Something must
be up with my glasses," she said reassuringly out loud to herself. "I must remember to book an
appointment with my eye doctor tomorrow."
It's called an opthalmologist, dearie, Pete typed into the computer. And you don't need to - unless
it will interfere with how well you can read my brilliant writing. I will, of course, be co-authoring
this book with you. But first, some things will have to change. First, never describe me as
helpless. Second, let's tweak the plot just a little. Instead of the story being about how you adopted
me, it'll be about my adventures with the dog next door. Third, it has to have action, adventure,
hard choices, and suspense. And fourth, it will all be told from my point of view, not
yours. Now, I want a good title for this book within a time frame of 7 minutes. Start thinking
now!
Peg stared at the screen. She could hardly believe it, but her cat could read and
write! She didn't like how he had suddenly made himself the boss, but she had to admit Pete's
story would sell better with kids than hers.
"Pete, I like this idea, but it can't be just about you. Your experiences with the dog Charles are
just as interesting as mine with his owner. We'll have to figure out a system so that we both have
our fair share of writing."
Pete studied her for a few moments, then typed, Let's put my writing in italics to distinguish it
from yours. We can alternate every few paragraphs. Also, are you thinking about the title? There
was a pause, and then Pete excitedly wrote, By George, I've got it! We'll call it The Stranger Next Door!
Peg smiled. It was indeed a perfect title for the book Pete had envisioned. She could tell it was
going to be fun working with her cat, however difficult it might be.