On May 30, 2008, we held an author chat with Clare Bell, author of The Named series, which includes:

Ratha's Creature

Clan Ground

Ratha and Thistle-chaser

Ratha's Challenge

Ratha's Courage

This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Most unrelated chat was removed, and the order of some items was changed, moving things around as necessary to make the transcript easier to read.

People started gathering before the chat:

Swiftstep joined.

Swiftstep: hi!

Swiftstep: Lol, I'm waiting for the author chat.

Brambleflower joined.

Swiftstep: hi, Brambley!

Brambleflower: 0_o

Brambleflower: I'm hungry

Brambleflower: I want a Subway sandwich

Brambleflower: : P

Brambleflower: 20 min

SheilaRuth joined.

Swiftstep: Hi, Sheila! ^^

SheilaRuth: Hi everyone!

Brambleflower: hello

SheilaRuth: Ready for the chat?

Brambleflower: I havn't read the books... so I might not stay long Xp

SheilaRuth: Ok

Forestpelt joined.

Forestpelt: Hiya!!!

Forestpelt: :D!

SheilaRuth: Hi Forest!

Brambleflower: Hi!

Swiftstep: Hi, Forest ^^

Soundstorm joined.

Brambleflower: Hi

Soundstorm: Heya :)

Swiftstep: Hey, Soundy ^^

Starsight joined.

Swiftstep: Hi, Starry ^^

Starsight: llooz all.

Forestpelt: Hi :D

Starsight: *scarfs cantalope* Sorry, hungry::blink

SheilaRuth: Hi Soundy

Brambleflower: I'm hungry too Starry

Swiftstep: Lol.

Daisypaw joined.

Starsight: we is all hungry.xp

Starsight: llooz

Swiftstep: Hi, Daisy ^^

Brambleflower: the room is filling up with...

Brambleflower: peoples

Swiftstep: This is my first author chat. 8D

Forestpelt: It's 5:44 here ::happy

Brambleflower: 6:46

Swiftstep: I might have to leave suddenly before the chat...but I might not. It depends if my brother wants to go on. -_-

Forestpelt: Well tell your brother there's a super important author chat about to start!!!

Swiftstep: Lol. He'll still want me to get off. -_-

Brambleflower: tell your brother to go eat cheese

Swiftstep: lol

Swiftstep: I want to read her books so bad. I've checked everywhere, though, and they never have them. >_<

Foxwhisper: me too!!

Forestpelt: I know!!!

Forestpelt: Our library only had 3 and 4!!!! *holds them up*

rathacat joined.

Foxwhisper: um... Rathscat's here!!

Daisypaw: Omg Hai!!

Foxwhisper: *ratha

Forestpelt: Ratha!!!

Forestpelt: Hi!!!! :D

SheilaRuth: Hi rathacat!

Swiftstep: Hi, Ratha! ^^

Soundstorm: Heya Ratha! :)

rathacat: Hi Sheila, hi guys!

Foxwhisper: hi!!

Daisypaw: cool!

rathacat: Hi everyone. I think we're going to start the chat soon.

Forestpelt: Yay!

Swiftstep: :D

Forestpelt: Hey everyone, Wolf says hi!

Swiftstep: Hi, Wolf! :D

rathacat: Its 6 Pm Pst.

SheilaRuth: It's almost 9pm where I am

Forestpelt: Wow

Forestpelt: What state does Clare live in?

rathacat: Ok, hi everyone, hi foxwhisper

Soundstorm: ^___^

rathacat: I'm in Northern Ca

Forestpelt: Oh cool ::happy

rathacat: Wow, this place is realing jumping!

rathacat: Ii mean really. tongled fingers

Daisypaw: rathacat, you're lucky. Vicky cherith and kate have to stay up untill 1 oclock in the morning to chat with us, lol

Squirrelflame joined.

Soundstorm: Squirrely! :D

SheilaRuth: Wow, it's getting crowded in here!

Forestpelt: Squirrelly!!!!!!!!! :D

Squirrelflame: whats going on in here? ::huh

Forestpelt: Author chat!

Daisypaw: hay squirrely!

SheilaRuth: Clare Bell author chat, Squirrely

Foxwhisper: it's an authorchat...

Squirrelflame: And who's Rathacat? and why is he- Ohhhhhhhh!!!

Squirrelflame: I Knew That!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Foxwhisper: lol

SheilaRuth: Did you forget?

Squirrelflame: hehehe ^_^'

Daisypaw: *SHE lol

Squirrelflame: i apologize

Squirrelflame: lol

Squirrelflame: i was gonna say he/she but...... then it hit me Xd

SheilaRuth: Yeah, she's a she. Are you going to ask if she's married, Squirrely?

rathacat: Ok, is Sheila taking questions from the bunch?

Squirrelflame: omg be quiet sheila!!!! i shall not! ::rolleyes

rathacat: I'm hitched. To a lovely man called Chuck.

SheilaRuth: At the David Clement-davies chat, Squirrely asked if he was married.

Daisypaw: ahe answered!

SheilaRuth: First questions are on their way to Ratha. Ratha, please wait a few more minutes before sending answers, though

SheilaRuth: Just so everyone knows: spoilers will be allowed for the first four books, although I ask that everyone try to be a little careful and not give away major plot points, because not everyone has read all the books.

SheilaRuth: But no spoilers for Ratha's Courage

SheilaRuth: We have to allow spoilers for the older books, so that people who have read the books can ask good questions

Ripplepelt joined.

Ripplepelt: Ripple says hello to rathacat

rathacat: Ok, shall I start answering questions?

Magicyop joined.

Magicyop: ^ _ ^

Copperrose joined.

Magicyop: Greetings, Rathacat

Swiftstep: Hi, Magic ^^

Copperrose: Clare! :D Welcome!

Copperrose: Sheila, may we ask questions yet? Has it officially started?

SheilaRuth: Yes, send your questions!

Copperrose: Yay!

And the chat officially started:

Miroku(Q): What's the process of publishing a book like?
rathacat(A): It's quite a long process. From the time you turn in the manuscript to publication can be as long as two years.

Icestar: I still have to say, though, Ratha's Creature was a great book!

SheilaRuth: Ok, first question answered!

Daisypaw: 2 years? wow

Miroku(Q): What is a summary of your books? I haven't read them, because I couldn't find them at the bookstore, but I'd like to! ^_^
rathacat(A): The Ratha books are about a clan of intelligent prehistoric cats who live by herding deer.

SheilaRuth: Ok, I have a question that is a major spoiler for the end of book 1. It is a good question, though, and one that I think everyone who's read the book would like to know. Is there anyone who objects to it?

Forestpelt: Ooooh sounds interesting!

Foxwhisper: nope

Ripplepelt: Nope, says the emo Ripple

Swiftstep: No.

Copperrose: It's ok

Magicyop: Course'nt

Forestpelt: I don't mind ^^

SheilaRuth: ok

SheilaRuth: I'll send it.

SheilaRuth: Thanks

Daisypaw(Q): What's your favourite food? (random, I know)
rathacat(A): Turkey with sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce

Copperrose: Yay! i love turkey ad potatos! *drools*

Forestpelt: Yum!

Daisypaw: yay my question got answered!

Swiftstep(Q): What authors inspired you to write?
rathacat(A): Arthur C. Clarke, Andre Norton, Olaf Stapledon, CS Lewis

Ripplepelt: Cs Lewis!

Daisypaw: lol for a sec ithought u said Oaf Stapledon

Spirithunter: yaar, I wish I would have thought to re-read the series earlier Xp

Soundstorm: I don't remember if you ever answered this, but was Shongshar part of the unnamed? Or something else entirely?

Spirithunter: Shongshar is... special. :P

Foxwhisper(Q): To be honest with you, I haven't read any of your series. I just can't find it anywhere!! Can you give me, in a little greater Detail, what the series is about? (Don't worry about giving me spoilers)
rathacat(A): For a summary of the books, got to my website, www.rathascourage.com and there are several summaries. Sheila's review of the book on WW also has a good summary

Foxwhisper: yay!! i was answered!!

Sergeant Major(Q): Why Cats?
rathacat(A): I grew up with them, I have two very sweet ones and they are just such neat creatures. I've been a big cat lover most of my life. I'd love to have a cheetah.

Copperrose: I love cheetahs!

Spirithunter: nice

SheilaRuth: Oh, a cheetah! That would be cool!

Spirithunter: cheetahs are cool

Daisypaw: ilike cheetahs and leopards and lions and tigers and regular housecats and *goes on for hours*

Copperrose(Q): How did you come up with the name "ratha"?
rathacat(A): I didn't, really. AT least not consciously. Ratha told me her name when she popped out of my brain at 2AM and said, you ARE going to write my story.

SheilaRuth: Wow, that sounds like Ratha!

Foxwhisper: lol!!

Copperrose: lol! cool

Forestpelt: Lol!!!!!!

SheilaRuth: Lol

Lilacheart: Xd!!!

Spirithunter: hey, I've had wolves do that to me... it's pretty cool.

Spirithunter: and one of them was named Rasha Xp

Icestar: All I've got is Trihorn haunting me in nightmares

Lilacheart: That happens to me with stories sometimes 0.0

Copperrose(Q): What is your favorite food?
rathacat(A): Think I did that one. Of course I like all kinds. Spare ribs is another favorite

Daisypaw: aya ribs rock!

Copperrose: ribbbssss!

Magicyop: Ribs!

Copperrose: i had them last night

Foxwhisper: lol

Copperrose: good stuff

Magicyop: Lucky1

Magicyop: I want ribs so bad

Icestar: Questions can be asked more than once, and can have many different answers

Daisypaw: copper that was my question!!! >: (

Spirithunter: *gives Magic ribs*

Spirithunter: with extra Bbq sauce?

Soundstorm(Q): Was ShongShar part of the unnamed? Or something else entirely?
rathacat(A): He was an UnNamed one. The Named and the UnNamed have a tendency to develop saber teeth, and he's sort of an extreme case.

Copperrose(Q): What helps you concentrate on writing?
rathacat(A): The story carries me along. I want to know what the Named are going to do next.
Am I typeing fast enough?

Copperrose: cool

SheilaRuth: Yes, you're doing great, rathacat!

Foxwhisper: yes ratha

Spirithunter: isn't it 'typing'?

SheilaRuth: Spirit! You're correcting the author!

SheilaRuth: *shock*

Daisypaw: yup some people type slow some type fast and thats that. its ok lol

Copperrose: lol Sheila!

Spirithunter: *points at above comment*

SheilaRuth: jkjk

Copperrose(Q): What inspired you to wirte about large cats? Have you been interested as a child?
rathacat(A): I have always loved big cats ever since I saw Bagheera in the Jungle Book movie and read the book.

Daisypaw: yay bagheera!

Spirithunter: yay!

Spirithunter: Big cats are so cool.

Copperrose: yay!

Daisypaw: ya like i said above lions and tigers and *goes on another rant*

Fireblossom: i like lions

Spirithunter: Barnes and Noble has an awesome book about them... "The Spirit of Wild Cats" or something like that.

Forestpelt(Q): How many books of The Named do you think there'll be?
rathacat(A): As long as they keep publishing them and you guys keep reading them, I'll keep writing them.

Spirithunter: yay!

Soundstorm: ^___^!

Copperrose: awesome@

Spirithunter: 20 million Named books!

Fireblossom: yay!

Forestpelt: Yay!!

Copperrose: :D

Icestar: That could go on forever, but no complaints here!

Magicyop(Q): I haven't read your books yet, but they sound great. However, I've been told by Sheila that they have several 'mature' parts in them. This makes me uncomfortable, or it can. Do you think your books would be appropriate for me to read?
rathacat(A): If you don't feel comfortable, you might wait a little. Thistle-chaser and Clan Ground have less mature content.

Ripplepelt: Wait...what...mature content how?

Spirithunter: Thistle is so

Spirithunter: Amazing!

Icestar: mating scene in first book for example, Ripple

Spirithunter: ie... male+female...

Ripplepelt: ahh

Icestar: I just said that! lol

Icestar: great minds think alike

Ripplepelt: I haven't gotten to read them

SheilaRuth: The mating scene was really well done. But yeah, it might make some people uncomfortable

Spirithunter: it was really well-done

Soundstorm: I love Thistle ^_^

Spirithunter: I said it first. *harumph*

Spirithunter: I love her more!

Spirithunter: She is my muse!

Spirithunter: Well, my secondary muse, actually...

Ripplepelt(Q): I might have spoiled this question, Clare, but, did any music inspire you to write any of the Ratha books? And if so, if you can remember, what artist/song?
rathacat(A): No, you didn't spoil it. There were many influences. Classical pieces included Beethoven's Pastorale, Stravinsky's Firebird, Night on Bald Mountain and others.
Also the musical Cats

Ripplepelt: Ahh

Ripplepelt: Not the music I listen to =]]

Icestar: You and your music Ripple! (bangs head on keyboard)

Ripplepelt: What?!

Ripplepelt: Music is Art

Ripplepelt: Music is Math

Ripplepelt: Music is a lot!

Copperrose(Q): DO you have any cats of your own
rathacat(A): Yes, a silver gray kitty called Athena and a big orange long-haired bundle of love that I call Dannycat. There are pix of them on Photobucket.

Icestar(Q): Okay, lost on this one, what did Bonechewer mean when he said Ratha was different before and after mating with her? I still don't get what that means.
rathacat(A): Hmm, I'm not sure. Perhaps he meant that she was growing up. Or do you mean after she had the cubs?

Icestar: Why is it I always ask the complicated unable to answerstand questions? I'm cursed!

Fireblossom: Fessran is so cool

SheilaRuth: I like Fessran too

Spirithunter: I like everyone :D
Spirithunter: Ratha and Thakur and Fessran and Thistle and Bira and Mishanti and...

Coalfang: thakur bugs me sometimes...lol

Fireblossom: Thakurs cool!

Fireblossom: sometimes ratha bugs me!

Spirithunter: sometimes she feels Mary-sueish, but not when she's pregnant or having temper tantrums... heh... reading the series again, she seems less of a Sue than I thought at first.

SheilaRuth: I've only read the first book, but she seemed very distinctive to me

Spirithunter: she is very distinctive in the first book

Coalfang: ratha?

Spirithunter: later she can feel duller, but she has a great attitude.

Spirithunter: One of my favorite elements of the Ratha books is the characters.

Copperrose(Q): Random: Do you live in england?
rathacat(A): No, I'm out here in California. I was born in England, though

Copperrose(Q): Did you have anywhere particular that you imagine the setting for the books or is it just some place a long time ago?
rathacat(A): Actually the setting is Northern California as it would have been in the Miocene period 20 mya.I have some maps that I based it on.

rathacat: Is this working Ok - I get the feeling that a lot is flying by me.

SheilaRuth: It's working great!

SheilaRuth: Don't worry too much about missing stuff here. A lot of it is just random chat. And I'll post a transcript afterwards, so you can see the important things that you missed.

Forestpelt(Q): Was there any visual art, such as paintings, illustrations, film or video that inspired you?
rathacat(A): Yes, definitely. Charles R. Knight painted a scene of two prehistoric cats fighting. That kicked off a lot of ideas about Ratha. Do you want the name of the painting?

SheilaRuth(Q): Yes, please tell us the name of the Charles R. Knight painting!
rathacat(A): The Knight painting is called "Nimravus and Eusmilus Fighting" Knight was a wonderful paleoartist. I have an image of it I can post later.

Spirithunter: Eusmilus? Is that a close relative of the sabertooth?

Spirithunter(Q): Were any of your characters inspired by something/one in particular?
rathacat(A): Cherfan was inspired by my husband, Chuck. Bonechewer was inspired by Bagheera, I think.

Coalfang: awesome

Copperrose: whoa bonechewer??

Copperrose: coold name

Spirithunter: it's a nickname, Copper :P

SheilaRuth: Yeah, he's an unnamed, so he doesnt' have a real name

Copperrose: i know

Copperrose: i like it

Forestpelt(Q): Do you have any pets?
rathacat(A): Yep, two kitties

Forestpelt(Q): What's your favorite author? (other than yourself, lol)
rathacat(A): A fellow by the name of Olaf Stapledon, who wrote a book about a sheepdog that had been given human-level intelligence. It is called Sirius.

Spirithunter: I wish that book were still in print as a single novel, I want to read it...

Ripplepelt: Sirius Black! Sirius the dog star!

Spirithunter: *browses library stock*

Icestar: Sirius Black! (echos Ripple)

Forestpelt: lol

Icestar: lol

Icestar: Harry

Icestar: Potter fan here

Icestar(Q): What was your favorite and least favorite thing to write throughout all your books?
rathacat(A): Having to let Bonechewer die. I really didn't want to. He was one of the best characters I've ever done.

Spirithunter: has anyone here read Dogsbody by Diana Wynne Jones?

Spirithunter: another Sirius (dog star) book :P

Ripplepelt: I have read Howl's Moving Castle and some of the Christomanci books by Diana Wynne Jones

SheilaRuth(Q): I've only read the first book, and I really liked Thistle-chaser but I was sad about what happened. Is she really not intelligent, or did Ratha misjudge her?
rathacat(A): Ratha misjudged her. Ratha herself is fairly young and she hasn't learned a lot of patience. She will discover that she is very wrong about Thistle.

Forestpelt(Q): Was the series published outside the US? (Britain)
rathacat(A): Yes, Ratha and Clan had British hardcovers and paperbacks, but the others didn't.

Foxwhisper(Q): um.... to the world of random, what's your favorite color?
rathacat(A): Deep electron blue. That's the color of my little Insight hybrid car.

SheilaRuth: lol!

Forestpelt: My favorite color's green. (hence, my font)

Ripplepelt: Electron

Ripplepelt: We're talking about that in class

Spirithunter: mine is silver (i.e. shiny), then this reddish color, then dark green, then dark blue

Swiftstep: Hey! That was my question, Foxy! xd

Coalfang: green, like forest

Kitten-Chan: My favorite color is gray. preferably dark gray.

Swiftstep: Mine's green.

Copperrose(Q): Do you have any plans for future books?
rathacat(A): Yes, I do. Right now, however, I'm concentrating on promoting the existing ones so that I can write new ones. I do have a Ratha short story coming out .

SheilaRuth: Cool!

Coalfang: yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fireblossom: cool!

Spirithunter: I'm totally going to buy that edition. ^^

Swiftstep: ::cool!

Copperrose(Q): What is your favorite movie?
rathacat(A): One of my favorites is The Lion King. I also like the Narnia movie, and I'm looking forward to Prince Caspian.

Ripplepelt: Prince Caspian!!! ::hyper

Coalfang: lion king rocks

Spirithunter: waah I want to see that movie...

Foxwhisper: isnt that out

Foxwhisper: ?

Coalfang: it was awesome...

Spirithunter: The Lion King is awesome

Coalfang: prince caspian

Fireblossom: it is out

Spirithunter: Disney's sequels are weird, but the original one is great

Forestpelt(Q): After many years away from writing, what made you write the new novel, Ratha’s Courage?
rathacat(A): The short answer to that is that Sharyn November of Firebird Books was interesting in reprinting the series and asked if I'd be interested in doing another Ratha. The long answer is in an article on my website. I'll post links after the chat, if you want.

Forestpelt: Heheh I used the questions from that page she posted....

Swiftstep: Lol, that was my question. xd

Spirithunter: Huh. So why isn't she publishing it? :/

Coalfang(Q): does that mean ratha could have misjudged shongshars cubs as well?
rathacat(A): Yes, she could have.

Coalfang: futire book in the making....?

Swiftstep(Q): Did you do a lot of research for the series?
rathacat(A): Yes. I also did sketches and sculpture while trying to visualize the characters. I read a lot of paleontology books too.

Coalfang(Q): Are you an author full time? if not, what else do you do?
rathacat(A): Yes, I am a full-time author.

Coalfang: cool, it siad you were a scientist too...

Spirithunter(Q): Random: what would the Named say to divine intervention?
rathacat(A): She'd probably love it if the divinity was a prehistoric cat.

Icestar(Q): A must know... Was it really hard to become an author for you? Education and stuff.
rathacat(A): Actually I was educated and trained as a scientist and engineer. I began writing while I was working for IBM as a test engineer.

SheilaRuth: Awesome!

rathacat: If you like to build things and fix things, it's a good profession

Icestar: Kinda thinking of being one myself

Swiftstep: Cool!

Ripplepelt: Same here

Ripplepelt: But, I have never let anyone here know what I write =]

Akiak: Lol! Screenwrite

Icestar: Music seems more you, Ripple, from on here, but eh, that's you

Ripplepelt: lol. I take that as a compliment

Ripplepelt: Hey, mayb I will be in a famous band!

SheilaRuth: Ripple, I could totally see you in a famous band

Ripplepelt: Yup! I'll be like, "I would like to thank all the members of Wands and Worlds, you know who I am!"

Fireblossom(Q): What inspired you to become a writer?
rathacat(A): Reading lots of good books. Also when I finished a book, I often wanted it to go on, so sometimes I would write my own story. I did that with TV shows too.

Fireblossom: That's awesome!!

SheilaRuth: Cool! Clare started out writing fan fiction, too!

Spirithunter: I'm stalling on my story (not enough motivation?), but I'm making it my personal project that I'll have to finish by the end of 10th grade next year.

Spirithunter: Fanfiction is a great springboard

Ripplepelt: Agreed

Lilacheart: I want to be an author >.<

Fireblossom(Q): What do you do while you are writing? (I mean, do you sit outside or eat cookies or lie in bed...)
rathacat(A): When I'm making notes for a book, I often sit outside on the bank of our creek, with a notebook. When I compose text, I do it straight into the computer.

Fireblossom: I write before bed

Lilacheart: I write a lot.

Spirithunter: I write before bed, usually... while listening to beautiful Okami music :3

Ripplepelt(Q): Have you read any good books lately, and, mind telling us what they are?
rathacat(A): You guys would probably like The Dragon and the George, by Dickson

Swiftstep(Q): Was Ratha's Creature your first novel?
rathacat(A): It was my first professionally published novel. Before that I wrote and published two novel-length Star Trek fanfics in an amateur magazine. That's how I learned how to write.

SheilaRuth: Cool!

Ripplepelt: Star trek

Ripplepelt: Awesomeness

Coalfang: iyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Swiftstep(Q): How and when did it get published?
rathacat(A): Ratha's Creature was published in 1983, Clan Ground in 1984. Actually, I got some help from Andre Norton, who is one of my favorite writers. It's kind of a long story and I can tell it later. She submitted my work to her publisher. The first time around, the publisher rrejected it, but said, if I wanted to revise it, they'd take another look. So I did, they did and they liked it.

SheilaRuth: Wow, you got help from Andre Norton? She was one of my favorite writers when I was younger!

Coalfang(Q): Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
rathacat(A): Keep at it, do some everyday, keep your body healthy and keep reading.

Icestar: good advince

Akiak: why do you keep your body healthy? lol just curious

Forestpelt(Q): ***From Wolf:Who's your favorite character? Sorry, cliche, but I was wondering...
rathacat(A): I love them all, but Ratha is special. Thakur is pretty special too.

SheilaRuth: Akiak, you might ask it in the ask box to make sure she sees it

Akiak: Oh sorry Sheila, just a random question lol!

SheilaRuth: It was a good question, though!

Icestar(Q): Based off Sheila's question, then why did Bonechewer call them what he did?(can't remember what) But I remember one line calling her "half mad as she is" and about them, now I remember, little savages and attacking him or something.
rathacat(A): He also misjudged them. They took a long time to grow up. Also, remember, their mother abandoned them and wounded Thistle. That's pretty traumatic.

SheilaRuth: Good question, Icey. That's what threw me off, too. I thought at first that Ratha misjudged them, but when Bonechewer said that, I thought it must be true.

Icestar: Thank you, Sheila

Spirithunter: Thistle is the most amazing character e.v.e.r

Ripplepelt(Q): in the books, are cats like Ratha Saber-Toothed Tigers, and if so, is there a specific type, like Smilodon(I spelt that wrong)
rathacat(A): Ratha and her kind are nimravids, who did produce sever sabertoothed types. They are based on a species called Dinaelurus, who was more cheetah-like. Smilodon lived about 5 mya, while I've set Ratha about 20 mya.

Ripplepelt(Q): Do you have a favorite type of drink?
rathacat(A): Iced green tea with citrus flavor.

SheilaRuth: I drink iced green tea, too!

Ripplepelt: Two questions in a row

Ripplepelt: I am awesome

Kitten-Chan: I drink iced white tea.. with 4-5 spoons of sugar...

Swiftstep: Lol, Kitten! Me too! xd

Kitten-Chan: tea buddies! *high fives swift*

Swiftstep: Woot! xd *high-fives back*

Coalfang(Q): Why dont you hang out with us in the forums more and sign up for mafias and stuff? lol
rathacat(A): I will, I've just been busy getting Courage out as an E-book

Coalfang: Yay!!

Spirithunter: Hey Sheila, you should publish Courage :D

Coalfang: yes!

Soundstorm(Q): Is it hard to make time to come to author chats like these?
rathacat(A): A little, but I know it's important, and I enjoy doing it. Just wish my fingers were a bit faster.

Foxwhisper: lol

Fireblossom(Q): If you could chose to be a wildcat what kind would you be?
rathacat(A): Probably Ratha. If you mean today's species, a cheetah, or maybe a snow leopard.

Akiak: panther... but wait they live in the jungle then nvm

Coalfang: ooh, snow leapard

Fireblossom: Yeah, i like snow leopards too

Icestar: and there are clouded leopards

Spirithunter: I love clouded leopards

Akiak(Q): Omg I'm soooooooooo glad you didn't kill Fessran! What are the special uses of Aree and her offspring? Anything else except the grooming and the fire? Do they come in later in the series as important parts?
rathacat(A): Fessran wouldn't LET me kill her. I'm glad.

Akiak: lol! yay!!!

Fireblossom: Did warriors or ratha come first?

Spirithunter: Ratha

Coalfang: ratha

Spirithunter: by a longshot

Soundstorm: Ratha by far.

Ripplepelt: Ratha I think

Swiftstep: Ratha.

Fireblossom: Thats what I thought

Coalfang: ratha was around before firestar was even thought of, lol

rathacat: Ratha was in 1983, Warriors in the mid-late 1990's

Fireblossom: Oh!

Ripplepelt: Ratha is older by my sister by a year

Fireblossom(Q): Why did you switch from engineering to writing?
rathacat(A): I was a better writer than I was an engineer. Not that I was a bad engineer. Also my company downsized and offered me an early retirement package.

Lilacheart(Q): How many books will there be in the Ratha series?
rathacat(A): You keep reading them and I'll keep writing them.

Akiak(Q): What inspired you to become a book writer about prehistoric cats, after building things? Are they related? lol
rathacat(A): Yes, actually they are. In a way, I had to "engineer" the Named, i.e figure out what they would be like, where they would live and how they would survive. I had to use the same kind of logic in creating a consistent world as one does in building a machine or solving a problem.

Akiak: hmmmmm... okay that makes sense ratha lol!!!

SheilaRuth(Q): Wow, you got help from Andre Norton? She was one of my favorite writers when I was younger! I'd love to hear more about that sometime.
rathacat(A): I'll post the whole story in my blog. She read some of my fan stuff, contacted me and the rest is history. I actually went to Florida to meet her in the mid 1980s.

Fireblossom: I checked out the books when i heard about the chat

SheilaRuth: You met her? I'm so jealous!

Fireblossom: i wish i could meet ratha

Forestpelt: I wish I could meet all of you! :P

SheilaRuth: Some day we should have a Wands and Worlds convention!

Ripplepelt: Yea!

Forestpelt: We should!!!!!!

Forestpelt: I wish

Coalfang: Yes!

Fireblossom: yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Akiak: lol that would be awesome!

Spirithunter: totally!

Spirithunter: though... it would be hard to get to each other... what with the cost of plane tickets and gas and all -.-

SheilaRuth: Yeah, but could you guys travel for it? We're spread out all over the place.

Fireblossom: then i would be able to figure out who's a girl and whos a boy

CloudWind: I could

Swiftstep: Yeah, lol.

Forestpelt: It'd be sooo coool...

CloudWind: If mom would let me/ 6.6

Ripplepelt: I wouldn't have to travel that far, Sheila, I live in Northern Va

Forestpelt: We could all save up for years and years and then one day, yeah

Akiak(Q): Lol! K, why do you have to keep your body healthy to write?
rathacat(A): Because, believe it or not, writing can be very hard on the body. Sitting and typing all day can lead to stiffness, bad backs, tunnel carpal, spreading waitlines, spreading butt and other things. Mking sure you get enough excercise and eating right is a big part. You also want to live long enough to enjoy your sucess if and when it comes.

CloudWind: :D

CloudWind: Cool

Ripplepelt: Carpal tunnel?

Coalfang(Q): did you enjoy killing off meoran?
rathacat(A): I hate to admit this, but yes. Even though Thakur respected him a little more at the end.

Coalfang: i didnt like meoran...

Coalfang: he was unreasonable...

Spirithunter: You aren't supposed to, Coalfang. :P

Fireblossom: meoran is kinda meanie

SheilaRuth: I sympathized with Meoran

SheilaRuth: He started out trying to be a good leader and do what was best for the clan

Spirithunter: it doesn count if he's sexist. >:(

SheilaRuth: He was dogmatic and controlling. But he thought he was trying to do what was best.

rathacat: Yes, Ratha was a bit rash when she did him in with the torch.

Coalfang(Q): How old do cats of the named usually live to be?
rathacat(A): That is an interesting question. I would say they probably live about 40-60 years. They develop a bit more slowly than their ancestors, so they live longer.

Coalfang: ratha is Really young then...

Fireblossom: ratha's really young, that's what i thought

Fireblossom: ratha is Really rash sometimes

SheilaRuth: Yes, she is!

rathacat: Actually, she is fairly young when she has the cubs. She's the equivalent of a teenager.

Spirithunter: aah

Fireblossom(Q): If you chose to be one of youur characters who would you be?
rathacat(A): Probably Ratha, but I wouldn't mind being Fessran either.

Akiak: i keep thinking thakur is old, but he's the same age as bonechewer

Fireblossom(Q): Did finding out that Bonechewer had had a mate already make ratha act the way she did at all? (hurting Thistle)
rathacat(A): She was already angry and that didn't help.

Spirithunter: Ratha on Pms... bad stuff, man.

Swiftstep(Q): What's your favourite TV show? (If you have one)
rathacat(A): Star Trek, STNG, Xfiles, Heroes, Carnival, Firefly

Silence: I Love Heroes!

Spirithunter: Firefly! I love that show!

CloudWind: You like Heroes?!

Ripplepelt: Heores!

Spirithunter: And Serenity!

Silence: Heroes!

Ripplepelt: Heroes!

Silence: Heroes!

Spirithunter: Heroes is okay. I like the first season, second is kinda weird.

Coalfang(Q): how many times have you been rejected by publishers >.<
rathacat(A): About 4-5 times. I've actually been really fortunate. I don't have a wall full of rejection slips like some writers do.

Forestpelt: That's cause you're such a good writer!

Spirithunter(Q): I love how in Courage, everyone's flinging "Son of a Dappleback!" (or whatever it was) at each other. Did you come up with any more funny insults?
rathacat(A): There are a bunch of funny insults throughout the series. They just sort of pop inot my mind in the middle of a scene.

Forestpelt: lol

Akiak(Q): If Thistle-Chaser realized she can use her leg ((Only on the beginning of the 3rd book)) why doesn't she try to walk on it on land?
rathacat(A): Because of the injury, the leg is contracted. She can't touch the ground with it. When she goes in the water, she finds she can use it a little for swimming. Also, she has forgotten how to use the leg in walking.

Wolf joined.

Wolf: Hi!

Soundstorm: 00 Wolf?!

Silence: yes!

CloudWind: hi

Silence: i got her back in!

Forestpelt: Wolf!

Silence: shes back thanks to me!

Swiftstep: Wolf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

SheilaRuth: Hi Wolf!

Jonathan: Wolf is back?!!?!

Wolf: Thanks, fruity! And Sheila!

Kitten-Chan: woah!! hi wolf!!

Jonathan: Wolf!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ripplepelt: *tackles her and hugs her(

Akiak: omg wolf??!??!?!??!?!?!??!

Akiak: *tackles and pins her to a chain so she can't go again*

Kitten-Chan(Q): Do you have a favorite book series of your own?
rathacat(A): Since I was about 8 I have loved the Chronicles of Narnia. Others too, and I'll list them in a post. OK?

Kitten-Chan: yay my question was answered. ^^

Spirithunter(Q): Who's your favorite book character (outside the Ratha series)?
rathacat(A): Bagheera, the black panther, from the Jungle Books

Spirithunter: I guess I was thinking modern book character, but whatev

Coalfang(Q): have you thought of turning ratha into a graphic novel too, like warriors did?
rathacat(A): Yes, I think Ratha would make a great graphic novel series. I'd love to work with an artist, or maybe even draw some of it myself. I might have guest artists do different sections, just like Neil Gaiman did with the Sandman series.

Silence(Q): ****Do you like fried squash, or cheesecake??
rathacat(A): I like squash and cheesecake.

CloudWind(Q): Are you ok with fandom? Why or why not?
rathacat(A): I'm OK with fandom. Fanfic is OK, as is fanart.

Kitten-Chan(Q): What inspired you?
rathacat(A): The Charles R. Knight painting I mentioned earlier. Many different books and authors.
Books on prehistoric animals

Kitten-Chan: my other question was answered! ^^ lol shutting up now...

rathacat: I get the feeling that I've sort of lost some people...

Ripplepelt: Sorry, Rathacat

Wolf: Never, Rathacat!

Wolf: You rocl!

Wolf: *rock

Akiak: here wait ratha i gots a question!

SheilaRuth: Ratha, people come and go in these chats. Don't worry about it!

rathacat: Ok, just checking. Are my answers too short and am I answering too many unrelated questions?

Coalfang: no

Wolf: You're doing awesome, Ratha! Dont worry!

rathacat: Ok, no biggie

Magicyop: Indeed, Ratha! You're doing quite splendiferous!

SheilaRuth: No, you're great, Ratha!

Forestpelt: I really want to read your books!

Swiftstep: Same!

Forestpelt: But our library has them checked out!

Forestpelt: Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Coalfang: im waiting on the third to get here...

Swiftstep: Our library or bookstore doesn't have them. :(

SheilaRuth: You can ask your library to get them from another library through Inter Library Loan

Forestpelt: None of the other libraries had them :P

SheilaRuth(Q): Are you a scientist? Were you an expert on prehistoric life before you wrote the series, or did you have to do a lot of research?
rathacat(A): My background is biochemistry and chemistry. Later I went into electrical engineering. Most of what I know about prehistory came from reading. I got fascinated with it as a kid. No formal training - self-educated in the subject.

Magicyop(Q): Why are people constantly saying things like "Hi" as questions?

Magicyop(A): I'm not sure, Magicyop. I really don't know.

Sevenclaws: I Be Late!

SheilaRuth: Seven! You made it!

Sevenclaws: yah...

Jonathan: Hi seven!

Wolf: Hiya/

CloudWind: Hiya Seven!

Sevenclaws: I had a baseball game, and it lasted longer than it should have... >_<

Ripplepelt(Q): Why does Magic answer his own questions?

Magicyop(A): Is this directed at Ratha...? Do you really expect her to know?

Kitten-Chan: I am definately going to google the series after this...

Copperrose(Q): Do you personally know any other authors?
rathacat(A): Yes. I met quite a few when I was on panels at conventions. I've also been in writing groups with them. I don't know any of the Erins, though.

Icestar(Q): Just curious, why don't you ever capitalize your name as Rathacat instead of rathacat?
rathacat(A): Easier and faster to type, I guess.

Copperrose(Q): So you have met real big cats? Where did you go? HAve you seen them in the wild or captivity?
rathacat(A): I met a cheetah at Marine World/Africa USA. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. We also have some cougars in these mountain and I've caught glimpses of them.

Forestpelt: Cool!

Sevenclaws: yay cougars!

Forestpelt: I want to meet a big cat

Coalfang: tigers...

Swiftstep: ::cool

Forestpelt: We have cougars in our area! ^^

Ripplepelt: My High School mascot is the cougars

Jonathan: We had mountain lions where i used to live.

Spirithunter: a cougar used to live near my house

Sevenclaws: Cougars = Awesome.

Spirithunter: one of my friends could hear it when it prowled the streets at night

Spirithunter: it was relocated when its land was developed, though. :(

Swiftstep(Q): When you think of a story or scene, what comes to mind first? Words or pictures?
rathacat(A): Pictures. Sometimes a whole movie runs in my head (just scenes, not the whole thing).

Copperrose(Q): Thanks so much for chatting with us! I wish I could stay longer! I will definetely read your books! You are awesome! Go CA! :)
rathacat(A): You are most welcome and thank you!

Wolf: Go Rathacat!!!

Swiftstep: Yay, Rathacat! :D

Wolf: Clare Bell Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fireblossom(Q): what kind of cat is Ratha? Is She a species of cat that lived a long time ago?
rathacat(A): Yes, she lived about 20 million years ago.

Forestpelt: I Need To Read Your Boooooooks

Forestpelt: I have a really looong book list

Sevenclaws: Yes, Forest, you must! They be Insanely awesome. Better than Warriors, methinks....

Copperrose(Q): Have you ever read Warriors
rathacat(A): I read the first two and liked them.

Lilacheart: Lol, cool :)

Magicyop(Q): Do you ever feel like you need to do the opposite of what your characters are telling you to make a good story?
rathacat(A): I tend to go a lot with the characters, since they know the story better than I do. Several times characters have run away with scenes or chapters and I just go along for the ride.

Akiak: i luv the ratha books... unfortunately i'm only on the 3rd one

Wolf: I do the same, Rathacat!

Swiftstep(Q): What do you do if you get Writer's Block? (Happens to me a lot)
rathacat(A): I go out for a walk or, if I can, I go swimming. I guess that's the Thistle in me.

Akiak: oh yea thistle swims!!!

Icestar(Q): And what if there is seemingly endless writer's block?
rathacat(A): Then maybe you need to back off what you are doing and take another look. One thing that helps me avoid writer's block is a fairly detailed story outline or synopsis. It's like a road map.
I don't have to use it, but If I get lost, it helps me get back on track.

Forestpelt: Hey everyone, my Mom says Hi!!!!

Wolf: Hi!!!!

Forestpelt: (she's watching the chat)

Akiak: hi foresty's mom!!!!!!!

Swiftstep: Hi, Foresty's mom!

SheilaRuth: Hi Forestpelt's mom!

Wolf: *hugs Forest's mom* Sorry! ::laugh

Jonathan: Hi foresty's mom!! Yo!!!

Sevenclaws: Hiyaz, Forestpelt's mother.

Forestpelt: Mom is loling

SheilaRuth(Q): Did you cry when you wrote Bonechewer's death scene?
rathacat(A): I bawled! I hated to kill him, but the story demanded it. Of course, those of you who read Courage know that one of Thistle brothers survived, maybe more.

Swiftstep: *gives Mrs. Forestpelt a cookie* There. :D

Foxwhisper: *gives Mrs. Forest a low-fat cookie* that's all i have...

Spirithunter: I don't like it when characters make me kill them... -.-

Spirithunter: I resist it as much as I can, but I usually end up going with it, just for the sake of the story.

Sevenclaws: Poor Bonechewer....

Akiak: ack thistle's brother survives?!?!?! yay!!!!!!!

Lilacheart(Q): What's your favorite animal, other then cats?
rathacat(A): I like horses, although I don't have any. My stepson is raising birds and I am learning a lot about them.

Ripplepelt: Ratha I live on a horse farm =]

Spirithunter: birds are fun

Spirithunter: prehistoric osprey may have lived in Ratha's time :D

Forestpelt: We have birds...

Forestpelt: They're shreiking right now

Forestpelt: parakeets

Forestpelt: lol

Lilacheart(Q): Which is your favorite book out of the ones you've written?
rathacat(A): Thistle-chaser

Sevenclaws: I liked Clan Ground. ^^ yay Shongshar!

Soundstorm: I hate Shongshar.

Soundstorm: He's a good villan though.

Spirithunter: I love Shongshar's name

Lilacheart: I hate Shongshar from what I've heard...

Spirithunter: he is a good villain

Sevenclaws: Well, I don't really Like him.

Sevenclaws: Fessran be the best.

Coalfang: i love to hateshongshar, lol

Sevenclaws: Poor Shongshar...

Coalfang: thats the sign of a good villian

Sevenclaws: I fell sorry for him.

Sevenclaws: *feel

Sevenclaws: He had to get his cubs taken away.... That be sad.

Akiak(Q): What happened to Thistle-chasers brothers? Will they return? (Sorry not too far in the books if that does happen)
rathacat(A): Spoiler alert for those who haven't read Courage
Yes, one already has....

Lilacheart(Q): Do you like to draw?
rathacat(A): Yes, I do. One of my first visualizations of Ratha came from a sketch that I did.

Spirithunter(Q): Have you read The Sight and/or Firebringer by David Clement-Davies? (If so, what did you think of his animal writing?)
rathacat(A): I enjoyed Firebringer. I haven't yet read The Sight, though I intend to. To really answer your question, I'd have to take another look at Firebringer. I though overall he did a pretty good job, but I can't think of details.

Coalfang(Q): :Have you won any sciency-genius awards?
rathacat(A): I was chosen to participate in the National Science Foundation's Women in Engineering program.

Coalfang: wow, how many are chosen to participate

Akiak(Q): What happens to Orange-eyes kits?
rathacat(A): Ratha and Thakur left them in a place where they could get food and water. They might have survived.

Spirithunter: I can't wait to see what happens with ___'s x ___'s cubs... *courage*

Soundstorm(Q): What where some of the storys/fanfics you wrote when you where younger?
rathacat(A): I wrote fanfics and plot summaries for The Man from UNCLE, Star Trek, the original and a book called I Claudius (later made into a TV series).

CloudWind(Q): Are you a fan of Antromorphism? Why or why not?
rathacat(A): I enjoy furry art and some anthro comics. In some ways Ratha is anthropomorphic, although I try to keep it as realistic as possible.

Wolf(Q): Will you ever include pie in the books?!!? Pie is all powerful!
rathacat(A): Maybe Ratha will do a pizza and cook it over the Red Tongue.

Wolf: yay!

Soundstorm: Nice responce, Rathacat!

SheilaRuth: Lol, Ratha!

Spirithunter: Ratha would, though

Spirithunter: I can totally imagine Ratha making pizza...

Soundstorm: I can't.

Sevenclaws(Q): Will you be writing any more Ratha Books? *hopes that you will say YES*
rathacat(A): YES

Wolf: yay!

Coalfang: yes to the yes!!!!

Sevenclaws: Omx Yay!

Wolf: Yayayayayayyayay!

Wolf: Yes To The Awesome Yes!

Sevenclaws: I be So amazingly happy! =D

Ripplepelt(Q): This has happened to me, but, have you ever had a idea for something to write, even just talking to a person you know, and then forget it until you talk to that person again?
rathacat(A): That's happened. That's one reason I try to get everything down in a notebook when I'm developing an idea.

Ripplepelt: One down, one to go, Thanks Ratha

CloudWind(Q): Where did you get the inspiration for the series?
rathacat(A): From reading about prehistory and big cats.

CloudWind(Q): If you make tons of money off of Ratha, what do you plan to do?
rathacat(A): Live well and write more books. Let my hubby retire from his job.
Design, build and manufacture my own electric or hybrid car.

CloudWind: Awesome!!

Ripplepelt: Honda Civic!

Coalfang: yay, less gas!!!

Forestpelt(Q): Thanks for coming, Ratha!!!!!!!
rathacat(A): Thank you! I enjoyed it!

Ripplepelt(Q): Do you agree with the statement, "A Apple a day keeps a doctor away?" (leans forward and puts her head on her hands)
rathacat(A): I like "a green tea a day keeps the doctor away".

Wolf: Lol, Ratha!

Sevenclaws: Hrm. I'd think herbal tea would be better, lo'olz.

SheilaRuth: Green tea is supposed to be really good for you

Kitten-Chan: white tea is very healthy. ^^

rathacat: Green has lots of anti-oxidants

Kitten-Chan: so does white tea ^^

Spirithunter: green tea ice cream...

Coalfang: Yuck

Wolf: ew

Coalfang(Q): any info on when courage will be available in paperback?
rathacat(A): Courage is presently available as an E-book. If it does well in that format, the next step is print, probably paperback.

Spirithunter(Q): Any brilliant ideas for book 6 yet? :D
rathacat(A): There are some ideas chasing their tails around in my brain...

Sevenclaws(Q): Do you still the Ratha sketch? If so, could you post it on W&W?
rathacat(A): Yes I will post it

Akiak(Q): Is it hard to write like really descriptive? How descriptive would you recommend in an author's book?
rathacat(A): Description is sort of like putting sprinkles on a cupcake - you don't want to make it all sprinkles and no cupcake.

Actually I do a lot of description in the first draft and then end up cutting much of it out except for the really striking parts. Just the right description is far better than a whole lot of description.

CloudWind: cool

Coalfang: some books have too much description

CloudWind: Agreed

rathacat: Yes, they do, and you feel like you are wading through it.

Sevenclaws: Yes... But a lot of description is better than none....

CloudWind(Q): If you had a Warrior Name, what would it be?
rathacat(A): Right now it would probably be Tired-paw, but the paws can go a bit longer.

SheilaRuth: Lol, rathacat!

Wolf: Lol, Ratha. Please stay! :(!!!

Wolf(Q): Are there any authors that inspired you or you read as a child?
rathacat(A): Olaf Stapledon and CS Lewis. I also like Dr. Dolittle.

Coalfang: doctor dolittle was awesome

SheilaRuth: I think Dr. Dolittle is a book, not an author.

SheilaRuth: It's really good

Coalfang: the island was a snail!!!!

Spirithunter: and a movie series

Spirithunter: only seen one of the movies, but you've got to love Eddie Murphy. Xd

Coalfang: the books not like the movies

SheilaRuth: There's a much older Dr. Dolittle movie, too.

Coalfang: yea, thats closer i think

Coalfang: to the book

SheilaRuth: I agree

Coalfang(Q): are the named all bad hunters, like ratha was when she was exiled, lol.
rathacat(A): Like Ratha, they haven't been trained to hunt. Big cat cubs have to learn from their mothers how to catch prey.

Coalfang: hunting isnt a named tradition, lol

Swiftstep(Q): Have you ever read Warriors?
rathacat(A): Yes, I've read the first two. I liked Into the Wild. The second one was a little slow.

Wolf: It gets better, trust me!

Spirithunter: the third one's better

Riverstripe: so is the fourth

Sevenclaws(Q): Have you read Raptor Red by Robert Bakker? It's an interesting book about Utahraptors, and while it is fiction, it's quite realistic... Sort of like watching a nature show in a book. Since it's about prehistoric animals, you might be interested in it.
rathacat(A): Yes, I have. Bakker is a practicing paleontologist and he did a beautiful job. I have a copy and I re-read it quite often.

Spirithunter: lol, my recommendation for Raptor Red was from Clare :P

Sevenclaws: Yay! I be happy that you like it....

Coalfang: i think i'll ead raptor red

Coalfang: how long is it?

rathacat: I can go another half-hour, then the generator dies.

Wolf: Aww

Ripplepelt(Q): can you give us a link for a excerpt of the first Ratha book? I really want to read them
rathacat(A): Yes, all the first chapters of the books are on my website, www.rathascourage.com. I'll post a more exact link after the chat. Just enter the site and you'll be able to navigate to the sample chapters. I also have the first Ratha chapter on Goodreads and on DevArt. I'm there as rathacat.

SheilaRuth: Ok, Clare. Thanks for spending so much time with us!

Coalfang: get more gas!!!!

Ripplepelt: Ahah! Thank You Clare!!!

Wolf: *tackle-hugs Rathacat* You Rooooock!

Soundstorm: ^__^ Thanks for comin', Rathacat

Lilacheart: Thanks, Clare :d:d:d

Wolf: Rathaclarecat!

Quailfeather: Thankyou Sooooooooooooooo Much Clare

Ripplepelt: Btw, you, Ratha, and Sheila and Crescent too, are the coolest adults I know, and, really, you guys are

rathacat: I like it! Btw I will post some stuff you can read tomorrow

Sevenclaws: Yah... Ratha be the most amazing author ever.

rathacat: Wow, guys...

Wolf: *hugs Clare until she tells me all the spoilers for upcoming books*

Wolf: *ties to a pole* >:)

rathacat: Sneaky one, Wolfie!

Coalfang: thank for coming rathacat

Wolf: Holy shoot! She talked to me! *faints*

rathacat: I had a blast!

Spirithunter: that's great, Clare. ^^

Wolf: *hugs Clare* I I D O L I Z E Y O U, C L A R E!!!

Quailfeather: We love you, Clare!

Soundstorm: Clare is awesome :D

Coalfang: bye

rathacat: Wow, I'm surrounded by a panther-pile of love

CloudWind: *glomps Clare*

Ripplepelt: *hugs Ratha*

Wolf: Now you have a saber-tooth pile of love!

Silence: is clare leaving?

Quailfeather: Me a Dapple Back!!!!

rathacat: Yup.

Wolf: *tackle-hugs Clare* Never!

Sevenclaws: Sabertooth as in Shongshar?

Wolf: *bawls*

Silence: noooooo

Silence: Bye!

Silence: can u say my name?

Wolf: bawls sound slike bowls... so I'm bowling? o-o...

Silence: then i would feel special :D

rathacat: Hi Silence

Wolf: She called me Wolfie! ;_;

rathacat: Feel special?

Ripplepelt: She called me...ripple, I think

Quailfeather: I'm reading Ratha's Creature, as I chat with you guys!!

Wolf: *copies and pastes the sentance, prints it out, frames it*

Quailfeather: Clare befriended me on deviantart!!!!!!!

Silence: Yayayayay!

Wolf: Can you say my name?!?!?!? :o:o:o

Ripplepelt: I actually don't get crazy with celebrities

Ripplepelt: and I met Motion City Soundtrack =]

CloudWind: Call me Cloudy :D

Ripplepelt: Haha

rathacat: Hi Ripple

Spirithunter: come on here more often, Clare!

Wolf: We should be honored such an awsome peerson's here O_o

Ripplepelt: Hi Ratha!

Spirithunter: on W&w, and the chatroom :D

rathacat: Hi Cloudy

Quailfeather: Hi Ratha!!!!!!!!!!

Lilacheart: Thank you very much for coming, ratha. :D

Soundstorm: Everyone's getting their names said! *laughs*

rathacat: I will. You guys are fun

SheilaRuth: Yay!

Sevenclaws: Xd

rathacat: Hi Sevenclaws

Wolf: You're funner! Ah! Bad grammer!

Wolf: *blows up sentance*

Sevenclaws: Omx!

SheilaRuth: Thanks so much for coming, Rathacat

Wolf: Rathaclarecat!!

rathacat: Hi Spirit

Spirithunter: :P

Spirithunter: yay Ratha!

rathacat: Hi Greyeyes

Wolf: Yay!

Quailfeather: The Clare Bell!!!!

Sevenclaws: Yes Ratha! Thanks So much for coming! You be awesome, and the best author ever!

Wolf: Ratha!

rathacat: Anyone I missed?

Wolf: You must go on tour!

CloudWind: You rule, Ratha!

Wolf: You forgot Magicyop and Sheila

Quailfeather: yes, you must!

SheilaRuth: Lol

Wolf: You must go on tour so I can tackle-hug you and tie you to a pole! Lol!

Lilacheart: Ratha, just curious, how many more Ratha books will there be?

rathacat: Can't forget Magic and Sheila. They are the greatest.

Wolf: So are you, Clarie!

SheilaRuth: Oh, thanks Rathacat!

SheilaRuth: Magicyop says goodnight and thanks for coming!

rathacat: Ratha books, as many as I can write. Hi Lilac!

Wolf: Magicyop, Sheila Ruth, and Clare Rathacat Bell are awesome!

Quailfeather: Your picture in the back of the Ratha books is pretty, Clare!

rathacat: Ok, I need to vamoose and let poor Sheila get to bed. It's probably ast midnight. Bye!

Ripplepelt: Not Midnight yet

Spirithunter: aww

Wolf: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

Spirithunter: bye!

Ripplepelt: bye Clare

Wolf: ::sad noooooooooooooooooo

SheilaRuth: Not yet, but midnight is approaching!

SheilaRuth: But thanks!

Wolf: You can stay while Sheila leaves! Lol!

Sevenclaws: Awwww....

Soundstorm: Bye :(

Sevenclaws: Bye Clare!

Forestpelt: Oh I see the picture! You look awesome, Clare!

Silence: bye

SheilaRuth: Thanks so much for coming. This has been great!

Quailfeather: Bye Clare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wolf: ::sad::sad

Spirithunter: bye!

rathacat: Bye all

Soundstorm: Infinate thanks for coming.

Forestpelt: Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! :(

Wolf: *tackle-hugs*

Spirithunter: Yaar! *dog-pile on Clare*

Sevenclaws: Byezzz... Good Luck with the Ratha Books.

Silence: *tackels*

Wolf: Ok, I'm happy ::happy

Spirithunter: or... cat-pile? 0.o

Quailfeather: *hugs Clare you my bestest frien%%%%******************

Wolf: Ratha pile!

Silence: come back tomorrw, kay?

Forestpelt: lol that was bleeped

CloudWind: *glomps Clare* Cuya around!!

Wolf: that was bleeped,

rathacat: May you eat of the haunch and sleep in the driest den, clan members. Rathacat over and out!

Quailfeather: Ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha, ratha! Try saying that ten times!

Wolf: *salutes Ratha*

Spirithunter: *bares throat*

Wolf: And the chat here ends!

rathacat left.