I’m honored to help kick off the new blog here! Readers have been asking me where I got the idea the write about a plus-size heroine and a bad boy veterinarian hero in my new book BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY (in stores now!).

It all started with that Dove commercial during the 2006 Superbowl – the one that says something along the lines of every girl should believe she’s beautiful. That got me interested in learning more about positive body images for women which lead me to write my new book BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY featuring a plus-size heroine. Actually, since the average American woman is a size 14 and my heroine is a size 16 she’s more a normal-size heroine. Unfortunately, the rest of the world doesn’t always agree.


After her plus-size modeling career tanks, Leena Riley becomes a receptionist in her hometown veterinarian's office. Too bad the vet is bad boy Cole Flannigan, who taunted her all through school. Now that Leena has grown into her curves, she’s going to make Cole pay – big time.

I had so much fun writing Leena and Cole’s story and I’m thrilled with the rave reviews it’s been receiving, including a highly coveted starred review in Booklist! Because Cole is a veterinarian, I got to use some of my favorite animal stories – from the depressed boa constrictor to the runaway turtle to the cat who sucks her own thumb.


I’ve always been a cat person. My friend Susan Elizabeth Phillips has called me the Cat Whisperer because I’ve rescued nearly a dozen cats and kittens in the past few years and had found them good homes. Of course, all were neutered or spayed.



I got my cat Whiskers from the local humane society as a kitten. He’s grown into a handsome guy – a cover model! Seriously, he was on the cover of Romantic Times magazine in his favorite pose.

I enjoy writing books that touch your heart as well as your funny bone. Remember, laughter is good for you! And having a pet is also healthy – lowers your blood pressure and helps soothe stress. So tell me about your pets. Are you a cat or a dog person or both?

Happy Reading,


Cathie



PS For more info about Cathie's book and cats visit Cathie's website http://www.cathielinz.com/