It's time for a shocking confession. Are you ready? Brace yourselves...

In every single story I've ever written - and we're talking over 50 short stories, one completed novel, and several works-in-progress - there's always one teensy-weensy, itty-bitty personal touch. A character, a personality, an event, or a place that's ripped straight from the pages of my own life. I know, I know, you're stunned. Authors never do this, right? (Insert dramatic eye roll here)

In my magnum opus, "Fault Lines," I've gone above and beyond. The main character isn't just inspired by someone I know. Oh no, that would be far too mundane. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the star of the show: the main character, a male, named after my soul cat, Micah.

Yes, you read that correctly. A cat. A female cat, to be precise. But not just any cat - she's the feline version of yours truly. We're practically twins separated at birth (if, you know, I had been born a cat).

You might be wondering, "How can a human and a cat be so similar?" Well, let me enlighten you:

1. Personalities: We're both charming, witty, and irresistible. (At least, that's what I tell myself in the mirror every morning.)

2. Attitudes: We share a mutual disdain for noise, a love for cozy naps, and an uncanny ability to judge others silently.

3. Side eyes: Our side-eye game is so strong, it could curdle milk from across the room.

In fact, our similarities are so striking that I'm beginning to suspect I might actually be part cat. I do have an inexplicable urge to knock things off high surfaces.

So, there you have it, folks. The secret to my literary success: a dash of personal experience and a hefty dose of feline inspiration. Who needs a muse when you have a cat?

Next time you pick up one of my stories, keep an eye out for the character that seems oddly familiar. It might just be me in disguise... or my cat. At this point, it's hard to tell the difference.

**surely you can see me in this picture of her 😂