TORC the CAT saves the bunny received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Nona.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
TORC the CAT saves the bunny, first published in July, 2019.
What’s the book’s first line?
TORC is a loving cat who has a big secret.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
TORC is a cat who dreams of adventure. One day, he hears something happening outside of his house and goes to investigate, only to see his arch nemesis, Greedy Tom, chasing a defenseless orphan bunny. TORC bravely saves the cute bunny and then helps the youngster find a new family that will love him and take care of him. The book is heavily focused on helping young children understand the importance of values such as kindness, selflessly helping others and friendship.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The story was inspired by true events that took place outside of our home, not too far removed from how it is described in the book. On a beautiful September day in 2016, TORC became agitated and alerted us that something was happening in our backyard garden. Heading outside, we saw Greedy Tom, real name unknown, chasing a defenseless bunny and pouncing on him. We chased the naughty feline away and took the tiny rabbit into our care for a few hours, to make sure he wasn’t injured. Later that same day, we released him where we knew other rabbits like to hang out and we later saw him as part of a bigger group. Given how everything happened, we decided to name the bunny Mr. Lucky. After 9 months, the little bunny, since grown, returned to visit us on a regular basis. I was so moved by the entire thing that I decided to write this story and share it with the world!
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
For young readers, the story offers beautiful illustrations and characters they can root for. The story is easy to follow and has a great message in the end. For parents, the book offers the opportunity to discuss deeper concepts with their young children, such as the value of selflessness, helping others, including those that are different, and friendship.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
TORC is a wonderful house cat who appears to be a normal kitty. Deep down he has a moral compass that doesn’t allow him to stand by idly while the innocent and helpless creatures in his neighborhood are in danger. TORC the character is based on himself, the real TORC!
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
There is no one better than Torc himself for the role.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I wish I could say that I always wanted to be an author, but that is not the case. I started my artistic career as a fine art painter, and in 2015 I had an overwhelming desire to create the type of children’s book that I remembered loving as I was growing up.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is the third book I’ve published.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
Art is my full time job, and creating children’s picture books is my main focus.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I create picture books, so creating the illustrations consumes the vast majority of my time. I paint each frame by hand in watercolor, so each page of my books is a small painting. As far as the actual time spent goes, I work somewhere around 10-12 hours per day.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
I love the freedom and challenge that comes with trying to make it on my own in this very challenging field. I get a major buzz when I see others truly enjoying what I have created. On the flip side, marketing your products and gaining an audience is the hardest part of being an indie.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Follow your dreams and don’t give up!
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I am open to working with a traditional publisher, provided that it would result in broader reach for my work.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I want to create something that has a positive impact on current and future generations.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I have the fondest memories of my time reading works by Mark Twain. My favorite book was Adventures of Huckleberry Finn!