Editor’s Note: Award-winning author Andrea Dorn is doing double duty this year for the Cat Writers Association as President and Contest Chair of the Cat Writers Association (CWA). Even with that, she still had time to visit with us at Goodnewsforpets on her life as a cat writer, her passion for cats (and horses), and to encourage cat lovers who create and write to not only join CWA but to attend the CWA Conference in Fort Worth, TX, November 6-7 this year. Thank you, Andrea!
Everyone has a story to tell regarding how they got involved in writing about pets. What is yours?
I always wanted to write and always did. I wrote a neighborhood newspaper when I was in third grade and earned a whole quarter for it! It was only natural that I move into writing about animals because I’ve been surrounded by them my entire life.
Are you a cat lover or a dog lover too?
I love all animals, whether they are in the water or on land or in the sky (although I don’t like mosquitoes). I would say I am closest to cats and horses, though. I feel like I can communicate with them much more easily.
Andrea Dorn with Edgar
Have there been any special cats in your life?
This just makes me cry because I’ve been lucky enough to have so many special cats in my life. As soon as I mention one, I feel guilty not mentioning the others. I could start with Misty, Gabrielle’s Galaxy, Misha Baryshnikat, Mewdy Blue, Lady Butterfly, and so many more. I could write a book. I am writing a book!
What is your writing process?
I would call my method “scattered” because I don’t have a system. I’m part pantser, part come and go, part I’m too busy. But what works best for me is to handwrite first, then commit to my computer for revisions.
Are there any special tips you can give our readers?
Love your cats, make sure they have what they need; they are only with us a very short time, so make the most of that time. Then sit in that chair and write. Or go outside and write. Just write.
How did you get involved in Cat Writers’ Association?
I have to credit Cat Fancy magazine for that, or was it Cats magazine? I’m not sure, but I read an article about an organization that held a writing contest every year and presented their awards at a conference. I wrote to then-president Amy Shojai for more information and joined as soon as I could!
What would you say is the biggest benefit to being a member?
Of course there’s the camaraderie, being around other writers and those who love cats. But now there’s so much more. I love that we are always learning about our craft, about our cats, and even about other forms of communicating, like through fine art, graphic art, videos, and podcasts. It seems like every day something new hits the market. Our members also share information like potential article ideas, open submission periods, new products on the market, books to read, and the latest in technology.
The CWA Conference is coming up this fall. What can you tell us about the program?
We are all so excited about the CWA Conference this year. It will be the first year since COVID that we will be entirely in-person thanks to sponsors like the Dog Writers Association of America, our partners. Last year we had an in-person portion, but half of it was online as well. We have a line-up of exciting speakers too, including Arden Moore, Amy Shojai, Cat Conrad, Brad Foster, Ron Coller, Shado Wiley, Mel White, Steve Dale, Beverly Garland, Jake & Amber Royer, and Dusty Rainbolt (our Conference Co-Chair), and so many more.
In addition, we will have a Rescue Communication Track for people in the rescue community and the shelter community with topics such as “Taking Good Photos of Adoptable Pets,” “The Difference Between Feral and Stray Cats,” and “Writing Interesting Descriptions of Adoptable Pets.”
And of course we’ll have some of our sponsors, like Sturdi Products and EveryCat Health Foundation, at the conference to exhibit their latest products. Games and prizes will headline our Friday Fun Night, Nov 6, and the CWA Communications Award Banquet is Saturday, Nov 7. Our conference webpage is at https://catwriters.com/cat-writers-association-annual-conference/ .
The Conference will also include an awards banquet. What can you tell us about the contest entries you received?
As the president of CWA, I get to choose the best of all the MUSE Award winners, so I have not seen them yet. But we’ve had some great entries from articles and columns to books to art and photography. And they’ve covered the gamut of topics related to cats, including health, behavior, grooming, rescue, feline-associated products, and TNVR.
Editor’s Note: The Goodnewsforpets Human-Animal Bond Award will also be announced at the awards banquet along with other special awards. We are looking forward to promoting the next recipient!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I’d love to see more people join the CWA to learn about their craft and meet others who love the same things they do. The Cat Writers’ Association is an international organization with members in New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, the UK, Germany… all over the world. If you communicate in any way about cats, please check out our website at https://catwriters.com/ and join us at the conference Nov. 6-7, 2026 in Fort Worth, TX.
More About Andrea Dorn: Andrea is a Contributor to Cat Talk, WayWords Literary Journal, Lyrical Iowa, Just Labs, All Creatures, Cats, Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Iowa Gardeners Winner, 2024 Article-Health, Long, Muse Medallion, Cat Writers’ Association Winner, 2024 President’s Award, Cat Writers’ Association Winner, 2016 Lorie Huston Health Award, Cat Writers’ Association Winner, 2013 Purina Proplan/Cat Writers’ Association Pedigreed Cats Special Award.
Write to Andrea at conference @catwriters.com and visit her Substack at https://andreadorn.substack.com
