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I've Shown You Mine, Now Show Me Yours, Part VI.

The invitation to Show Me Your Writing Desk in all its creative glory has revealed some fascinating examples of the writing rooms of working authors. The feline element features strongly today as we look at the writing desks of authors Lindy Cameron, Judith Ridge and Tracey O' Hara. Look closely, and count the cats...

Left: The writing space of Lindy Cameron, national co-convenor of Sisters in Crime Australia and author of five novels including the thriller Redback, and the Kit O'Malley mysteries. Her desk was built by her girlfriend Chele, and features multiple books and felines. Also visible are numerous posters and framed images of Xena the Warrior Princess. Lindy has four cats, including Xena and Emmett who are shown in this photo. (Emmet is partially shown, far right) 'They keep me in the real world by purring and demanding food, while Xena says inspiring things to me like, "I like to be creative in a fight. It gets my juices going", and '"I have many skills," Lindy jokes.

Middle: The desk of writing teacher and children's and youth literature specialist Judith Ridge. Her desk is piled with children's toys and books. The baby photo on her screen is of her mother, circa 1928. One of her two cats, Cooper (a rescue from the RSPCA) sits contentedly in her window blinds. On and around her desk are numerous books on narrative theory (left over from her MA thesis), writing guides, children's and YA books she is using for her course in writing children's books. Judith's mug is full of felt pens, and spells out the helpful suggestion, 'Drink Me'.

Right: The writing desk of Urban Fantasy writer Tracey O'Hara features a number of dragons, including a 'dragon throne' for her new iPhone and a dragon riding a Harley motorcycle. (This has a broken wing thanks to one of her four cats. Her cat Gizmo is shown, but may not be the guilty party.) Tracey says she would be lost without her dual screen set up. 'It’s fabulous for doing edits and I would find it extremely difficult to go back to one.' I don't think her desk is particularly messy, but she does. 'I heard that a messy desk is the sign of a creative mind. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.' Also featured is an environmentally friendly green shopping bag (lower left), and a stand up display of the cover of her latest novel, Night's Cold Kiss (upper right).

Did you count the cats?

Quid pro quo. We've shown you ours, now show us yours, and I'll continue to post the best on The Book Post....

Happy reading,
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