#327 Whiskers & Witchcraft with Rebecca van Laer

This week, we're running a takeover in collaboration with author and Reedsy marketer Rebecca van Laer! This contest’s winner will not only be awarded $250 — they’ll also receive personal feedback from Rebecca herself, as well as a free copy of her latest book, Cat! Hear from one of Reedsy’s very own below:

When I wrote my first story about cats, I was afraid it would be too sweet and cozy. But cats aren’t just adorable — they’re the animals we associate with witches for a reason! I wanted to capture so much in my short story, and later, my book Cat: cats as bewitching, adorable, ecologically destructive, life-affirming, mysterious, and lawless.

This week, I invite you to consider cats in all their various forms as you brainstorm your Halloween (or post-Halloween!) story. How will they slink into your own writing?

Special Update: The Results 🏆

Rebecca's top pick for her takeover was "The Fidget Hypothesis" by Matt Wallace. Here's what Rebecca had to say about it:

Matt Wallace’s “The Fidget Hypothesis” fully captures the spirit of its titular cat, Fidget, as it unfurls his magical tale. Wallace’s prose moves with cat-like grace between anecdotes and memories, detailing a charming and relatable relationship between Fidget and his mistress as they enjoy his literal nine lives together. Here, the infusion of magical elements heightens the stakes for feline cohabitation — if you think your cat can be naughty, just imagine what they might do were you a science-witch with a lab full of potions. Fidget and the mistress’ bond is characterized by surprises, mishaps, occasional frustrations, and a literal take on the common saying that cats have nine lives. But despite the mistress’ supernatural power to bring Fidget — and herself — back from the brink of mortality, the emotional core of the story is wholly realistic. Wallace’s successful combination of play and poignancy made “The Fidget Hypothesis” this week’s winner.

Congratulations to contest winner Matt Wallace and the runners-up, Carla King and Katy Heald!