New Lowell writer braves the workings of a cat’s mind

Joyce Ernyes loves to write.

“I have fun with it,” she says, “I find it very therapeutic.”

The New Lowell area resident has published Letters From Sugar, a book of correspondence to and from her cat Sugar.

Ernyes said she adopted Sugar about six years ago when her family, a retired couple, were relocating to Hawaii. After the move Ernyes decided it would be fun to send an e-mail to her former owners, written from the cat’s perspective. She pretended that the cat was “trying its paw” at the computer to let “Mom and Dad” know that she was settling in well with her adoptive family.   

“It was so well received that I wrote again a few months later. After a while there were several letters from Sugar,” said Ernyes.

Those initial e-mails have been completely reworked for the book but Ernyes does draw on her own family members and pets for inspiration as to what could be going on in Sugar’s head. She has used the real names of some of her family members and has also references the pets of friends and while some of Sugar’s adventures are based in real events, most of it comes from Ernyes’ imagination.

She said she enjoys working with words, stringing together sentences and often choses to work with lighthearted subjects.

Each of the 21 letters is illustrated by Calgary based artist Lesley Bergen, who created line drawings inspired by each story and the cover artwork.

Letters From Sugar sells for $20 and is available online at www.mcnallyrobinson.com for $20. The book is also available in at Angus Veterinary Clinic and Home Fantasies in Angus.