This year, the COVID-19 virus derailed all of my writers’ conference plans including the Cat Writers Association Awards. So far, I’ve had to cancel attending and/or speaking at Sisters In Crime meeting, a library talk (I love libraries!), the OWFI conference, Thrillerfest, and one of my all-time favorites, the Cat Writers’ Association Annual Conference and Awards Banquet.

I’ve never missed one of the CWA events, not since it began way back in 1992. Here’s a recap of our CWA 2018 event, with some promo advice, to give you a taste. So that makes missing this year particularly angst-worthy. Le sigh…

Cat Writers’ Association Virtual Awards Banquet–Y’all Come!

But just like our feline friends, the CWA has landed on her feet. No, we won’t gather in New Jersey for seminars and workshops as in the past. But our annual contest that honors the best-of-the-best published cat work each year had already been judged, and winners selected. So our President Deb Barnes and her team of cat-tastic planners, has put together a VIRTUAL AWARDS BANQUET.

Want more details? Maybe even interested in writing about your cat(s) and joining CWA? Here are all the must-knows.

From Glammies to Jammies

We typically “glam up” for our awards banquet. But if y’all are like me, you may not have worn makeup or fancy clothes for months–not counting rhinestone-studded masks and yoga pants. So the organizers decided to make this easy for everyone. Wear what makes you happy!

IT’S FREE! Did You Hear…EVERYONE COME!

What makes it even more fun is that — there’s no cost to attend, no plane to board, no hotel room to finagle, or cat-sitters to arrange. Nope, it’s OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (that’s YOU, too!), and everyone can watch in the comfort of their own home, with cats (and dogs, or even significant others) nearby. We’ll have special speaker presenters and sponsors, and the event also will be recorded so folks can watch later — or see a re-run for what’s sure to be some great moments.

Invite anyone you think would enjoy the paw-ty. I’ll be presenting awards (so much fun to surprise outstanding colleagues!). And there also will be original music from the SHOJAI & STEELE show STRAYS, THE MUSICAL (where all the characters are cats and dogs). I even won a Certificate of Excellence on two books, and in the running for other awards (below).

How To Watch–Details Here

There are also several ways the ceremony can be viewed. The event will be streamed live on our CWA Public Facebook page where viewers can interact in the comments, or via Zoom, where they can interact in the chat room with other viewers. CWA also has an event page set up on Facebook if you care to join: bit.ly/cwaglammiestojammies

If you want to watch via Zoom, these are the options:

To join the Zoom webinar, click the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82330842216?pwd=dFVFY2MveUMvdGtVUFRsMzh5a2lsdz09
Passcode: 324979
Or iPhone one-tap :
US: +12532158782,,82330842216#,,,,,,0#,,324979# or +13462487799,,82330842216#,,,,,,0#,,324979#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 646 558 8656
Webinar ID: 823 3084 2216
Passcode: 324979
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kh7bf3vp0

If you run into any problems, CWA member, Bonnie Koenig will be monitoring our Facebook public page, our events page, our Facebook private page, and our Zoom chat room at least a half-hour before the event begins, so please don’t fret. She’s also answering any questions you might have, right now as we speak, so if you’ve got a question, please feel free to ask now.

Tabby’s Place Fundraising Event

We are also hosting a fundraising event for Tabby’s Place Cat Sanctuary during our event and we welcome everyone to donate. Each donation is automatically enrolled to win one of our many sponsor-supported raffle prizes and here is the link with details for the fundraiser, the prizes available, and the donation button: https://catwriters.com/wp_meow/tabbys-place-fundraiser-2020/

All we ask is that you have fun – we encourage you to wear your favorite glammie or jammie look and post a selfie on Facebook. Engage with your fellow viewers before and during the ceremony. Cheer the contest winners on, share fun stories, recipes, toast a virtual drink, and more! We’re all just so stressed out and we want this event to be a nice break from everything.

Can’t wait to see you all! I’ll be the one in rhinestone cat ears…and probably blue-purple-pink hair and lots of jewelry. (I don’t get out much these days.)

So…are you coming? Karma-Kat, Shadow-Pup, and Bravo-Dawg will be there, how about you? You KNOW you want to!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!