About the Author
Catherine Pilcher Gayle lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband Woody and their two children. She’s had a passion for creative writing since her childhood growing up in Dalton, Georgia. Cat went on to attend the University of Georgia where she received a Business Degree in Risk Management ~ Insurance.
After college, Cat spent a summer in London, England followed by working in New York City. Her love of these two cities gave her inspiration to write her upcoming chapter book series for early independent readers. Cat’s first published work When a Monster Dreams was written to help alleviate her young son’s fear of monsters at bedtime. Her idea quickly expanded into a “monster series” touching on topics such as mindfulness and manners.
Cat has a deep appreciation for the arts and in her free time you will find her attending concerts, theater productions and films. She enjoys practicing yoga and spending time with friends and family. Cat teaches preschool in Atlanta and receives creative inspiration from her students daily. Cat’s children, Charlotte and Jack, are her greatest joy in life and their favorite pastimes together include dressing up in costume and creating plays and fairytales.
Children’s Book Author: Cat Gayle
A Personal Note from the Author
When a Monster Dreams was written to help calm my young son’s fear of monsters at bedtime. By painting monsters in a lovable, cheerful light, they didn’t seem scary to him anymore. Looking deeper within the story, this book can apply to overcoming a fear of another person or situation. Although sometimes different or unfamiliar, deep down everyone is the same ~ we all strive for joy and happiness in our lives and my story reflects these universal wishes and dreams. When a Monster Dreams is whimsical, comforting and embodies all things “joyful”.
Purchase Cat Gayle’s Books!
Q&A with Cat
How did you get started writing for kids?
I’ve enjoyed creative writing since my childhood. I have a drawer full of stories I’ve worked on over the years which I still consider ~ works in progress. However, I felt extra enthusiastic and passionate about my Monster series and finally shared it with a publishing company.
Where do you get your story ideas?
All my writing inspiration comes from my personal experiences; whether it’s with my own children and preschool students or through travel to different cities and cultures.
What’s your favorite thing about writing for kids?
The most rewarding aspect to writing is the idea that my stories will have a positive impact on a child and brighten their day. My monster series touches on everything from calming fears and self-care to healthy habits and good manners. While my chapter book series is light hearted and amusing, it will also spark an interest in travel and adventure for children.
Do you have any advice for kids?
Spend as much time as you can engaged in imaginative play. With my own children over the years, we have spent countless hours dressing up in costume (often times making our own) and acting out plays and fairytales. Creative play (and writing) stimulates the use of a child’s imagination which is so valuable in the development of critical thinking and social skills (ex. What would the character do next in this situation? What emotions would the character feel?).
What is the best piece of writing advice you can give?
Read daily! Reading and listening to stories expands your mind and exposes you to creative ideas. Try to write as often as you can and always remember to have a journal and pen handy. You never know when a creative idea will flash through your mind. Dream BIG! The world needs to READ your story!