In a few months my new Dutch novel will hit the shelves.
This week is editing time, and I sit down on my couch to read twohundred twenty five original manuscript pages filled with handwritten comments from two different editors.

I pick up the pile and start reading page one. Aloud, for that's the only way to hunt down pesky tongue twisters. After reading three sentences I hear a loud scratching on my door. My cat Esmeralda wants to get in.

I try to pretend I don't hear anything, but it's no use. She really knows how to get herself into the picture.
I put down my pile and open the door.

Esmeralda scoots in, and without respecting my hard work, she rushes over my manuscript. The loose pages whirl through the room.
Oh my!

It takes me a considerable amount of time to sort out the mess, but at last I try to concentrate on my reading again.
Esmeralda has been waiting for this moment. She jumps on my lap, and purring loudly she pushes a hairy wet nose into my face.

I try to read on, in between two hairy ears, but that doesn't work out.
Taking a deep steadying breath I get to my feet and banish her to the corridor.

I sit down again and read on.

Not for long though...

"Meow," it sounds from the corridor.

"Sorry sweetie, Mommy has to work!"

Unfortunately, Sweetie doesn't take no for an answer.

A loud indignant meowing and scratching disturbs my peace.

It's obvious I'm the loser here.

I heave a big sigh, get to my feet and answer the door.

Esmeralda rushes in, her tail up in winner mode, and with her the rest of my hairy pets runs in too.

I pour myself a cup of coffee, sit down again and try to continue reading.

Then, a dog runs into the garden.

The four pets scoot to the window as if they were one cat only, using me and the coffee and my valuable manuscript as a runway...

Oh help! How can I ever explain this dripping mess?

Greetings from The Netherlands!