WOW! Women on Writing Presents

But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami

Blog Tour & a Special Giveaway @ WOW! Women on Writing – details below!!!

When Chitra discovered a stray cat in need of help, she never thought they’d wind up saving each other. Struggling to come to terms with an unexpected diagnosis, Chitra returned home to Oman seeking a sense of familiarity. What she discovered instead was a very special cat who changed her life. But First, Rumi is the story of how, day by day, Rumi and Chitra got to know one another, and as she learned to love the little stray, she began to see greater life lessons about herself, her family, her home country and her place in the world. 

What unfolds when girl and cat meet? What happens when you follow your heart? What if the world is not as it seems? Is it worth taking a chance? 

Q & A with Chirtra

What inspired you to write But First, Rumi?
My cat Rumi of course 🙂 . 
The journey he and I went on is rather special and I wanted to share it with the world. The book is a dedication to my Rumi and the street cats of Oman. 

If people take only one thing away from this book, what would you want it to be?
You do not need to be an expert to make a difference to another life. Learn as you go. Fall, get up again, learn and keep moving forward. Keep your minds and hearts open. Try and receive life fully and see where it takes you. 

Do you have a special affinity for cats? All animals? Just Rumi?
I’ve always been compassionate towards all animals. But I never grew up around them. I assumed I’d be a dog person. Rumi walked in and changed everything. Now it’s Maus, Maus and more Maus. Btw, Mau means street cat in Arabic.

What time of day is easiest for you to write? 
I’m an early morning person in general. So definitely mornings. 

Do you have a routine or ritual to get into the right headspace to write?
A mug of herbal tea( non caffeinated) or warm turmeric milk and I’m good to go. No music. I’ve noticed I’m simply unable to write with music on. And strangely, the temperature of the room makes a huge difference to me. I like it warm and cozy. Helps my thoughts flow. 

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
We love hearing from our readers! Thoughts on the book, street cat adoption interests or simply want to say hello – Reach out to Rumi & me at our Instagram handle @rumionamission2017 or mail us at rumionamission2017@gmail.com

But First, Rumi is available on Amazon
Add it to your GoodReads reading list

About the Author

Chitra Ramaswami was born and raised in the Middle East by Indian parents, and her childhood was spent reading every book she could lay her hands on or writing stories and lines of poetry. As a result of traveling the world extensively and being a natural linguist, she is an amalgamation of many cultures and tastes and is constantly looking for the next experience she can immerse herself in. When she isn’t writing, Chitra rides horses, climbs mountains and is a passionate advocate for the Omani Mau/ street cat. She currently lives in New York with her husband and a very spoiled cat and hamster duo. 

Website

TOUR SCHEDULE

March 15th @ WOW! Women on Writing 
Join us at the WOW blog, The Muffin, to celebrate the launch of Chitra Ramaswami’s book But First, Rumi. You can read an interview with the author, find out more information about this touching memoir, and win a copy for yourself! 
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

March 16th @ Hook of a Book 
Join Erin as she shares a guest post by the author about Omani street cats.
http://www.hookofabook.wordpress.com 

March 20th @ Boots Shoes and Fashion 
Visit Linda’s blog to read her interview with author, Chitra Ramaswami about her book But First, Rumi. 
http://bootsshoesandfashion.com 

March 20th @ Pages and Paws
Visit Kristine’s blog today to read her review of But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami.
https://pagesandpaws.com

March 21st @ Shoe’s Seeds & Stories 
Visit Linda’s blog today to read her review and spotlight for But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami. 
https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com

March 25th @ Keeping it Real 
Join Lisa as she shares a guest post by the author about how to get past writer’s block. 
https://www.lisambuske.com/

March 26th @ Author Anthony Avina 
Visit Anthony’s blog as he shares a guest post about cats and mental health and reviews But First, Rumi by Chita Ramaswami. 
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com 

March 28th @ The Faerie Review 
Visit Lily’s blog where she interviews author Chitra Ramaswami. 
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

March 29th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog 
Join Bev as she shares her thoughts about But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami. 
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

March 30th @ Lisa’s Reading 
Visit Lisa’s blog where she reviews But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami. 
http://lisasreading.com/ 

April 1st @ Knotty Needle 
Visit Judy’s blog and read her review of this touching memoir for pet lovers, But First, Rumi. You can also win a copy of the book too! 
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/ 

April 5th @ Reviews and Interviews
Join Lisa as she interviews author Chitra Ramaswami about her book But First, Rumi.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

April 5th @ Note to the World
Come by Mahnoor’s blog today and read the review of But First, Rumi by Chitra Ramaswami.
https://www.notetotheworld.com/

April 7th @ It’s Alanna Jean 
Join Alanna as she shares a guest post by Chitra Ramaswami about the misconceptions about cats. 
https://itsalannajean.webnode.com/

April 13th @ Deborah-Zenha Adams 
Join Deborah as she shares a guest post about writing process by the author of But First, Rumi. 
http://www.deborah-adams.com