Sheila Jeffries
I wrote Solomon's Tale to help people who were grieving for a lost pet and help them to know what to say to comfort a heart broken child. As a teacher I saw so many children who were shattered and inconsolable after the death of a pet or a granny. I loved writing Solomon's Tale. It's a deep story with a light touch, fun to read, sad in places, utterly heart- warming in others. Angels, re-incarnation and life before and after death are woven into the plot; serious issues, yes, but this is a tale told by a beautiful cat who came to heal and help a family in crisis. It's also a story of the undying love between two cats, Solomon and the bewitching Jessica whose wild behaviour adds humour to the difficulties the family must face, poverty, eviction, and separation. I wrote this book from the heart, and I believe it speaks to the heart of the reader.
How important are cats in your world?
Cats, dogs and horses were amazing friends and teachers in my early life. I don't have a cat now because we lived on a busy road, but now we have moved house we plan to adopt a couple of rescued cats who need a home.
The story is inspired by your own cat, Solomon, so what compelled you to tell his tale?
Solomon was a lost kitten, and he found me. He gave us 23 years of love, healing and fun. One day he actually taught me to heal by holding out his injured paw to me and encouraging me to feel the heat of the aura around the pain. My efforts to send light and love were rewarded with his perfect stillness, an unwavering stare, and little purr-meows.
You have been writing since you were young, so tell us about your earliest attempts.
At the age of seven I won a prize at school for writing the life story of a penny! I wrote my first book for children when I was twelve and it was accepted by a mainstream publisher. Writing came naturally to me. I didn't find it hard and the stories queued up in my head. They still do, but now I find the writing much more challenging.
How can adults and children enjoy the book?
Ideally the adult would read it aloud with the child cuddled close on the sofa in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Talk about the story. Laugh and cry together.
What prompted you to go into teaching?
I wanted to teach children the power of patient love. Whether it was English, Art or Games, every lesson was an opportunity to build kindness, confidence and trust.
Why do parents find it so hard to know what to say to children when a pet dies?
Science and religion are the culprits. With these two polarities etched into the minds of three generations, spiritual truth has no chance. It's no good telling children their beloved pet cat is now a 'star in the sky.' OK, that's a nice image, but today's children have a scepticism born of fact based science. We have to go beyond science and beyond our reasoning minds. And there IS a beyond. If we consider MIND, BODY and SPIRIT as a triangle with SPIRIT at the top, traditional education ignores the spirit. Meditation is the door to the riches of spiritual knowledge which doesn't come from books. You may read every book in every library on earth, and still not know who you are and why you are here. If meditation was taught in schools we would all have access to this beautiful and essential life-changing knowledge. Only then would we truly know what to tell our children about death.
Why are pets so important in peoples' lives?
Pets give unconditional love. They forgive us our mistakes, and set us an example of how to relax and have fun. I believe they can teach children how to love and care, and help them understand about birth and death.
What is next for you?
I am writing a three book saga based on the theme of an inherited gift of clairvoyance which suffered repression and disapproval through three generations. I am also working on a new novel for children, and a non-fiction book, FOREST OF DREAMS which you can see on my website.