Smudge says: “It’s how you feel, not how you look.”
Smudge is no ordinary cat. Teased by a mean neighbor cat, she discovers she has a black spot between her eyes that she never knew she had. She tries to hide it with different hats, but they make her feel like she’s something she’s not. After a long nap, she jolts awake, realizing that being herself is the only thing that matters.

Author Debra Morrow: “I created this site so you can learn more about me and a story I hope to get published. If you’d like to read the entire manuscript of Smudge Finds Her Spot in Life, please contact me. Images here are intended to engage; I’m currently querying agents and publishers. Teachers who have reviewed this story agree the content is appropriate for ages four to seven. Word count: 288.
SMUDGE FINDS HER SPOT IN LIFE: A GLIMPSE

“First, a hibiscus flower to make me look like a supermodel. But my spot still peeked out.”

“A waffle cone to make me look like the ice-cream man. But I couldn’t pull it over my ears.”

“A beanie to make me look like a champion skier. But it made my spot stand out even more!”

My inspiration
Smudge’s real name is Ballantine, who recently flew to cat heaven. Today she’s frolicking with birds and bunnies — her favorite creatures to watch when she was living on earth. But even though she has all the snackies she can eat, she’s growing impatient. “When is my book going to be published?,” she asks. “Young kids who are bullied for looking different must read my story.”
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