Every cat blogger does, or should belong to the highly regarded and long-established Cat Writers Association. Why is that you ask? What’s so important for cat creatives? Let me explain.
I need to share my Cat Writers’ Association success with you all as a Thank You for your support. Thanks to your questions, enjoyment and inspiration Dash Kitten’s change of blog direction has taken hold and begun to thrive, and prompted my absolute beginner’s mini-course and teaching posts.
Who are the CWA?
The Cat Writers are an umbrella organisation for everyone who writes, draws, photographs and creates artworks about cats and the feline world. All creatives are warmly welcomed.
This year’s conference was cancelled due to the worldwide pandemic but this will not stop cat creatives from celebrating a CWA Certificate win.
What is a CWA Certificate?
The beautifully produced awards are shown off by every blogger who receives them. Each winner is also a finalist for a coveted Muse® Medallion. The medals are not automatically awarded even where there are limited numbers of submissions. Exact details are found on the CWA official site.
The certification of a published work, blog post, poem, or art work is not easily won. Three judges must award 90% or over for a certificate to be awarded.
As you can imagine, members are very selective about submitting their best work to achieve Cat Writers’ Association success. You will see plenty of proud posts over the next few days from the amazing winners.
- You can check out the full list of winners on the CWA site here.
Cat Writers’ Award Winning Photography
I am thrilled that three photographs I submitted for consideration received Award Certificates.
The Certificates confirm and validate the important change of direction at Dash Kitten to helping beginners learn how to take great cat (and pet) pictures.
Chenzou at the Cat Cafe
Chenzou has been a star of the cat cafe since it opened and he gained renown as a big food fan helping people eat their cat-shaped biscuits. He has retired and is much missed as he is the most awesome cat model.
- Chenzou’s photo is available on a card at Red Bubble. All profits to cat rescue.
Love at the Cat Cafe
Win or lose this is a truly special moment of cat love.
Tiger Lily is definitely Lady Boss Cat at Neko Ngeru Cat Adoption Cafe, but she has a soft and loving side, especially for her mum Richelle, proprietress of the cat cafe. I was the luckiest photographer ever to capture this loving moment.
Dot Roars
When I discovered sport mode on my new DLSR I was off like a rocket with high ambitions of action photos. To my surprise, my photograph of Dot Kitten in full yowl mode was one of the first cat photographs I was thrilled with.
Winning Cat Writers’ Association Blog Posts
The Beginner’s Guide to Taking Great Photos of Your Cat
This post is aimed at every cat lover who wants to take good pictures.
You may not want to win awards, or get published but just take a picture you can look at with pride. This post was written to guide and help.
How to Succeed with your Cat Closeup Photography
Blog readers commented that taking a close-up was tough and this post was the result.
Easy tips and encouragement for cat lovers (and other pets) to help you get sharper pictures with a sparkle in your pet’s eye, and a smile on your face.
Cat Photos for Beginner DSLR Users
Written from the point of view of someone who has a DSLR camera in their hands and absolutely no idea how to use it. This gives useful and encouraging tips for your first steps to success.
Congratulations to Every CWA Winner
I want to send congratulations to the host of superb quality blogs, photographers and artists who achieved success in the 2019 awards presented by the CWA. Meet some of my colleagues and their blogs.
The winners also include our friends Dawn, Lola and Lexy whose lockdown reports from New York are a testament to the courage and resilience that can be seen in America and around the world.
Quick Stop Press on Harvey and on Basil
Harvey has been unwell and caused us a few headaches including stubbornly refusing to be deterred from his walk down to the shallow stream at the bottom of the garden for a drink (he was carefully monitored every single step of the way).
I was ready to leap over to get him if he faltered. He seems to have stabilised and is resting after his favourite Humarian probiotics and a good drink. He is working hard on his ‘appealing look’.
Sweet Purrfections says
Congratulations on your awards. Good luck on a possible Muse.
I was so sorry to hear about Harvey. Please know my thoughts are with you.
Paula
Marjorie Dawson says
Thank you, Paula and girls, A Muse is a dream, we are happy to have our change in direction acknowledged in such style by the Cat Writers.
Happyoodles says
Congratulations on getting 3 Certificate of Excellence Awards. The recognition is well deserved.
All the photos selected for an award are beautiful, but my personal favorite is the black and white photo of Chenzou.
Jana Rade says
Congratulations on the well-deserved reward. It always feels good to have your work appreciated.
Rebecca Sanchez says
Congratulations on the award and you deserve incredible recognition for your photography – and I absolutely love ❤️ your teaching articles! Well deserved!
Ruth Epstein says
Congratulations and no one deserves it more for their photography but you, your photos are amazing and I love your teaching posts. Thanks for the blog hop also 🙂
Athena and Marie says
Congratulations. You deserve it!
databbiesotrouttowne says
guyz…. conga ratz two yur mum on her a wardz…we iz buzzed happee for her; way kewl !! 🙂
N harvey; heerz sum blessingz frum st francis two ewe dood…get well, stay well N bee well oh kay…N if ya wantz streem waterz make yur mum N dad go down ther witha pail N bring it bak two ewe ~~~ 🙂 ♥♥
Marjorie Dawson says
Thanks tabbies. I will try the bucket idea! – Harvey
Catwoods says
Concatulations Marjorie! Your photos are just gorgeous! Purrs for Harvey and Basil. And the kitties and I thank you for the concats and for the link to our blog!
Katie says
Congratulations! What an exciting achievement! Your photos are gorgeous and the awards are much deserved.
Emilia says
Congratulations Marjorie- you deserve it. The Dot Roars pic is one of the best – it just tickles me every time I see it. I’m kicking myself I didn’t enter a couple things but I never think my stuff is good. I’m filling out my application today – using the things I wish I’d entered as my application pieces. And I will enter next year !
meowmeowmans says
That’s fabulous, Marjorie! Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition from the CWA!
We are glad Harvey has stabilized for now. We will continue sending love, purrs and prayers.
Ellen Pilch says
Congratulations! You are an excellent photographer. XO
Beth says
Congratulations! All three of your submitted photos are terrific and I love reading all your photography posts.
Marjorie Dawson says
I am so inspired by your photography blog. It gives so many different perspectives and views on ‘how’ to take a pet photo.
Melissa & Mudpie says
Huge congratulations to you! Incredibly well deserved.
r says
AND to you too. Amazing work from you and Mudpie.
The Swiss Cats says
Concatulations ! You have great photography skills, you’re doing a wonderful job ! Well deserved ! Purrs
Talent Hounds says
Congratulations. You have inspired me with your amazing growth in your photography and video skills and your blog transformation. So pleased you have been recognized for your talent and hard work.
Timmy Tomcat says
Marjorie we love your writing and the help with our photography too. Keep the good stuff flowing
Happyoodles says
Congratulations on the awards! Your cat eye picture is amazing. Cats have such beautiful eyes.
I will need to try some of your tips for up close photography on my pup.
Happyoodles
The Island Cats says
Congratulations! So well deserved.
Marjorie Dawson says
Thank you. I love visiting and seeing Ernie and Zoe at the Island Cats!
Brian Frum says
We are thrilled to see you getting the recognition you’ve deserved for so long. Yes indeed, Dash would be so proud.
Memories of Eric and Flynn says
Congratulations on your awards.
Marjorie Dawson says
Dash would want us to help and inspire – fearlessly. He was fearless, he was bold.
Summer says
Big congratulations!
Marjorie Dawson says
Thank you. It is all inspired by the advice we got from Sparkle all those years ago.
Edith Chase says
Congratulations! Well deserved! 💕
Marjorie Dawson says
Thank you!