One of the keys to good writing is a compelling subject.

Bob Ruder had never written a book before, yet he wrote his first one in 15 minutes. It turns out cats make very good subject material, and besides, Ruder really had little say in it because his subject chose him.

"What (people have) always found interesting is that cats are so aloof," said Ruder. "They meander to their own beat. They come and go as they choose. If they choose to love you, they will."

Meow is the name of Ruder's mature male cat and the subject of his book, "I Am Meow." The book is nonfiction - because as they say, the truth is stranger than fiction - and it's not necessarily a children's book. Instead, it's suitable for anyone who enjoys a good cat tale.

"It's the story of a cat who chose to leave its previous home, meander across the countryside and find us as a new family," said Ruder, who lives with his wife, Margie, in Manheim Township. "When we first got this cat, he was reluctant to come near us. But he finally came into our home. He was a skinny little guy when we first met him. The book is about this guy's journey. I wanted to tell why this guy came to us."

All of this cat drama went down during the summer of 2022. Ruder published "I Am Meow" in December of 2023.

"This cat chose to adopt us," said Ruder. "Meow is an example of a free spirit. He chose to find a better life for himself. We gave him a new life, but he's brought joy to our life."

Illustrated by local artist and former Hempfield High School art teacher Kelly Gallagher, "I Am Meow" is a 20-page, black and white publication that can also serve as a coloring book.

"We called him Meow because he says his name all the time," said Ruder. "Maybe he thought we didn't understand it, so he said it over and over until we got it right. The book is about who this cat happens to be."

"I would say that the book's primary audience is grandparents, because it could give them an opportunity to sit down with and spend time with their grandchildren reading a book," he added. "There are few things more important than sharing a book with a child."

Ruder has already sold more than 80 copies of "I Am Meow" and proceeds from the sale have gone to Pet Pantry of Lancaster County, 26 Millersville Road, Lancaster, which provides low-cost veterinary services. Ruder has ordered a second printing of "I Am Meow."

"It is an absolute true story. That's what made it interesting," said Ruder, who retired from his work as the Manheim Township Middle School principal in 2004. "There are various messages to be seen in the book. People, regardless of their circumstances in life, can find joy if they wish to. It's all about choices."

For additional information or to purchase a copy of "I Am Meow," go to http://www.iammeow.org/.