Kate Fagan’s path to becoming an author is nothing short of inspiring. From her roots in sports journalism to her successful shift into narrative non-fiction, she’s now making waves in fiction with her latest book, The Three Lives of Cate Kay - a Reese’s Book Club pick! We caught up with Kate to chat about her favourite books, her creative process, and what it means to bring a story to life. Let’s dive into her world of storytelling and all the magic that comes with it.
What’s the book you always gift to friends?
I’d say it’s a toss up between Bel Canto by Ann Patchett and Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Which book have you reread the most?
I’ve never re-read a book (covers eyes... I do often flip back through Bel Canto, as well as The Book Thief.)
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m currently reading Colored Television by Danzy Senna and HIGHLY recommend
What are your reading habits like?
I just read so much non-fiction and magazine and news stuff because of my background as a journalist so I feel like my fiction reading habits are still finding a groove. I usually find some non-fiction topic I’m obsessed with and read everything I can find on it.
What was your path to becoming an author?
I came in through the side door or sports journalism and narrative non-fiction, though writing novels was always the dream.
What is the importance of telling stories?
It’s just this beautiful, immersive way to learn about what existence is like — the similarities as well as the differences — inside the mind and heart of another person.
How would you describe your writing process in five words?
Writing, editing, editing, editing, editing.
Which 3 other authors or literary characters would you choose as housemates?
Evelyn Hugo, Ann Patchett, and Enzo the dog from The Art of Racing in the Rain.
Which stationery item is your secret for getting super organized?
It’s a tie between a 3 x 5 index card and a notebook.
How much of your writing process happens with pen and paper?
Maybe 5-10 percent? I jot down ideas and the beginning of scenes, as well as take notes when I meet with my editor, all by hand in that notebook.
You were a Reese’s Book Club pick. How did that feel?
It felt surreal. My experience was definitely overshadowed by the death of my mom just a few weeks earlier, so I feel like I’ll never really be able to explain how that all felt.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers wanting to start?
You’ll never feel like you know what you’re doing until you finish a full draft — no matter how riddled with errors it is. It’s only in the editing of that full draft that you can even learn what the mistakes were!
Fancy staying up-to-date with Kate’s writing, book tours among other wonderful things? Follow her on Instagram this way.
