Kate Stollenwerck
Author Interview - Kate Stollenwerck
Author of Hello, Goodbye
A charming and heartfelt novel about a girl helping her grandmother unravel an old family secret that leads to adventure and love over one unforgettable summer.
Author Interview - Kate Stollenwerck
Author I draw inspiration from: Since I’m beginning a second career in my 40s, I find other female authors with debut novels as an obvious “2nd act” incredibly inspiring. Delia Owens of Where The Crawdads Sing and Bonnie Garmus of Lessons In Chemistry are two that stand out to me. You're never too old to chase your dreams!!
Author Interview - Kate Stollenwerck | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: We have a family room that is tucked away from the house with a massive beautiful blue sectional sofa, and I curl up on it with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and a book! My cat loves to come lay on my legs and nap while I'm reading on that sofa. We both are "hiding" from my three crazy kids!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Like the elevator is stuck and we need rescuing? Katniss from The Hunger Games. She’s a total badass and would figure out how to get us out of there.
Author Interview - Kate Stollenwerck | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: In my early 20s, I just felt compelled to write stories. I wrote a novel in law school, and it was terrible, but I didn't give up! I started my law career thinking I would write at night or on the weekends, but that was impossible with the hours I worked. I then became a stay-at-home mom and thought I would write while taking care of babies . . . that also didn’t happen. My youngest went off to school full-time, and I finally dusted the old manuscripts off and got writing!
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: 100% Paperback. It’s so much easier to stuff into a bag! And I love bent spines – proof of a well-read book!
The last book I read: Book Lovers by Emily Henry. The perfect, breezy summer read. No one writes dialogue like Emily Henry. The best one-liner zingers in the rom-com biz!
Author Interview - Kate Stollenwerck | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Computer. I took typing in junior high and 10 years of piano lessons, so my fingers are strong and lightening quick! I can easily type a hundred words a minute. When I try to write by hand, my brain moves too fast, and I just get hand cramps the entire time. Also, I'm left-handed so my handwriting is quite wretched! But I still have a paper calendar and love to make handwritten lists. Nothing feels better than checking an item off my to-do list!!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Astrid Leong from Crazy Rich Asians. She has the most unbelievable wardrobe in the world, and she's also intelligent, kind, and loyal. And it's always a bonus to have a rich best friend that can fly you around the world on their private jet!
Author Interview - Kate Stollenwerck | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: A high school history teacher
Favorite decade in fashion history: The 50s. I love looking at pictures of my mom and grandmothers in their fit and flare dresses, with matching shoes, a dainty handbag, and usually a scarf or hat thrown in. I just love the femininity of the 50s clothes, with emphasis on creating the hourglass figure. I adore the iconic female symbols from that time period: Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor. I was obsessed with Mad Men and now love the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for the clothes (but the storylines are absolutely amazing as well)! I wish I could climb into the television and join them!!
Place I’d most like to travel: Hands-down Paris. I’ve been three times and I’m ready to pack my bags and go tomorrow! I find it the most romantic and beautiful city in the world.
My signature drink: It used to be a Diet Dr. Pepper, but I gave that up in my quest to be healthy. In the evenings, I always drink wine. I currently love a good Cabernet.
Favorite artist: For music, I’m a total Anglophile and I love all the British bands! The Beatles, The Police, Duran Duran, The Smiths, Depeche Mode, Oasis, and Coldplay are in constant rotation on my playlists. But if I had to pick just one, it would be The Beatles. I just saw Paul McCartney in concert last month and he played for 2.5 hours at age 79 and was simply incredible. The Beatles’ songbook covers literally every emotion you could possibly have. My novel's title, Hello, Goodbye, is a play on a Beatles song.
Number one on my bucket list: I’ve always wanted to see the White Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia. But with Putin in power, I don’t think that is happening any time soon! I love to travel and have a long list of places I hope to see some day, including Tokyo, Bali, Tibet, The Maldives, New Zealand, and The Egyptian Pyramids are a few places that are high on my bucket list!
Anything else you'd like to add: Thank for the interview!
Find more from the author:
Facebook: katestollenwerckauthor
Instagram: katestollenwerckauthor
Author Bio: Kate graduated from Northwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin School of Law. Kate practiced law for several years at a large firm in Chicago. She left law to stay home with her young daughter and pursue her dream of writing. Kate now resides in Florida with her husband, three children, and a crazy cat. Her debut novel, Hello, Goodbye, will be released on August 2, 2022.
