Kathleen West
Author Interview - Kathleen West
Author I draw inspiration from: While I admire so many authors, I’ll spotlight Liane Moriarty. Moriarty writes funny, smart, accessible books with propulsive, relatable plots. She’s an auto-buy for me, and a couple of hers--Big Little Lies and The Husband’s Secret--are on my all-time favorites list.
Author Interview - Kathleen West
Favorite place to read a book: Anytime, anyplace! When my kids were little, I used to delight in a long wait in a doctor’s office. It was so lovely to have an excuse to read during the day, guilt free. I always read before bed, flipping pages until my eyelids get too heavy.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: I’ll go with Becky Bloomwood from Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series. Bubbly, kind-hearted, and slightly hysterical, Becky might not provide mechanical support, but I’d be thoroughly entertained.
Author Interview - Kathleen West
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: My fifth-grade teacher, Mrs. Hollenbeck, told me I was most likely of all of the students in her class that year to become an author. Since then, I’ve always had the desire to write a book. It just took an additional quick thirty years.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: All of the above! I almost always have an audiobook on the go, and I’m utterly thrilled that Julia Whelan, my favorite narrator, performs my debut, Minor Dramas & Other Catastrophes.
Author Interview - Kathleen West
The last book I read: I just finished Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. What a pleasure! I loved the snappy dialogue, especially.
Author Interview - Kathleen West
Pen & paper or computer: Computer, but I have written scenes longhand while doing middle school recess duty. I was a teacher for twenty years before devoting myself to writing full-time.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: I always thought I’d have a special affinity with Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. That chapter where she a) neglects to tell Marilla that a mouse has drowned in the pudding sauce, and b) accidentally intoxicates Diana?! Both of those things could have happened to me.
Author Interview - Kathleen West
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a: Teacher! I’ve always loved my job.
Favorite decade in fashion history: Well, if I weren’t a teacher or a writer, I would definitely not be employed in the fashion industry. I’m a late fashion adopter and always need wardrobe assistance. That said, it’s the 20s again, and I do love a bobbed hairstyle.
Place I’d most like to travel: All the places. New Zealand? The French Riviera? Seattle? All equally appealing.
My signature drink: No question: gin & tonic.
Favorite artist: Kate Whittaker is an artist from Duluth, MN whose work I especially love. I have a print of hers framed above our fireplace.
Number one on my bucket list: You mean after publishing my debut novel? I’ll go with running a trail marathon. That sounds like a wild adventure.
