Another great interview between two fantastic writers. Thanks for breaking down some of your process, Kate. I really enjoy that you have both research-driven craft pieces and fiction on your Substack.
So funny, David, I just used this song for an IG post about the start of the novel. It was great to see Billy Joel make a comeback at the Grammys this year. My clarinet teacher used to say he's the only pop artist who really understands music (mid-90s).
"It’s sort of my way of explaining how my fiction writing is simply an extension of the academic work I was doing."
I always like it when 'high level' stuff is taken 'out to the people'.
I have this image of a highly trained doctor sent to a rural hospital; translating their vast knowledge into real world situations.
You taking your knowledge, ideas and experiences that were formed in academia and research for a spin. To audiences of varied educational backgrounds. Seeing how these work and are responded to.
The first time I read something you wrote, Dr. Kathleen, I felt a certain confidence in the writing. I remember wondering whether that came from your training and experience or was more about your own personality.
Susanna, thanks for such a beautiful message. I think we can use knowledge gained in so many ways, and this is my way. Thank you for taking the time to understand it and read my work 💙- Kate
Great getting behind the scenes and learning more about your writing process and what drives you to continue writing, Kathleen. Was excited to see you interviewed in this space.
"If a thousand fiction writers add truth and/or beauty to the world and help us think, then we may have a thousand or a million or a billion people whose own lives improve and possibly improve the lives of others." I admire the generosity of this way of thinking, Kate! I've really enjoyed your writing. And you ask such wonderful questions. I can't always think of an answer, but just carrying around the question is valuable in itself. Thank you.
Kathleen I want to ask about your site. Especially since our Substack goals are similar. Question: Where is your fiction on your site? It was not obvious when I accessed your 'stack.
Thanks Richard. Hello! So, I'm not sure if you're looking on the app or website? The app unfortunately doesn't distinguish by category (yet). On my site, there are different sections. A Hong Kong Story and An Interpreter in Vienna are two fiction sections; some of the "word sketches" are also fiction. I've thought about a section labeled 'fiction', but am hoping instead for the possibility of a drop down where those others I've mentioned could be included. Not sure if that makes sense...it's what I use on my author website. Feel free to DM me to discuss!
If you don't mind I'll respond here, in hopes of getting additional views. We can also DM, and you are welcome to contact me any time.
Regarding your question, as a subscriber I access your Substack by opening the email I receive when you post. I use my laptop or tablet. You say your site will be experienced differently thru the app. That means, I assume, mine too. Ugh. One more thing I'll have to deal with : )
My comment was about using your site. I couldn't readily find your fiction, and thought you should know. As for myself, I intend to paywall serial fiction, keeping my essays free. Is this a good idea? Thanks
As for the app, I wouldn't worry! You can see in the preview what your post will look like on the app, but there's really not much you can change on the app view as a writer. I do think it's worthwhile seeing how your publication and subtitle as well as your bio appear on the app.
For the paywall, that seems like it could work. You might want to share the first chapter or two for free or include a free trial at the start. Good luck!
“It has made writing into a community for me! That community has allowed me to take some of those risks. It’s supportive. It gives feedback, so you’re not just howling at the wind. It’s allowed me to consider the possible range of what it means to be a writer as I look ahead. So, in turn, it has given me courage and freedom. It’s allowed me to be more creative not just in what I write but in how I go about sharing that writing.”
Eleanor and Kate - two of my favorite women. So grateful to have discovered you both here.
Kate, this is a really powerful interview. Thanks for giving us a deeper insight into your why. My thinking about writing and in particular, the community of writers, has changed so much by being in this space. Unlike many others, I have only been writing six months and I don't come from an academic or humanities background. I was worried I wouldn't fit in. But I really haven't experienced any of the snobbery or elitism I anticipated. On the contrary, all the really smart people here have welcomed me with open arms. It is a great space and I am grateful that I get to learn from writers like you. All the best.
Isn't it great that this snobbery is - if present - silenced or at least not elevated? I'm not sure why it's working so well, but I'm happy it is and hope it continues.
Thanks for another fascinating interview, and for the link to your Pratt lecture, Kathleen. I enjoy learning more about what goes into writers’ creative choices. Bachelard was foundational to my education as an architect and I use Poetics of Space in my teaching still.
I appreciate what you say about the courage to be oneself, especially as someone with many varied, seemingly unconnected, interests. The lovely thing about Substack is that so many writers I’ve met here embrace their own multiple identities. It’s fun to experiment with content. I’ve posted research papers, slide lectures, art, topical essays on a single building, opinion pieces, and now short stories. Readers are so responsive and encouraging. I treasure the interactions I have here.
Thank you for the kind words, Julie. You've been on my radar through other comments/interactions, so it's about time I started looking at your writing. :) Very cool that Bachelard informs your work in architecture!
Have you seen the Netflix limited series, Expats, yet? It takes place in Hong Kong. Your mention in the Pratt talk of your novel there made me wonder. I’d love to hear what you think. I watched it two weeks ago at least and I’m still thinking about.
Another great interview between two fantastic writers. Thanks for breaking down some of your process, Kate. I really enjoy that you have both research-driven craft pieces and fiction on your Substack.
Loved this and pleased to discover this series through Kate!
Eleanor, if you ever fancied swapping interviews, I also do an interview series called Speedy Boarding. Here's Kate's! https://tomfish.substack.com/p/speedy-boarding-with-dr-kathleen
Give me a shout if you fancy it!
Oh I’d love hear Eleanor’s responses. So fun you two found each other! 😄
Thanks Tom!
So fun! I'm already panicking about the hat 😂
Hi Tom, yes let's swap! I'll dm you.
Great insights into the evolution of The Matterhorn, Kate, and your process! 🩷
Thanks Troy ☺️☺️☺️
Wonderful, Kate. Such great thoughts. I resonate a lot with what you say, but I'm sure you know that already ;)
I quoted one thing in a restack, but here's another line (and the continuation of it about your students) that speaks to me:
"It’s easy to get caught up in anticipating the reactions to your published fiction here rather than considering the process."
🤗
Thank you, friend! :)
Well this made me want to read Kathleen's novel.
Thanks Tiffany! Hope you enjoy it. See you over there :)
Eleanor, thanks so much for these interviews.
I’m very much looking forward to Kathleen’s novel.
Since it's about Vienna, here's one of my all time favorite Billy Joel songs called "Vienna."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCcStjOaafw
So funny, David, I just used this song for an IG post about the start of the novel. It was great to see Billy Joel make a comeback at the Grammys this year. My clarinet teacher used to say he's the only pop artist who really understands music (mid-90s).
Thank you! 💜
I can remember the days in the late 1970s when I used to think the song was about me, but I'm no longer "so ambitious for a juvenile!"
Awesome! Kathleen is such an interesting person. Look forward to reading some of those experiments in fiction at some point.
Thanks Andrei! So happy I connected with you recently.
Same here!
"It’s sort of my way of explaining how my fiction writing is simply an extension of the academic work I was doing."
I always like it when 'high level' stuff is taken 'out to the people'.
I have this image of a highly trained doctor sent to a rural hospital; translating their vast knowledge into real world situations.
You taking your knowledge, ideas and experiences that were formed in academia and research for a spin. To audiences of varied educational backgrounds. Seeing how these work and are responded to.
The first time I read something you wrote, Dr. Kathleen, I felt a certain confidence in the writing. I remember wondering whether that came from your training and experience or was more about your own personality.
Susanna, thanks for such a beautiful message. I think we can use knowledge gained in so many ways, and this is my way. Thank you for taking the time to understand it and read my work 💙- Kate
Great getting behind the scenes and learning more about your writing process and what drives you to continue writing, Kathleen. Was excited to see you interviewed in this space.
Thanks Claudia! I'd love to hear how you answer these questions. You have such a great project.
Great interview between two of Substack's finest.
"If a thousand fiction writers add truth and/or beauty to the world and help us think, then we may have a thousand or a million or a billion people whose own lives improve and possibly improve the lives of others." I admire the generosity of this way of thinking, Kate! I've really enjoyed your writing. And you ask such wonderful questions. I can't always think of an answer, but just carrying around the question is valuable in itself. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Jeffrey. What wonderful words.
You know, I often ask the question because it's also sitting with me :)
Kathleen I want to ask about your site. Especially since our Substack goals are similar. Question: Where is your fiction on your site? It was not obvious when I accessed your 'stack.
Thanks Richard. Hello! So, I'm not sure if you're looking on the app or website? The app unfortunately doesn't distinguish by category (yet). On my site, there are different sections. A Hong Kong Story and An Interpreter in Vienna are two fiction sections; some of the "word sketches" are also fiction. I've thought about a section labeled 'fiction', but am hoping instead for the possibility of a drop down where those others I've mentioned could be included. Not sure if that makes sense...it's what I use on my author website. Feel free to DM me to discuss!
If you don't mind I'll respond here, in hopes of getting additional views. We can also DM, and you are welcome to contact me any time.
Regarding your question, as a subscriber I access your Substack by opening the email I receive when you post. I use my laptop or tablet. You say your site will be experienced differently thru the app. That means, I assume, mine too. Ugh. One more thing I'll have to deal with : )
My comment was about using your site. I couldn't readily find your fiction, and thought you should know. As for myself, I intend to paywall serial fiction, keeping my essays free. Is this a good idea? Thanks
Thanks for the useful feedback, Richard.
As for the app, I wouldn't worry! You can see in the preview what your post will look like on the app, but there's really not much you can change on the app view as a writer. I do think it's worthwhile seeing how your publication and subtitle as well as your bio appear on the app.
For the paywall, that seems like it could work. You might want to share the first chapter or two for free or include a free trial at the start. Good luck!
Excellent advice Kathleen thanks!
“It has made writing into a community for me! That community has allowed me to take some of those risks. It’s supportive. It gives feedback, so you’re not just howling at the wind. It’s allowed me to consider the possible range of what it means to be a writer as I look ahead. So, in turn, it has given me courage and freedom. It’s allowed me to be more creative not just in what I write but in how I go about sharing that writing.”
Yes yes yes! Shouting from the hilltop, YES!
Woo 🙌
Me too! 👏👏👏
So agree!
Eleanor and Kate - two of my favorite women. So grateful to have discovered you both here.
Kate, this is a really powerful interview. Thanks for giving us a deeper insight into your why. My thinking about writing and in particular, the community of writers, has changed so much by being in this space. Unlike many others, I have only been writing six months and I don't come from an academic or humanities background. I was worried I wouldn't fit in. But I really haven't experienced any of the snobbery or elitism I anticipated. On the contrary, all the really smart people here have welcomed me with open arms. It is a great space and I am grateful that I get to learn from writers like you. All the best.
Isn't it great that this snobbery is - if present - silenced or at least not elevated? I'm not sure why it's working so well, but I'm happy it is and hope it continues.
Thanks for the kind words, Matthew!
🙌 😊
Loved this interview with the awesome Dr Kate! Such a passionate advocate for the arts and the sharing of knowledge. Thank you :)
Thanks Kate ☺️☺️☺️
Very thought provoking interview. Thank you. 🦕
PS I like the emoji selection 🧞♀️
Thanks Wendy!
Thanks for another fascinating interview, and for the link to your Pratt lecture, Kathleen. I enjoy learning more about what goes into writers’ creative choices. Bachelard was foundational to my education as an architect and I use Poetics of Space in my teaching still.
I appreciate what you say about the courage to be oneself, especially as someone with many varied, seemingly unconnected, interests. The lovely thing about Substack is that so many writers I’ve met here embrace their own multiple identities. It’s fun to experiment with content. I’ve posted research papers, slide lectures, art, topical essays on a single building, opinion pieces, and now short stories. Readers are so responsive and encouraging. I treasure the interactions I have here.
Thank you for the kind words, Julie. You've been on my radar through other comments/interactions, so it's about time I started looking at your writing. :) Very cool that Bachelard informs your work in architecture!
Have you seen the Netflix limited series, Expats, yet? It takes place in Hong Kong. Your mention in the Pratt talk of your novel there made me wonder. I’d love to hear what you think. I watched it two weeks ago at least and I’m still thinking about.
I need to see it! I lived there for 8 years so I’m kind of nervous to see it…either because it’s nothing like that or everything 😆