About KATE
Favorite superhero
Favorite superhero
Favorite superhero
The Wonder Twins
Favorite book
Favorite superhero
Favorite superhero
How long do you have?
Writing partner
Favorite superhero
Writing partner
Lily the Seattle labradoodle who hates the rain.
I’m a small-town girl. I like July 4th parades, cherry pie eating contests, neighborhood potlucks, and waitresses who get to know you. I’m also a big city girl. I enjoy anonymity, diverse neighborhoods, endless restaurant choices, theatre and ballet, beautiful parks and skylines.
My ‘happy hour’ starts at 5:30 A.M. I like getting up early and seeing the sun rise.
I’m an extroverted introvert. My perfect dinner party has eight people.
I find inspiration from the people in my life--family, friends, colleagues, and creative people who never stop inventing. I’m drawn to funny and outgoing people who pull me out of my overly focused shell. I’m not easily starstruck, but if Michelle Obama, Tina Fey, Kate McKinnon, Maya Rudolph, or Kristin Wig showed up at my door, I might freak out a little.
Please don’t ask me about my favorite anything—book, food, movie, artist, etc. I will never provide a simple answer. It depends on my mood, the weather, day of the week, and where I happen to be at that moment. Though, I can say that my favorite pet is a dog.
Family, friends, and striving for a balanced, healthy life drive many of my choices. I believe love is love. I want my children and grandchildren to inherit a beautiful and thriving planet. I aspire to treat all people with respect and dignity. I make mistakes.
LIGHTENING ROUND
If I won the lottery: I’d write, travel, and be a student forever. And become an amazing salsa dancer.
Annoying obsession: Loading the dishwasher in the most efficient way
Paper or plastic: Reusable bag
Kindle or Hardcover: Hardcover (Though I do have and love my Kindle for travel.)
Most embarrassing moment: Passing out at the 2019 PNW Writers Association Conference
Favorite superhero: The Wonder Twins
Favorite app: Google Maps. I have a horrible sense of direction.
Books I Love
Fiction
Where the Red Fern Grows: First book that made me sob uncontrollably. I was in 4thor 5th grade.
Out of my Mind: Best book taken from my kids’ bookshelf.
A Long Walk to Water: Another winner from my kids’ bookshelf.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: The book and series that sparked my daughter’s love of reading.
The Hunger Games: What other book could convince me that I need to take up archery?
The Fault in our Stars: Took YA writing to another level.
Crossing to Safey: Beautiful writing, beautiful characters.
One Hundred Years of Solitude: Take the time to get into it. Worth it if you love magical realism.
The Nightingale: Loved this and now I can’t stop reading books by Kristin Hannah.
Zip: My YA novel that needs an agent. Please reach out!
Non-Fiction
Just Mercy: This should be required reading in every U.S. history class. Heartbreaking, maddening, inspiring.
Team of Rivals: If I discovered Doris Kearns Goodwin earlier in life, I might have been a history major.
Born a Crime: An incredible life written by a hilarious human.
Becoming: I loved Michelle Obama even more after reading this.
Life and Death in Shanghai: Read this book 15 years ago and I still think about it.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking: The title says it all.