Thanks to Kate Hewitt for letting us interview her! Be sure to check out her novel This Fragile Life as well!
When did you know writing was for you?
I’ve always loved writing, from the time I was a little girl. I used to fill notebooks with poems and short stories from the time I was about eight—they were terrible, but I loved it! I went through various phases, writing for a school newspaper in high school, writing plays in college, but I came to novel writing eventually in my late twenties.
How would you describe your book?
This Fragile Life is a story of two friends faced with an impossible decision. Martha is struggling with infertility and Alex is unexpectedly pregnant. Yet when they agree on adoption their friendship is severely tested. I wanted this book to be equally Martha and Alex’s story; I want the reader to root for both of them all the way through, and that’s what kept me going!
What was the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Writing this book really felt like a gift. I’ve struggled with lots of books I’ve written—the plots, the characters, the dialogue. Sometimes it just doesn’t come easily. But honestly this book was a joy to write. Martha and Alex feel so real to me. Writing the end was emotionally draining, but that’s all I’m going to say because I don’t want to spoil it!
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you as an author?
I would like readers to know that I don’t write about issues lightly. This Fragile Life addresses a lot of thorny issues—abortion, adoption, infertility, and more, and I felt each one very deeply. This book was wonderful to write, but it took a lot out of me!
What does your daily schedule look like?
Hectic! I have five children between the ages of 15 and 5 months, so most of my day is taken up with them. I’ve finally decided to get some outside help, so I am free to write from 9-12, after the four older children are in school. Then at lunchtime I put my computer away and focus on my family. I’m trying to separate writing and family time, because that has been a struggle over the years. One tends to overtake the other!
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
Keep writing. Write one book, and then write another. You learn with everything you write. And don’t be precious about your work. Yes, you might have put a lot into it, but it can still be improved.
What is your favorite book?
Remains of the Day. I find it so heartwrenching.
Favorite movie?
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. It has humor, pathos, action—and Robert Redford.
Who is your favorite literary character?
I don’t have a favourite one, but I do love Amber from Forever Amber because she’s so awful and yet you find yourself caring about her!
Who is your writing inspiration?
My husband inspires me because he has always believed in me.
What is your must have beauty product?
I don’t think I have one, but if I had to pick something, I love The Body Shop’s body butter. I have very dry skin and it works wonders.
What advice would you give yourself ten years ago? Any words of wisdom?
I would tell myself not to stress about things so much. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone.
