What’s up, book lovers! June’s book club pick by our fave Alexis Patterson, aka the Brooklyn Bookworm, is A Novel Obsession by Caitlin Barasch. Check out our Q & A with the lovely author herself, so you can become obsessed first and then buy this page turner of a novel. Books are available in store or on our website.
Read on for a fun Q&A with author Caitlin Barasch!
Pronouns:
she/her
Currently located:
Brooklyn, NY
What inspired you to become a writer?
I grew up incredibly inspired by the writers in my family—my grandfather, my uncle, and my parents all wrote (plays, nonfiction, journalism, songs). I was always encouraged to express myself on the page.
What sort of research did you have to do to write A NOVEL OBSESSION? How long did the actual writing process take?
I didn’t do much specific research, other than Googling specific locations in Wales and Scotland! And from conception to the final draft, it took me five years to write.
There seems to be some similarities between you and Naomi (from reading your bio). What would you say is the biggest similar and the biggest difference between you two?
Naomi is way more impulsive (and unhinged!) than I am, but I’ve definitely struggled with some of her insecurities. I also gave her some of my own background—we both grew up in artsy families, worked as booksellers, and studied in Colorado and Australia—but other than that, she’s an invention. Infusing her with some of these grounding details did, however, allow me to make her character feel more authentic—before completely abandoning reality and forcing her to do all this crazy stuff!
What can you learn from someone’s online persona?
Way too much, but also nothing at all! Our online persona is the biggest fiction of all.
If A NOVEL OBSESSION was turned into a tv series, which actors would play each character?
I’ve admittedly thought about this a lot, but I need to pass on this question because I don’t want to jinx it! Things are currently in development—that’s all I can say for now...
What was the last Instagram account you followed?
Will there be a sequel? If not, any exciting projects you’d like to plug?
I’ve heard some pretty hilarious requests to write a sequel from Rosemary’s perspective, but I’ll most likely move on from these characters and write something else!
Where can friends find you on the internet and beyond?
I’m @soembarasched on Instagram and @CaitlinBarasch on Twitter! Say hello!
And some bonus fun questions...
What did you do with your first book advance?
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I bought a really beautiful painting of the mountains.
Fashion trend you’re crushing on right now:
Jumpsuits!! Faux leather!! Is that trendy? Who knows, I’m not a fashionista, but that’s been the vibe lately.
Which sense could you NOT live without?
Taste!
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
Caitlin is my real name, but since I’ve gone by Katie my whole life, even using Caitlin feels like a pseudonym!
If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Maybe a therapist!
Thanks, Katie! We loved your book and can’t wait to see you face-to-face at Friends NYC this Thursday!
