TBR [to be read] is a semi-regular, invitation-only interview series with authors of newly released/forthcoming, interesting books who will tell us about their new work as well as offer tips on writing, stories about the publishing biz, and from time to time, a recipe.
Give us your elevator pitch: what’s your book about in 2-3 sentences?
They
Always Wave Goodbye
is about women: the choices they make, the children they shape, and the lies
they tell in order to survive. These award-winning stories are set in the heart
of Appalachia.
Which story did you most enjoy writing? Why? And, which
story gave you the most trouble, and why?
None of
them were easy to write. But I would say “The Easiest Thing” was the quickest
story I wrote within the collection. It’s about a mother who has a momentary
compulsion to leave her family. I think you would be hard pressed — especially
given the recent pandemic — to find a mother who hasn’t had one of those days
where they thought, I could chuck it all and move to Mexico. “The
Easiest Thing” perfectly encapsulated that rollercoaster of emotions. I loved
the idea of looking at a myriad of small frustrations rather than one explosion
of anger. So, to me it was the story and the character I most identified with.
“Love, Mom”
was incredibly difficult to edit. This story is told in letter form with advice
for future generations. There are so many things within the story directly from
my life. The scene where the daughter has seizures was especially difficult as
it’s something my daughter, Addie, struggled with. As I was putting together
the collection, it was suggested that I dig a little deeper on this story and
it didn’t feel as if that was possible. Thankfully, it was. I am truly proud of
the end result. So proud, in fact, it was the story I read for my graduate
thesis. (Editor’s note: link below.)
Tell us a bit about the highs and lows of your book’s
road to publication.
I like to
say this book was always a bridesmaid and never the bride. It got flagged for a
number of contests and named as a finalist in open reads but wasn’t ever picked
up. I sent it to agents who would write back saying they loved the voice but couldn’t
sell a story collection. After about two years, I was going to hang up my hat
and call it. Then, I saw six different calls for presses looking for quality
collections. I thought, why not? I submitted to all of them and was thrilled to
hear from Finishing Line Press.
What’s your favorite piece of writing advice?
I love
Anne Lamont’s essay, “Shitty First Drafts.”
I sometimes need a reminder that no one writes a masterpiece on the
first go round. My fear of creating something awful can often be paralyzing and
keep me from writing at all. I read that essay once a month as a reminder that
writers write, even when it’s bad.
My favorite writing advice is “write until something
surprises you.” What surprised you in the writing of this book?
How
personal I allowed it to get. Many of the characters had a fragment of myself
within them.
What’s something about your book that you want readers to
know?
Parenthood
is complicated and this project started as a way to vocalize taboos, the things
women never felt comfortable saying aloud. You’ll find stories about work/life
balance and societal expectations. Hopefully, I have created characters women
relate to and understand.
Inquiring foodies and hungry book clubs want to know: Any
food/s associated with your book? (Any recipes I might share?)
In one story, a father and daughter are trying to recreate
their matriarch’s fried cauliflower. Luckily, that is a recipe my family would
never lose.
Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower
(12) Large Eggs
2 ½ cups Parmesan Cheese
½ cup Cracker Meal
1 ½ Tbsp. Parsley
Vegetable Oil
Cut the leaves and stalk off the cauliflower. Separate the
florets into medium sized pieces. Bring a large pot of water to rapid boil. Add
the salt and florets. Cook for 5 minutes. The cauliflower should be fork tender
but still firm. Beat eggs well. Then beat in cheese, cracker meal, and parsley.
Dip each floret into the batter. Heat vegetable oil (about a quart) or deep
enough to cover half of the florets. Drop florets into the oil. Fry at 365
degrees until golden brown.
*****
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS AUTHOR: www.katiepsherman.com
ORDER THIS BOOK FOR YOUR OWN TBR STACK: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/product/they-always-wave-goodbye-by-katie-sherman/
READ A STORY, “Love, Mom,”: https://literarymama.com/articles/departments/2018/11/love-mom?fbclid=IwAR35BNZByVI19xtr8JHeXYzAn4GeUQmirDXMDCgBQA_SQ7chIA07FCkaKPE