I know it’s technically March now, but Sapphic Fiction February continues with the final three interviews! Today, we have Goldie-Award-winning author Kate Gavin, author of the beautiful Table For Two (and, apparently, the upcoming Table For Two 2, although it’ll be undergoing a name change before we see it). I really enjoyed interviewing Kate, so let’s launch right into it!
Kate, tell us a little more about yourself! Who are you and what do you do?
I am a Goldie Award winning author with Bella Books. So far have written three novels (with oodles of idea written down but none of them fully written yet...). I live in central Ohio and I am a software consultant for my day job at a HR software company. Aside from my day job and writing, I love spending time with my wife and two daughters. Too much of my time is also spent online playing video games.
How did you become an author?
I went back to school after a few years post grad school to change careers. Got tired of the classes I was taking for said career so decided to randomly take a queer studies class. Final project was to use different mediums to explore a certain aspect of queer life and identity. I decided to write a short story about a teenager coming to terms with her bisexuality. That later became my first published novel, Full of Promise.
Who’s your favourite character that you’ve ever written?
Jill Jacobs from Table for Two
Do you ever experience writer’s block? If so, how do you overcome it?
Constantly! Honestly, sometimes I don't and have had to move on to a different story that catches in my brain. Though most times I just make sure I carve out time to write as that's my biggest hurdle. Then I'll typically find a scene or notes I've written that I know I love and just try to expand on what's already on the page.
What do you consider to be the hardest part of writing?
Finding time. Between work and family and just trying to find time in general for myself for fun, it's been a struggle. I have to make sure I write down in my planner times I've set aside to write. Otherwise it just never gets done.
And how about the most rewarding?
Hearing from readers that my stories have touched them in some ways. I always hope that at least one person will resonate with the characters I'm writing and their experiences.
You’re putting together a party. Which characters from the Sapphic Fiction genre would you invite?
Let's see...definitely will be Sabine and Rebecca from E. J. Noyes's Ask Tell series. Summer and Elizabeth from Lee Winter's Breaking Character. Anna and Lane from G Benson's All the Little Moments.
Is there anyone you’d like to highlight, while you’re here?
My writing wouldn't be anywhere without the wonderful beta reading eyes and just overall friendship of E. J. Noyes. She has been one of my biggest supporters and is always there for me when I need some encouragement, a second look at a scene, or just for some games of Call of Duty. She's the best. I also would be nowhere near as far in my current novel (Table for Two 2 - not the real title thankfully) without the many writing sprints I've done with Erica Lee - what a help!
How can people connect with you?
Find me on Facebook, Twitter (@kategavinbooks), and I'm on Bluesky (@kategavinbooks.bsky.social) but have yet to post... Website to come in the future so be sure to keep up with me on social media!
Finally a light-hearted one. What ice cream flavours and toppings would you put together in your ultimate sundae?
I'm sorry to say I am very very simple and would just want some vanilla ice cream with butterscotch syrup on top. Yum!
Don't be sorry! Sometimes keeping it simple is best!
If you enjoyed this interview, then make sure you’re following my social media accounts (@kblakemanwriter on Twitter and @katherineblakemanwriter on Instagram) to get all the latest updates! And if you want to support my own Sapphic Fiction journey while you’re here, The Summer We’ve Had is available now, and Love You However is coming on March 22nd!
