We chat with author Catherine Adel West about her latest release The Two Lives of Sara, which follows a young mother who finds refuge and friendship at a boardinghouse in 1960s Memphis, Tennessee, where family encompasses more than just blood and hidden truths can bury you or set you free.
Hi, Catherine! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’m a writer and editor born and raised in Chicago. I love travelling but hate flying and car trips. I love pumpkin spice lattes and will take on all the clichés that go along with it. I’ll happily die on the pumpkin spice hill! Ice cream is life! My debut novel Saving Ruby King came out 2020. My latest book, The Two Lives of Sara, comes out September 6, 2022!
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I don’t specifically remember when I discovered a love for writing. It was just something I did to pass time or avoid boredom. Writing was always something I could do. I may suck at chemistry, but I was able to write a ten-page, A+ paper in hours. Perhaps I love writing because of that, not because it’s easy. Writing is NOT easy. But even in its most difficult points, writing is something I’m comfortable with; it’s something that weirdly alleviates my anxiety when I’m wondering how to proceed mentally or emotionally. Writing helps me see myself clearer and I think once I learned that, and how to wield that type of power, it’s hard not to love what makes you feel that way.
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. And, nope, I’m not trying to be pompous. I legit loved that book and the twist at the end when you find out who Pip’s benefactor actually is! I talked my mom’s ear off about that book for weeks! Anything that could make me feel so passionate and alive, had to be good, right? So, I always look back on that book fondly and talk about it decades later with that same kind of passion.
Your new novel, The Two Lives of Sara, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Black culture. Community. Trauma. Choices.
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect wonderfully layered characters, a story in which the main character examines herself and those around her with a thorough, but unforgiving lens, which is sometimes funny, sometimes mean, sometimes sad and sometimes hopeful. Sara is one of the deepest characters I’ve written so far. Also, there is a ton of appreciation and discussion on black literature, music, art, and food. So much food!
Where did the inspiration for The Two Lives of Sara come from?
I essentially painted myself into a corner as The Two Lives of Sara is based on a character from my debut novel Saving Ruby King. Near the end of the novel, I mentioned how Sara went to Memphis. It was a throwaway line, but the more I thought about it, the more I was interested in exploring what happened to her at that place during that time. And a throwaway line became a whole book!
Can you tell us a bit about the challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
Originally, I planned on travelling to Memphis, Tennessee so I could get a proper feel for this phenomenal city, the people, and eat some great barbecue (just sayin’). However, a pandemic put an end to that plan, but I learned to pivot. If I couldn’t roam the streets, if I couldn’t interact with people face-to-face, if I had to forego delicious food, then what else was possible? I spoke with a fellow author who lived in Memphis and was put in touch with some wonderful native Memphians. And we talked, and talked, and talked some more! They shared their stories, opened parts of their lives to me and spoke about Memphis — the history of the city that didn’t come in the books and articles I read. And my story was so much richer for it. I will be forever grateful to them.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
One of my favorite scenes to craft was Sara and Jonas’ first date. I got to incorporate ALL my favorite things. Witty banter. Soul music. Food descriptions. Most important, I got to show who Sara and Jonas were apart from their titles of mother and teacher, respectively. I was able to infuse so many different emotions in such a short time and directly before a pivotal moment in the book!
What’s the best and the worst writing advice you have received?
Writing for me is wholly solitary. So, when writing, I don’t really speak to many people about my process or what I’m writing, specifically because I have a way in which I like to create. I’ve been so blessed to have a lot of supportive family and friends who are 100% behind what I do and my goal to do it full time. My mom and my grandma gave me great, not just writing advice, but life advice. They aren’t big advocates of “pity parties”. Feel how you feel, but don’t let it paralyze you. Basically, “yes you have this problem, but crying won’t solve it, so what will you do now?”
BEST ADVICE EVER.
I use it when I hit a roadblock with writing. Or if I question why I’m doing what I’m doing.
I think the worst advice I received was recently (and on Twitter; just a random comment) about how endings that are sad aren’t what readers want. Which, fine. People love what they love, but I shouldn’t have to force an ending I didn’t have in mind for my characters. My story is my own. My ending is my own. Period!
What’s next for you?
Well, my debut, Saving Ruby King, was contemporary fiction. The Two Lives of Sara is historical fiction. My third book will likely be something entirely different. It’s speculative fiction with hints of urban fiction and religious elements. I don’t like writing in a specific genre as I don’t want to be creatively pigeonholed.
Lastly, do you have any 2022 book recommendations for our readers?
Savvy Sheldon Feels Good as Hell by Taj McCoy; Love Times Infinity by Lane Clarke; The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh
Very good book, extremely well-written, believable dialogue BUT I hated the ending. I’m so upset. What kind of life will Lebbie have? She’s ripped him away from everyone he’s known and loved. I know it’s fictional, but I got to know the characters because of your awesome writing, and then to do that? I threw the book across the room, I’m that upset.