Catherine Dang
Author Interview - Catherine Dang
Author of NICE GIRLS
An expelled Ivy League student returns home to Minnesota, only to discover that an old best friend-turned-social media star has disappeared.
Author Interview - Catherine Dang
Author I draw inspiration from: Sylvia Plath -- I've never read anything that had touched me to my core so painfully like The Bell Jar. I want my own writing to be just as emotionally honest. If a character falls in love or gets hurt, then they need a moment to process those feelings (no matter how poorly they might do it). I'm interested in exploring that moment. It's what makes us human.
Author Interview - Catherine Dang | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: On a comfy couch, wearing pajamas, with a blanket draped over me (unfortunately this is also my ideal napping position!)
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Batman -- I've read the comics, watched the cartoons, devoured the Nolan trilogy, played the Arkham City game, and consumed way too much Batman-related content. Not once has Alfred suggested that Bruce Wayne get a therapist. Someone needs to talk with him through his issues, and I can be quite nosy and stubborn. If we're stuck in an elevator together, he's not getting bland small talk. He's getting a hug and a listening ear.
Author Interview - Catherine Dang | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I don't think there was one moment for me. I wrote short stories at age 8 or 9 in my parents' liquor store. I was bored, and I wrote rip-offs about TV shows that I wished I was watching instead. I knew that my writing wasn't bad. But even as a kid, I knew that becoming an author was unrealistic--I would've been just as dumb to pursue acting or pop stardom. Then, years later, I finished undergrad. I was 22, and I realized life was too short. I was afraid I'd get too swept up in the future (with a career, a family, finances, etc.) to ever seriously pursue writing. So it was do-or-die in that moment. I finally admitted to myself that I wanted to become an author. And I gave myself one manuscript and one chance to fight for that dream. I think it worked out.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Hardback -- I get a lot of satisfaction out of flipping pages, and I like that hardbacks can handle a lot of loving wear and tear.
The last book I read: I finally finished Circe by Madeline Miller. I tend to read books after the hype dies down--I don't want my own high expectations or people's opinions to sway me. But Circe was phenomenal. I loved Miller's prose and storytelling.
Author Interview - Catherine Dang | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Computer -- It's not as romantic as pen and paper, but it lets me grind faster through a project. Also, the computer lets me futz around sometimes. What's not to love?
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Anne Shirley from L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series. Anne's a bit fiery, stubborn, and someone with her head in the clouds. She is a kindred spirit. I feel like I grew up with her, and I think we'd have a good time no matter what the occasion--having boozy brunch dates, chilling out at home, or even just running errands together.
Author Interview - Catherine Dang | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: I have no idea! I'm still trying to figure this one out.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1960s -- I love the mix of elegant women's wear and the crazy "IDGAF" energy of hippie fashion. Also, I want most of Anya Taylor-Joy's wardrobe from The Queen's Gambit.
Place I’d most like to travel: A tour of the architecture, countryside, and beaches in Tuscany! I don't even know which cities to visit. Just give me the most romantic, cliched, life-changing trip there with some good food and company.
My signature drink: Rum and Coke -- It does the job, and most of the time, it doesn't taste awful.
Favorite artist: Prince, because his music's been there with me since childhood, and he's a fellow Minnesotan. I also adore Lorde and SZA--their respective Melodrama and Ctrl albums never get old. I still get weepy listening to them.
Number one on my bucket list: To go skydiving. Admittedly, I have a fear of heights, but something about seeing the earth from up high and "floating" down to meet it sounds magical.
Anything else you'd like to add: Loved the questions! I hope this will be the first of many interviews with Hasty Book List!
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Author Bio: Catherine Dang is a former legal assistant based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Nice Girls is her first novel.
