Katie Sise is a New York City based author, jewelry designer, and television host. Her jewelry line has appeared in magazines like Vogue, W, Elle, Lucky, InStyle, People, Marie Claire, Allure, Teen Vogue, Seventeen, Us Weekly and Glamour, and has been worn by celebrities like Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway, Cameron Diaz, and Beyonce Knowles. Katie has done design collaboration with outlets like Target, and has appeared as a style consultant on networks like HSN, Oxygen and Discovery. She can usually be found drinking coffee and spending time with her family while wearing Old Navy leggings. THE BOYFRIEND APP is her first novel.

If you have the chance to read her novels, Katie would love to hear what you think. Please email her at katiesise@gmail.com, or find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me!  When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

Thanks for having me! I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was eight-years-old. I loved to hole up in my room and write short stories. It felt so relaxing and enjoyable to create characters and a story. 

What I love most about being a writer is getting into the heads of my characters and really thinking about what they would do under extreme circumstances. And my favorite part of the process is when the book is finished and my family reads it. That part hasn’t changed since I was little.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you? 

My most recent novels OPEN HOUSE and WE WERE MOTHERS are domestic suspense novels written for adult readers. My prior three novels THE BOYFRIEND APP, THE PRETTY APP, and THE ACADEMY are written for young adult readers, and my first book was a creative career guide called CREATIVE GIRL. Information about each one can be found on my site: www.katiesise.com

3) Do you have a schedule for when you write?  Do you outline your novels?  How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?  What projects are you currently working on?

I usually write about 1.5 hours per day. I never outline, because I love to come back to the computer each day to see what happens. Each novel takes on average six months to finish a first draft. Sometimes it’s much faster, but sometimes much longer! I’m working on a novel called THE BREAK that comes out in 2022 with Amazon Publishing/Little A. It’s the story of a young mother named Rowan who is pushed to the edge after delivering her baby in a traumatic birth. She accuses her young babysitter of harming her baby, and when the sitter goes missing, Rowan becomes a suspect.

4) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?  Who is your favorite author to read?  What book are you currently reading?

I’ve always loved Romeo and Juliet. Tana French might be my all-time favorite author 🙂 I just finished her novel, THE SEARCHER.

5) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement has been just connecting with readers, whether they’re family, friends, or people I don’t know. I’m very grateful to have readers. So my goal for the next five years is just to keep writing novels that people want to read.

6) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing in terms of traditional and self-publishing?

My first novel was rejected. I just kept on writing until one finally sold 🙂 And I think as far as the changes in publishing, hopefully there will always be a place for writers who know how to tell a good story. 

7) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself?

I don’t mind rereading work because it’s so helpful in the editing process. Once I had a close friend read a finished draft out loud to me, and that was so helpful to hear it in someone else’s voice–I could spot story problems I might have otherwise missed.

8) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry?  Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

The older you are, the more life you’ve lived, which only helps you as a writer because you can bring all of that to a story. And if you can tell a good story, that’s all that matters. 

9) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally.  I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?  How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Writing helps me understand my world. It helps me figure out the things I’m scared of, and work through what keeps me up at night. It’s definitely a release to sit down and write. I imagine it’s probably how some people feel going for a good run