Author Interview: Katie Powner

Thank you so much for being here today! Starting at the beginning, what was your favorite picture book as a child? What did you love about it?

As a child, my favorite picture book was Amy the Dancing Bear by Carly Simon. It’s about a little bear ballerina who only wants to dance. Even though it’s bedtime, her mother keeps letting her dance “just a little longer.” I loved this book because that’s all I ever wanted to do as a child too. Dance (or write, or read, or play, or sing) “just a little longer.” I still have the book and read it to my daughter.

What was the first book you read that you couldn’t put down? What did you love about it?

The first book I can remember not wanting to put down was A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I think because it was such a vast departure from the simple and fun books I had been reading as a young child. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was the first time I realized how big and complex the world was and how much I didn’t know about it. I was completely enthralled and never really wanted to read “just for fun” after that. I wanted to read to learn and grow and think about new things.

What was the last book you read that you couldn’t put down?

The last book I read that I couldn’t put down was The Ragged Edge of Night by Olivia Hawker. I’ve read many, many WWII novels, but this one took such a unique angle and had such a memorable voice. And I love books that are based on true stories. I’m still recovering from it.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be? Why?

If I could have dinner with any fictional character, I think I would have to choose Flavia de Luce of Alan Bradley’s mystery series, because she is such a fascinating girl. I love how sharp she is and how she looks at the world.

If you could turn any book into a movie, which would you pick? Who would you cast as the main characters?

There are many books I wish I could turn into movies, but one in particular I would choose is My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay. It deals with so many issues and allows us to see the main character Cori struggle with her faith without ever being preachy or relying on easy answers. I’m not familiar enough with today’s pool of actors and actresses to know who to cast in the leading roles, but I would love to see the Kendrick brothers or Affirm Films or someone like that take this project on.

What book are you most looking forward to reading next?

I read a lot of fiction, but one book I’m looking forward to reading next is non-fiction. Worthy: Celebrating the Value of Women by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Eric Schumacher promises to address many of the issues regarding women and the church that I’ve been pondering for years. I’m interested to see what these authors have to share.

And finally, the toughie — who’s your favorite author?

Who is my favorite author? WHO IS MY FAVORITE AUTHOR?! That’s kind of like asking which of my kids is my favorite, which sunset is the most beautiful, or which piece of cheesecake is the most delicious.

I love them all so much. But two authors who have meant a lot to me and from whom I’ve learned a lot are Dale Cramer and Charles Martin. Their skill is top level, and I love their unique voices. Summer of Light by Dale Cramer and Long Way Gone by Charles Martin are both in my top ten favorite books of all time. As the most unromantic person and writer in the world, I also love how their books can be tender and loving without necessarily becoming a romance.

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Connect with Katie online:

Website: https://www.katiepowner.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorkatiepowner
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katie_powner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkatiepowner/