Carrie Kabak, a former children's book illustrator, is destined to become a
legend of the writing world: at her very first crack at writing not only did
she finish a novel, but she got it published. Before you turn green with
envy and mutter "beginner's luck," read Cover the Butter, a brilliant
novel and a promising debut. Stretching from suburban England in the 1960s
to the French countryside in the late 1990s, "Cover the Butter" follows Kate
Cadogan as she plays out every dysfunctional relationship humanly possible.
From an emotionally abusive mother to an egomaniacal (and strangely
perverse) husband, Cadogan is definitely NOT another watered-down Bridget
Jones. Kabak has crafted a story that women of all ages - and the men who
love them - can enjoy and share.
R&T: Was Kate's story something that had been brewing around in your head for a while, or did it just occur to you one day? Did you know how her life would unfold, or did you watch it happen as you wrote?
Kabak: Thoughts concerning Kate's life swam around in my head for a couple of years, usually when I was illustrating. I'd debate whether I should be writing instead! I let the characters lead the way in Cover the Butter. There was no rigid plan.
R&T: Two major themes in this book are female jealousy and generational bonds/distance. In your mind, are those two themes related to each other?
Kabak: Human relationships are so complicated. I just observe and relate--I'm not too good at analysing, so I'm not sure if the two themes are connected. I don't think simple female jealousy was the problem in Cover the Butter. I've received emails asking about Narcissistic Personality Disorder––some readers reckon Kate's mother suffers from this (although it's her daughter who does all the suffering!). Readers detail their predicament and I'm asked for advice, but unfortunately I can't help, as I'm no expert. I believe this is the definition: Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A pattern of traits and behaviours, which signify infatuation and obsession with one's self to the exclusion of all others and the egotistic and ruthless pursuit of one's gratification, dominance and ambition.
R&T: As a mother yourself, was it difficult for you to write Biddy's character?
Kabak: Well, I like to think I'm a better mother! Kate had an intense love for Biddy, and this prevented her from cutting loose or retaliating. I wanted to comfort Kate. I cried when I re-read my own final chapters!
R&T: Music and fashion have very specific ways of setting moods, and both play subtle, but distinct roles in Kate's life story. Why did you choose music and fashion to frame Kate's life?
Kabak: I hope the songs play in the heads of readers as they turn the pages. I definitely used music and fashion to set the mood, create a backdrop, give a sense of time. Kate's life was recorded as a journey, and music and fashion were the perfect tools. I used music to echo Kate's feelings, too.
R&T: As an ex-girlfriend myself, I'm dying to know: is Barry Finch based on a real person? And if so, do you know where he is now and what he's doing?
Kabak: Yes, a Barry Finch type really was part of my life a good while ago. I don't know what happened to him, though! He was BAD. My writing is a fictitious blend of various elements from my own life and those of others. My characters are formed by mixing the personality traits of those I've met or been involved with--or just observed.
R&T: Back to your experience in writing this book. How long did it take you to find a publisher for Cover the Butter?
Kabak: My agent sold Cover the Butter within a few days, in a pre-empt to Dutton. At the time, I didn't know it was on submission; I was still working on a few edits. It was a lovely surprise. I drank three gin and tonics in a row to celebrate.
R&T: What went through your mind the first time you saw your story, with your name on it, in book form?
Kabak: I was elated, but even more excited when the audio version was launched. It was a fabulous feeling. I kept clutching the book to my chest.
R&T: How did your move from the UK to America affect your writing, if at all?
Kabak: I wasn't writing in the UK. I worked on interior design products, and had a Dutch "art" agent. I did a little childrens’ book illustration when I moved to America, then started Cover the Butter. I've only been writing for a year or so.
R&T: Any new books in development? Will you stick with this same genre? And will we ever hear from Kate Cadogan again––maybe as a bit player in another story?
Kabak: I've had such a lot of emails asking for a sequel. I'm very flattered, and seriously thinking about it. I'd like to continue writing about Kate's life in Provence. I have almost completed my second book, Tarts And Sinners. Here's a very brief description:
The end of one year and the beginning of another in the lives of Annie Ruddock, age 58, a vicar's wife in love with a cross-dressing bell ringer. Jane Frobisher, age 46, who's obsessed with chickens. (Her husband's having an affair with a Camilla Parker-Bowles look-alike.) And Fiona Wiggins, age 23, who's obsessed with the Fabulous Fifties, and who regrets losing her virginity. TARTS and SINNERS, mostly set in Tutton Longfield, England, is an interwoven tale told from three different points of view.
And yes, I plan continue with this genre, but I also have half a mid-grade written about Meg Harry who befriends an Irish Traveller.
R&T: Kate loves to cook. Besides writing, what is your passion?
Kabak: My family, dinner parties, walking the dogs, watching films, painting canvas and walls, making curtains, cooking French stuff and drinking wine.
R&T: When and where do you find the time to write?
Kabak: I usually write 3-4 days a week, and start typing after 11am, and often keep going until 4 AM in the morning, or if I'm on a roll, I'll work through the night, not wanting to lose the thoughts in my head. I change from my desktop computer to my laptop when my husband comes home, so I can follow him around. Otherwise, he feels neglected! He's a fantastic cook––so on my writing days, I don't have to stop to prepare meals.
R&T: Did you write short stories before Cover the Butter?
Kabak: Not one.
R&T: How do you deal with writer's block?
Kabak: Thank goodness, I don't get writer's block, but I do procrastinate. I find all sorts of essential jobs I must do around the house. I have to force myself to sit down sometimes––but once I start writing, I find it hard to stop!
R&T: Many of our readers are also writers. Any advice for them?
Kabak: Learn the craft. Study absolutely everything you can about writing before you start. Read articles and how-to books. Learn how to sharpen your prose, structure a story, develop a scene and write dialogue. Then put them all to one side and let the creative juices flow!
Carrie Kabak is a former children’s book illustrator. Born and raised in the United Kingdom, she now lives in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband. Kabak and her husband share five sons. Cover the Butter is her first novel.
By day Meredith Morgenstern works a boring, unglamorous pink collar job to pay the bills. By night she's the Amazing Meredith, Fabulous Prose Editor and Sexy Senior Newsletter Editor for The Rose & Thorn. She lives with her fiance in the Upper East Side section of the Center of the Universe.
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Author photo courtesy of Mark Kabak
