Best-selling author Catherine Robertson on her exciting new chapter

Best-Selling Author Catherine Robertson’s Exciting New Chapter

Books played a significant role in Catherine Robertson’s upbringing, so it’s no surprise that she’s now a successful author, publisher, and bookshop owner. Let’s delve into her inspiring journey.

From Reader to Best-Selling Author

Catherine Robertson, a 55-year-old New Zealand novelist, launched her seventh book, Spellbound, in her own bookstore, Good Books, located in Wellington. Owning a bookshop was never part of her life plan, but her passion for books led her to open an indie bookstore last year.

Catherine’s journey as an author began two decades ago. She laughs recalling her first novel, which she considered so bad that she stashed the manuscript in a drawer. However, she persisted and her debut novel, The Sweet Second Life of Darrell Kincaid, was published in 2011. Since then, all her books have been New Zealand bestsellers.

The Bookshop Dream

The idea to own a bookstore came to her about a year ago. She and her friend, Wellington poet Jane Arthur, decided to buy a bookshop during the Covid lockdown. Although their first attempt fell through, they found an empty shop, renovated it, and opened Good Books late last year.

Catherine loves working in the store and sees it as an opportunity to support New Zealand writers. She’s also taking control of her writing career by self-publishing her books for rerelease.

A Multifaceted Literary Career

Catherine has carved out a successful literary career. Along with being a prolific novelist, she’s a Radio New Zealand panellist, book reviewer, and chairs sessions at literary events. However, she remembers her first book launch a decade ago, where she felt less confident about reading her excerpts in a crowded shop.

Growing up in Wellington, Catherine was an obsessive reader. She aced School Certificate English with a staggering 99% grade. However, she was a reader first and didn’t write stories as a child or teen. She left school, gained a BA in English literature, and worked in advertising for 20 years.

The Writing Journey

Catherine started taking writing seriously after returning to Wellington and establishing her marketing business, Eleven. She began writing her first published novel, followed by two more which became the Imperfect Lives series. She constantly pushes herself to explore new genres, with Hiding Places being her most literary novel.

Her latest book, Spellbound, wraps up the stories about a medley of characters with interwoven lives residing in a fictional seaside New Zealand town. Along with being prolific, Catherine is also a businesswoman, having worked as a director at Eleven before opening her bookshop.

Self-Publishing and Future Plans

Catherine is taking the brave step of self-publishing and reissuing her Imperfect Lives series offshore. She’s excited about reaching a whole new market and feeling in charge of her writing career. With her seventh book recently hitting shelves, she’s already planning her next story.

Catherine’s fiction publisher, Harriet Allan, attributes the success of her books to the humor, relatable settings and characters, and the way Catherine tackles serious topics with warmth and without being overly sentimental.

As a female novelist, one of Catherine’s notable talents is her ability to write vivid, engaging male characters. She’s interested in exploring what makes men tick and how they cope with societal expectations.

Yes, Spellbound is a feminist book. It’s about supporting everyone, men and women, to overcome the things that oppress them and prevent them from being their whole selves.

For more information, visit Woman Magazine.