Desk Tour: Catherine Newman
A favorite desk tour from a favorite writer.
Welcome to Desk Tour, a series where I interview creative folks about their desks and workspaces. In case you missed it: Amanda Eisenberg’s Desk Tour from last time. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the full catalog of Desk Tours.
I remember exactly where I was when I finished reading
’s novel WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS. Rodanthe, North Carolina. On the beach. Late afternoon. My mom and aunt were likely sitting a few feet away from me, their beach chairs side by side. But I could not talk to them. I could not do anything but read this book. Even when I became well aware that it was going to break my heart and make me ugly cry in the end (it did), I still couldn’t put it down.When I finished the last page I set the book down on my lap and stared out at the ocean, tears streaming behind my sunglasses. I was emotionally broken but also, if I’m honest, pretty impressed. How could something so unbelievably sad be so damn funny, too? But, then I thought, well… that is life! Equal parts devastating and hilarious, sometimes both at the very same time. This, too, is the wonder of Catherine’s talent. She puts the full spectrum of life’s beauty and pain into stories that feel real, like they could be your own, or your sister’s or your mother’s or your best friend’s. Or maybe all of ours at the same time. I loved WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS and SANDWICH, too. I also adore Catherine’s Substack newsletter (Crone Sandwich), which is full of wisdom and hilarity and also a surprising amount of extremely delicious-sounding chickpea recipes. When I emailed her asking if I could feature her on DESK TOUR I thought, well, this is a long shot! But here we are. I’m so happy to share a peek into Catherine’s workspace and routine today.
OM: Describe your workspace.
CN: Okay, here's the thing. I do *have* a desk? It's in an office space I share with my husband Michael. But it's usually buried beneath things: important mail, thank-you notes that are incoming and outgoing, stuff that needs to be filed, books and galleys, magazines and articles, notepads and stray notes and receipts and so much unbelievable miscellaneous crap and detritus of my work life and my life life and my weird superstitious sentimental brain, which is never sure if it's okay to get rid of things or not. It takes about an hour to clean off my desk in a real way, and after I do that, then that's where I'll work until it becomes too cluttered again. Otherwise I almost always write either at the kitchen table or in bed.
OM: What are your three favorite items on your desk right now?
CN: Cards from my husband and kids, including a nude couple that my daughter drew years and years ago; a picture of me and my late, great best friend from her wedding; a bunny ornament that my writer friend KJ once sent me in the interest of motivation and that maybe I wasn't supposed to keep?
OM: Do you keep anything specific at your desk that you use as inspiration to stay creative or positive?
CN: I have a post-it note that says "sprayed Binaca in my eye" because it reminds me that this is how I work: I make weird notes about weird memories and then I find a place to put them.
OM: Is there anything you absolutely HAVE to have at your desk/workspace or you can't be productive?
CN: My laptop computer. Something fun to drink that is caffeinated in the morning (milky black tea, coffee) and then not (fruit-scented seltzer, peppermint tea). Ideally a cat in my lap. There are certain phases of work where I'll also have a bunch of notes printed out and I'll cross things off with a felt-tip pen as they find their way into whatever I'm writing. These are the pens I like for writing notes and doing crossword puzzles (although I do almost all of my actual writing on a Macbook). These are the pens I like for writing cards to people.
“…this is how I work: I make weird notes about weird memories and then I find a place to put them.”
OM: Is there anything you'd change about your workspace? If so, what?
CN: I wish I had the discipline to keep my desk clear. But, then, I actually love working in the kitchen because then I can get up for no reason and stare idly into the refrigerator for minutes on end. Also, there's a really green view out to the backyard. I mean, it's green now. It will turn beige later and then, ideally, white with snow.
OM: Describe your ideal work day at your desk.
CN: When I'm really writing something--a novel, say--then I have a specific daily routine: I get up early and make a very strong cup of black tea (two Trader Joe's Irish Breakfast teabags that steep for three minutes + whole milk) in my favorite mug from Sara Seinberg. Then I take a one-mile walk in the woods behind my house with a little notepad and pencil so that I can jot down thoughts as they come to me and because it joggles my brain awake to walk around. Then I turn the wifi off on my computer and I sit down and write for 2 or 3 hours, depending on how productive I feel or what I have to do after. I have a part-time day job at Amherst College that I have to go to, usually by 10 or so. That's the dream--and even, often, the reality! I feel really lucky to live and work in a beautiful space and to have access to cats and tea and beautiful mugs and people that I love.
OM: Where can people find you on the internet?
CN: Oh, yes please! I have a Substack newsletter called Crone Sandwich. I'm also on Instagram and I have an only slightly outdated website. My newest book is called Sandwich, and it's a novel. The one before that is called We All Want Impossible Things.
Note from Olivia: I loved that Catherine included the messy and tidy version of her desk, and I have to say there’s something really lovely about both. I especially adore the “love is the answer but I’m so fucking furious” painting. Finally, if you haven’t already read Catherine’s books… where have you been? What the heck are you waiting for? I’m so grateful her words are in the world.
Be sure to check out the past editions of Desk Tour:
Blogger, journalist, and content creator Ayana Lage’s Desk Tour
PS: One last thing before I go… you can order my first novel NOW! I appreciate your consideration, time, and support immensely. And if you already read and enjoyed, it would mean the world to me if you took a second to share the love in a review or rating. I appreciate you.
A portion of September’s subscriber proceeds will go toward the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is currently working to build, enforce, protect and defend legal protections for reproductive rights around the world.
I'm relieved to know other people write from bed! Being cozy is key for me (even if it's not exactly ergonomic 🤪)
eep, i love everything about this! also, 413 representing hard in this desk tour series--hooray for the happy valley (which, olivia, i think you must visit/would love)!