Meet Kate White — a New York Times bestselling author of 19 gripping mysteries and psychological thrillers, including her latest, I Came Back for You. Former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, she’s built a career around captivating storytelling both on the page and in print. A married mom of two, Kate is also a passionate nature lover, avid traveler, and bird watcher. She calls New York City home but escapes each winter to Uruguay with her husband—proving her life is just as dynamic as the stories she writes.
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How did you get to where you are today?
I would say a combination of working hard but not being too much of a perfectionist. Remembering the importance going big, and not being afraid to break some of the rules.
What do you think has helped you the most with your success?
Well, as I said, rule breaking. Also listening to wise mentors and being great to my former staffers, who now do amazing things for me in their new roles.
What has been the biggest challenge you have overcome in order to achieve your goals?
In my early career, I would say there still was a lot of terrible sexism. Believe it or not, I was roasted at a sales event by some male dinosaur who mocked me for having small breasts. And I lost a job because ( I was later told in secret) I was female. But fortunately there were women’s magazines and I switched to them from a general interest magazine) and I was able to flourish there (though 10 years prior, the editors-in-chief of these magazines had been male–if you can believe it.
What are you most proud of?
Balancing motherhood and work successfully. And getting up before my kids each day to write suspense novels while I was still at Cosmo so I’d have a second career waiting.
What are three pieces of advice you could give to our readers?
Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Don’t believe everything you think (when you ask someone smart for guidance, instead of saying, “Yeah but…” consider their words and savor the moment.
You inspire us, but what/who are YOU inspired by?
All the smart women (and men, too) are I now know as suspense authors. It’s always great to be part of a tribe, and these authors writer incredible books (and say inspiring things in their talks) that I have really learned from. I’m also really inspired by nature and travel. As I write this, I’m on my way to Paraguay to explore a new country.
How do you reward yourself when you’ve reached a goal or after a hard day of work?
I love to take myself alone to one of two restaurants in New York City: Brasserie Cognac or The Modern. I will have a delicious lunch and a glass of rosé. I bring a little notebook where I scribble thoughts about what could be next. When I ran Cosmo, my fabulous (female) boss gave me incredible jewelry to celebrate my triumphs so I don’t think I need anymore of that
What is one sassy saying or quote that inspires you? Why?
it’s such a cliché but its true: You have to go big or go home.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Just best of luck in your careers. Forget all the garbage about being a trad mom. Sure, stay home with your kids if you want. But you have to be responsible for you own well being in the end and your own money because sometimes a marriage can unravel and many husbands who control the strings don’t care of their exes. And know that kids don’t suffer from their mom’s career, they benefit!
Shaylynn Marks
Shaylynn Marks has a BFA in Creative Writing, with poetry and prose published through several journals and sold internationally. She was awarded Runner-Up for Poet of the Year with Poetic Anarchy Press. When she doesn't have a pen in hand, you can find her with a guitar or paintbrush!
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