Seattle’s Secret Garden Books in Ballard interviewed author Kathy Wang about her upcoming novel, The Satisfaction Cafe, publishing July 1, 2025.

Describe your book in 3 words.

Vivid, unexpected and moving. If I can get a bonus verb, I’d add comic!

What came hardest to you when writing this novel?

The point of view. It’s written in an omniscient style because I wanted a timeless, classic feel and for the whole story to have one continuous flow. It was my first time writing omniscient and I definitely worked at it.

Do you write in cafes? Did any in particular inspire this novel?

I have young children so I have to write wherever I can. I do a lot at home in the early mornings, or on the side lines of kids sporting events.

Have you brought any lessons from Harvard Business School into your writing career?

I think that many jobs take far more effort than you might think, and that if you want a career in writing – or anything – there’s no shortcut around putting in the actual effort and hours.

What’s your weirdest writing habit?

I need to have a full unopened bag of 72% Ghiradelli squares in my pantry at all times. Then I have another open bag on my desk, and when I’m writing I consume a truly disturbing amount. I need the full bag in the pantry for emotional security reasons!

Got any secrets to share with Secret Garden?

Some of my best writing insights have come from wandering around bookstores. If you want to be a writer, you have to read. Some of my best writing inspiration has come from picking up a recommendation from a shelf talker – often a book I haven’t heard of until then – and being absolutely blown away.

Also: that the internet can be a terrible place, but it is also incredible. I came to writing later in my career and thus didn’t get the chance to do an MFA or take writing courses. I later realized, however, that there is SO MUCH available on the internet. If you list some of your favorite modern writers, chances are that there are some great interviews available with them online. Writers are so generous with their time and I’ve learned so much from these interviews, and there’s always a new one to discover.

The Satisfaction Cafe is available for preorder at Secret Garden and other independent bookstores.