Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby Episode: Kate Hash, Gracie Harris Is Under Construction: A Novel
Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens sits down with debut novelist Kate Hash to discuss her latest work, Gracie Harris Is Under Construction: A Novel. The conversation delves deep into the book's themes, character development, and Kate's personal journey as an author.

Author Background

Kate Hash is introduced as a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based debut novelist with a passion for crafting stories about dynamic women navigating unexpected relationships and the complexities of midlife transitions. Her diverse experiences living in Italy, running a business, and appearing on House Hunters International have greatly influenced her writing.

Kate Hash [09:05]: "I've sort of been a writer my whole life. It's just looked a little different..."

Kate holds a degree in journalism and transitioned into marketing and public relations before embracing her role in the IT space. Despite her professional shifts, her love for writing remained a constant presence, culminating in her decision to pen Gracie Harris Is Under Construction.

Book Overview

Gracie Harris Is Under Construction tells the story of Gracie Harris, a 40-year-old mother of two struggling to rebuild her life after the tragic and unexpected death of her husband, Ben. The novel explores Gracie's journey as she gains accidental internet fame through a viral modern love essay, forcing her to navigate the challenges of public scrutiny alongside her deeply personal grief.

Kate Hash [03:56]: "I wanted to write a book that really explores the way love can break you and also sort of rebuild you."

Throughout the narrative, Gracie balances her responsibilities as a mother and a writer, seeking solace and self-discovery through a transformative summer that allows her to step outside her comfort zone.

Themes Explored

Grief and Personal Loss

Kate delves into the multifaceted nature of grief, emphasizing its universality and individuality. Drawing from personal experiences, including the loss of her father seven years prior, Kate illustrates how different relationships with a lost loved one can shape one's grieving process.

Kate Hash [07:05]: "Grief isn't just losing people through death. There are a lot of ways we experience grief in life."

The novel portrays both profound loss and everyday sorrows, highlighting how Gracie copes with her husband's death while managing her family's needs.

Self-Discovery and Reinvention

Gracie's accidental fame serves as a catalyst for her personal growth. The setting of the small town, Canopy, symbolizes a fresh start, allowing her to rebuild her identity independent of her past and societal expectations.

Kate Hash [13:13]: "There’s something magical about small towns that allows for a deep breath and a chance to reboot."

Authenticity and Vulnerability

The character grapples with how much of herself to reveal, balancing authenticity with the need for self-protection. This internal conflict mirrors real-life challenges faced by individuals seeking genuine connections amidst public attention.

Kate Hash [10:48]: "Gracie struggles with how much of herself to share. She wants to be authentic but also protect herself."

Character Development

Gracie Harris is portrayed as a relatable protagonist whose strength lies in her complexity. Her journey is marked by moments of vulnerability and resilience, making her a compelling figure for readers navigating their own life transitions.

Kate Hash [12:02]: "Gracie has prioritized what her kids need, and her grief is always second to it, but she’s ready to explore who she can become."

The inclusion of Gracie's interactions in Canopy and her evolving relationships adds depth to her character, showcasing her growth from a grieving widow to a woman embracing new possibilities.

Setting and Atmosphere

The fictional town of Canopy serves as more than just a backdrop; it embodies the ethos of community and the serenity that comes with a slower pace of life. Kate meticulously crafts Canopy by blending elements from several real towns in western North Carolina, creating a setting that feels both familiar and inviting.

Kate Hash [12:02]: "Canopy is an amalgamation of real places, capturing the friendliness and innate curiosity of smaller towns."

The contrast between Gracie's life in Chapel Hill and her experiences in Canopy underscores her journey towards self-discovery and emotional healing.

Writing Process and Inspiration

Kate shares insights into her writing process, highlighting how her personal experiences and professional background in journalism influenced the novel's structure and authenticity. The metafictional element of Gracie preparing for interviews mirrors Kate's own thoughts on writing and public perception.

Kate Hash [09:40]: "Writing a novel wasn’t a bucket list item for me; Gracie’s story just came to me and I had to explore it."

Her approach to character development and thematic exploration is deeply rooted in her understanding of human emotions and relationships, making the narrative both poignant and relatable.

Future Projects

Looking ahead, Kate hints at her second novel, a standalone story featuring an intergenerational love story between two women who form an unexpected friendship after a tumultuous encounter on a plane.

Kate Hash [25:41]: "The second novel is a platonic and romantic love story between two women at different life stages, exploring the complexities of their relationships."

This upcoming project continues Kate's exploration of women at crossroads, a recurring theme in her work, promising more rich narratives and character studies.

Conclusion

Gracie Harris Is Under Construction offers a heartfelt exploration of grief, love, and self-reinvention. Through Gracie's journey, Kate Hash invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with loss and the possibilities of new beginnings. This debut novel marks Kate as a promising voice in contemporary fiction, with future works eagerly anticipated by her growing audience.

Zibby Owens [27:05]: "I'm really excited for this book and will be cheering Kate all summer long."

For more information on Gracie Harris Is Under Construction and to follow Kate Hash's literary journey, visit zibbymedia.com and connect with her on Instagram at @zibbyowens.

Notable Quotes:

• Kate Hash [03:56]: "I wanted to write a book that really explores the way love can break you and also sort of rebuild you."
• Kate Hash [07:05]: "Grief isn't just losing people through death. There are a lot of ways we experience grief in life."
• Kate Hash [12:02]: "Gracie has prioritized what her kids need, and her grief is always second to it, but she’s ready to explore who she can become."
• Kate Hash [25:41]: "The second novel is a platonic and romantic love story between two women at different life stages, exploring the complexities of their relationships."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners and readers with a comprehensive overview of Kate Hash's debut novel and her insights as a new author.