Buckle in for a chat with Kate Hasbani - author of Car Naps
What was the inspiration for your book?
Car Naps was inspired by the many, MANY, times my second-born would fall asleep in the car, often when I didn’t want her to. With my first born, I was particularly fastidious on nap routines and sleep hygiene - there were so many car trips where I would be winding windows down just to stop her from nodding off, out of fear that it would ruin our night ahead. With my second, she just had to slot into our family lifestyle, which often meant catching some sleep after preschool drop off. Initially resistant to this, I learned to love these moments of peace with her snoozing in the backseat.
When do you write?
Writing for me is a sporadic commitment. I find I am at my best when writing in the moment a creative note is sparked - Car Naps was almost entirely voice dictated in whispers whilst driving around the streets of Sydney’s Lower North Shore, and subsequent titles live across various notes in my phone, jotted down when on the run. It’s not a perfect process, but it works for me!
Do you have a favourite place to write?
Often when I’m out and about, particularly when with my children. I’ve written in cafes, on walks or even just sitting in the sun on the deck of a ferry to work.
What would be the title of your memoirs?
Always willingly pushed, but sometimes jumps. I’m inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s 6 word story, and I think this is the best summary of my life journey. That, or Work In Progress.
Your greatest achievement so far … ?
Honestly, finishing Car Naps. Taking an idea that started as a small, passing observation and turning it into a complete story is something I’m really proud of. Creative projects can sit in your head for a long time, and it feels significant to me to have followed this one all the way through.
What is next for you?
More stories. I’d love to keep exploring everyday moments through the dual lens of child and parent - the small, often overlooked parts of the day that actually can be quite big.
