Picture an Australian storyteller who swapped corporate suits for the wilds of Africa, weaving tales of self-discovery and adventure—meet Kate Mathieson! A poet, naturalist, and author, Mathieson’s journey from Sydney’s bustling streets to the untamed landscapes of her memoir Ways to Come Home has captivated readers. Her writing, infused with a love for nature and a zest for chasing dreams, invites us to rethink the lives we’ve mapped out and embrace our inner wanderer.
Born in Sydney, Mathieson’s eclectic career spans celebrity interviews for Dolly magazine to crafting romantic comedies that sparkle with humor. Her work, whether memoir or fiction, pulses with a call to authenticity, urging readers to find their true path, no matter how winding.
The Making of Kate Mathieson
Kate Mathieson’s love for storytelling bloomed early, sparked by Nancy Drew mysteries at age eight. Growing up in Sydney, she dreamed of weaving tales that captured the imagination. Before becoming an author, she dabbled in journalism, interviewing 90s celebrities for Dolly magazine, a gig that honed her knack for capturing vibrant personalities. But it was her bold 2009 decision to buy a one-way ticket to Africa that shaped her voice, immersing her in the raw beauty of nature and inspiring her breakthrough memoir.
Kate Mathieson’s Unforgettable Stories
Mathieson’s memoir, Ways to Come Home, shortlisted for the 2017 Finch Memoir Prize, is a lyrical reflection on her African odyssey. It explores the tension between society’s expectations—careers, mortgages, marriages—and the primal urge to roam free, drawing parallels between her journey and the constant motion of oceans, wolves, and rivers. Her vivid prose captures the wildness of both nature and the human spirit.
In fiction, Mathieson shines with romantic comedies like Just As You Are, a heartwarming tale of Emma Londstown, a woman navigating love and self-acceptance after years of global adventures. Compared to Sophie Kinsella’s wit, it’s a reader favorite for its humor and relatability. The Wedding Date Disaster, her second novel, delivers more quirky romance, while Little Book of Mastery offers spiritual guidance, blending her naturalist roots with soulful insights.
Her writing style is evocative and accessible, weaving themes of exile, passion, and self-discovery. Whether she’s penning a memoir or a rom-com, Mathieson’s stories resonate with readers who crave authenticity and the courage to chase their dreams.
Why Kate Mathieson Matters
Kate Mathieson’s impact lies in her ability to inspire readers to question the status quo. Her memoir encourages us to shed societal scripts and embrace our ‘bird’ nature—free, untethered, and ever-moving. Her fiction, meanwhile, wraps life’s big questions in humor and heart, making self-discovery feel like a cozy chat with a friend. By blending her love for nature with universal themes, Mathieson has carved a niche in Australian literature, inspiring readers to create lives that truly reflect their desires.
- Born: Sydney, Australia
- Key Works: Ways to Come Home, Just As You Are, The Wedding Date Disaster, Little Book of Mastery
- Awards: Shortlisted for the 2017 Finch Memoir Prize
- Fun Fact: She’s happiest with wind in her hair and leaves stuck in it!
Snag Ways to Come Home or Just As You Are and dive into Kate Mathieson’s soulful, spirited world!