Go Away With … Crystal Hana Kim

By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Tribune and other outlets
April 16, 2024

Six years after she won critical acclaim for her debut novel “If You Leave Me Now,” Crystal Hana Kim has published her second book “The Stone Home” (William Morrow). The novel centers on a homeless mother and daughter who, in the 1980s, are sent to live in a South Korean reformatory center designed to break down their will to survive. While the book is dark and conveys desperation, it also highlights hope and the power of resilience. Currently on a book tour, Kim spoke with us about her travels and how they are a part of her writing process.

“Some of my best writing comes to me when I’m away from my usual surroundings,” the author said. “I live in Brooklyn. I love my home and the busy atmosphere of my neighborhood, but the distractions of daily life can make writing harder. While writing ‘The Stone Home,’ I went to two artist residencies in Wyoming. The isolation helped me untangle questions I had about my characters and the story. I took long walks in the snow and wrote for hours in my cabin. It was a dreamy experience!”

Kim keeps readers updated on her work and adventures on Instagram and Twitter (@crystalhanak).

Q: Can you share some specific examples of how your travels impacted your work?
A: I took a trip to Korea in 2018 to see my family and conduct some research. I could not have written “The Stone Home” without all that I learned and experienced on that trip. Being immersed in the language and culture and conducting an in-person interview with one of the survivors of a real-life reformatory institution helped deepen my understanding of this story.

Q: What is a trip that stands out for you?
A: In May 2019, my husband and I traveled around Chile for a month. It was an incredible life-changing experience. We started by hiking in the Torres del Paine National Park, which is in the southern tip of the country. The mountains, lakes and glaciers were indescribably stunning. We then flew to Valparaiso, a beautiful port city full of street art and rolling hills. I stuffed myself with empanadas there. We ended our trip in San Pedro de Atacama, which is known as the driest desert in the world. We rented a big red truck we called Luisa and drove around these eerie, desolate landscapes. I felt like I was on Mars.

Q: Have you visited places for work that were so nice that you traveled back there later for personal trips?
A: I lived in Cassis, France, for a month when I was working on my first novel [“If You Leave Me”]. I loved the serenity of this lesser-known city by the sea. I swam and ate sumptuous pastries every day. When my husband and I planned our honeymoon in France, I knew we had to spend at least one night in Cassis so I could show him around this city that was my brief home.

Q: Do you work while you’re on vacation?
A: As a writer, I’m always working even when I’m on vacation. Even if I’m not actively in front of my computer, I’m always listening and looking and absorbing the details around me. If I overhear an interesting conversation or see a particularly striking image, I like to write it down in my notebook. You never know where that inspiration will take you.

Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: In real life, I’m a planner. I have a to-do list every day. But when I travel, I like to keep an open mind. I won’t schedule too much. I’d rather see where the day takes me. I also think it’s important to travel with people who have similar styles and interests. Also, seek out the local, hole-in-the-wall dining spots!

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: Oh, that’s a tricky one. I’ll go with the food truck because I like to get messy!

Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: Korean was actually my first language. My parents immigrated to the States in the 1980s and when they had me, they taught me their mother tongue first. I only learned English once I started school. I know a little bit of French from my high school days, but I’m very rusty.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: There are so many places! The Azores. Thailand. Greece. India. Bangkok. Antarctica. Somewhere where I could hike and see the Northern Lights. I am also a water spirit and love swimming, so anywhere with a beach appeals to me. I’ve always wanted to swim around in the Maldives.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: Eye mask for sleep, headphones for music, a notebook and pen for writing down my thoughts and my phone for capturing photos, of course. I don’t drink coffee. I find that sometimes it’s hard to get a good cup of tea, so I always bring my own sachets too.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: This isn’t quite a guilty pleasure, but I love to bring physical books, even when they are heavy and cumbersome. I have yet to switch to an e-reader because I love the feeling of turning pages and underlining favorite passages.

© 2024 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.