Now it’s time to learn more about the authors we read. . .

Why do you write the genre that you write?
Mystery has been my favorite genre as a reader since childhood. In my twenties and thirties, I gravitated towards Golden Age mysteries; in my forties—now a mother myself—I’ve pivoted to reading domestic suspense and psychological thrillers. I believe in writing what you love reading—you can’t fake that genuine passion.

What’s the quirkiest quirk one of your characters has?
In my debut novel YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID, Dr. Lily Patel speaks about Dirk as if he his her boyfriend/partner, we later learn Dirk is a cat.

How did you come up with your pseudonym? 
K.T. are the actual initial letters in my name.

Tell us how you got into writing?
I started writing professionally as an editorial assistant at Fitness magazine, converting dense health and nutrition research into bite-size write-ups. That turned into feature writing for other national publications which then led to more storytelling and fiction writing.

What jobs have you held before, during and/or after you became a writer?
In high school and college, I worked in libraries. I loved checking out books for patrons, reshelving books, fulfilling hold requests—pretty much all of it except emptying the book box on icy days. I’ve also worked in campaign finance for a NYC mayoral race, covered Fashion Week as a beauty editor at Glamour magazine, and headed up the copy and storytelling department for a global cosmetics brand.

How many books do you have published?
My debut psychological thriller novel YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID comes out April 16, 2024 from Penguin Random House Dutton.

Where do you write?
My home office. Half is my writing area, half is a craft/art area (read messy bins of paint, yarn, inks, clay, and other supplies!).

What is your favorite deadline snack?
Salty chips. I shouldn’t keep Doritos or Fritos in the house because I have no resistance to them.

Who is an author you admire?
So many for various reasons! Here are a few: S.A. Cosby for his dedication and passion to the writing craft and his professionalism and mentorship. Heather Graham and Nora Roberts for eeking out the time and emotional resources to write as stay-at-home mothers in the late 1970’s, early 1980’s. Both have built massively successful, enduring careers.

What’s your favorite genre to read?
Crime fiction of all kinds! (See question #5.)

What are you reading now?
I’m fortunate to have an advance readers copy of Stephanie Wrobel’s THE HITCHCOCK HOTEL (September 2024). I love her writing and had to force myself to go to bed last night.

What is your favorite beverage to end the day?
Water. I start the day with coffee/tea and proceed and end with tons of water.

What is next for you?
My debut YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID comes out April 16. I’ll be sharing that with readers at festivals and bookstores. I’ll also be working on my second psychological thriller!

Where can we find you?
At my website at ktnguyenauthor.com, on Facebook at k.t.nguyen.books, and on Instagram at @ktnguyen_author.

Now to have some fun . . .

Chocolate, vanilla, or another flavor
RUM RAISIN

Ice cream or cake
SILVER CAKE OR POUNDCAKE

Fruits or vegetables
VEGETABLES (Potatoes are my favorite food though they are more of a starch I suppose)

Breakfast, lunch, or dinner
DINNER

Dining in or dining out
DINING IN

City life or country living
COUNTRY LIVING

Beach or mountain
MOUNTAIN

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall
100% FALL

Extrovert or introvert
BOTH?

Early bird or night owl
NIGHT OWL

And even more fun . . .

What’s your favorite movie?
THE SOUND OF MUSIC (But I’m not a big movie person)

You are stranded on a deserted island. What are your three must-haves?
1. a friend—human or canine companion 2. a big library 3. a sharp machete

My bio:
K. T. Nguyen is a former magazine editor. Her features have appeared in Glamour, Shape, and Fitness. After graduating from Brown University, she spent her twenties and thirties living in New York City, San Francisco, Shanghai, Beijing, and Taipei and has now settled just outside Washington, D.C. with her family. K.T. enjoys native plant gardening, jigsaw puzzles, playing with her rescue terrier, and rooting for the Mets. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID (Dutton, 4/16/24) is her debut novel.