This week my guest is Lisa See, the New York Times bestselling author of so many beloved books, including Lady Tan's Circle of Women, The Island of Sea Women, Snow Flower and the Secret Ban, Shanghai Girls, and Dreams of Joy. Lisa's books often center the experience of women across time and cultures, particularly stories that have been lost, forgotten, or deliberately covered up.
This week’s episodes are a replay–I’ll be back with a new guest on Labor Day (September 1). Enjoy these last couple weeks of official “summer”!
We covered:
- The atrocious 1970s TV miniseries that was so poorly written, it inspired her to try writing fiction (under the pen name Monica Highland)
- How she started researching the Chinese side of her family thinking that she’d include a short letter about it in that year’s holiday card, and how that grew into “On Gold Mountain,” her first book written under her own name, as well as a national bestseller and New York Times notable book
- What’s been easy and what’s been hard about her work as a novelist
- How telling stories that have been previously hidden or overlooked inspires her to keep working–and why sharing those stories matters
- A peek into her (fascinating) research process
- The morning routine that fuels her work
- Why she doesn’t worry about keeping her tea hot
Connect with Lisa on Instagram @lisasee_writer.
For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.
Thank you for listening!
And thanks to this week’s sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value).

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