After the Show: Catherine Underhill Fitzpatrick

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Catherine Underhill Fitzpatrick, former reporter, award-winning journalist, feature writer and author of “A Matter of Happenstance” was our guest today on JOY Radio: People Inspiring People. Catherine grew up in St. Louis and graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Now retired, her 30-year career as a feature writer took her from a neonatal hospital ward, to a Death  Row cellblock, to  a champagne garden party hosted by Ralph Lauren.

On September 11, 2011 Catherine happened to be in Manhattan to cover Fashion Week runway shows for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. At first word of  the attacks, she rushed downtown and filed award-winning dispatches from the chaotic street near Ground Zero. During the show, Catherine mentions reporting from New York that week was an unforgettable experience. And the irony of a fashion writer reporting a world-changing tragedy gave rise to her book, “A Matter of Happenstance.”

Catherine continues by providing details of her novel spanning almost hundred years –1880-1956; cites factual stories, interwoven into her storyline; talks about her favorite character, Esmie Hobbs; shines light on other colorful characters – Leroy and Palmer Bordelon, and Rosie Reinhardt (my fav); explains her tracking method of her 40 authentic characters (whew); reads a profound paragraph from her novel reinforcing the theme of her book; and lastly, seamlessly ties the interview together by stating, “All of us experience matters of happenstance to some degree.”

If you haven’t listened to the show click here. If you listened to the show… would love your feedback.  Also want to hear if you agree our life experiences are a matter of happenstance? Click the “no response button” top right. Can’t wait to hear from you.

Visit Catherine Underhill Fitzpatrick’s website here.

 

 

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