Lana Waite Holden is the author of Catalyntje Trico: A Life in New Amsterdam, a deeply researched historical fiction novel about the mother of my main character, Sarah Rapalje. Lana and I connected just before her novel was published this past summer. It's been so much fun talking about our research and interpretations through our respective lenses of Catalyna and Sarah, mother and daughter.
What sparked your interest in Catalyntje? How did you first learn about her?
While working on my Master’s Degree, I had to write a paper about a Native War in North America. I noticed that there was a war in what is now New York in the 1600s. I had no idea that there were any Europeans there at the time. As I looked into it, I discovered it was called the Dutch Colony of New Netherland. I searched for a book to learn more about it and found “The Island at the Center of the World” by Russell Shorto. In his book, he mentioned Catalyntje and her husband, Joris. I was intrigued and kept learning more about her.
There are several spellings are on record for Catalyntje/ Catalyna. I chose Catalyna to avoid confusion because Sarah has children with the name Catalyntje. Why did you choose the spelling Catalyntje?
I chose to use the spelling Catalyntje per discussions with my editor who grew up in the Netherlands. I asked her specifically about this and she suggested that this choice would fit the old Dutch spelling the best.
Was there a defining moment when you chose to write a book about Catalyntje? What made you decide her story needed to be historical fiction?
After I first heard of her, I was intrigued. I spent every spare minute trying to find out more information about her. After several months of searching more deeply, I found many facts about her that helped me see how incredible she was. Then, I decided to write a history book about her so others could know about her inspiring life. Once I’d started writing about her, I felt the narrative was lacking because Catalyntje was then only made up of facts. I felt she was more than that and needed to be portrayed as a real person who could speak out, mourn, and love.
I first heard of her while researching my genealogy. It astounded me that I got more of a sense of who she was, my grandmother nine generations back, than my great-grandmother. It made me think there was something special about the Dutch colonial period, too. We're lucky Catalyntje lived a long life and people recorded what she had to say about it.
What did you find challenging in writing a historical fiction about a real person? How closely did you adhere to the facts? In what respects did you take artistic license?
The most challenging part of writing this historical fiction was that I wanted to get it right and represent Catalyntje well. I stayed as close to facts as possible while writing this novel. I used artistic license in Catalyntje's conversations with those around her and the feelings she experienced.
What were your favorite “aha” moments in researching?
I found an amazing bit of information in a footnote of an article about Orphanmasters. It mentioned Catalyntje and her relationship with a Muslim boy who was the son of a pirate. I was very close to finishing the first draft at that point, but I just couldn’t leave that part out.
Well done with your research! I hadn't known about that. It's such a fascinating tidbit that really shows her personality and moral conviction.
Were there activities or experiences you sought out to try to get into the mindset of what daily life was like in the 1600s?
While visiting New York, I went to the three locations where Catalyntje lived. Things were very different from today, but I understood the location, distances, and landscape. I also visited the cemetery where she is most likely buried. I also paid attention to what was growing in my garden at various times of the year and thinking about what meal I could prepare with what I had. As I chopped wood for our fireplace, I wondered what it would be like to only depend on wood heat and how much effort it would take to acquire the wood back then. I’ve also kept the light off on purpose at times to realize what daily activities would be like without constant light.
What did you edit out of your novel? Are there any “fun facts” you want to share that were interesting but didn’t serve the narrative?
I edited out many side stories of Catalyntje’s family and friends to keep the novel focused on her. I got sidetracked with the life of her oldest daughter, Sarah, and removed many things about her. So, I am glad you are writing a book about her because she was also an incredible woman.
Both women are very interesting subjects! Catalyntje experienced the entire Dutch period, beginning to end, as an adult. For Sarah, the Dutch colony was all she ever knew, only hearing of Europe through her parents' stories and news that arrived whenever a ship came in. I love thinking about their different experiences and I can't wait to share my take on what a unique life Sarah had.
Your website and blog, historicalslant.com, has many beautiful, personal contemplations that often connect history and the present day. Tell me about your writing practice and how it’s changed over the course of writing this novel.
I now keep a writer’s notebook to record ideas, questions, and observations I experience each day. This gives me real-life ideas to draw from when I write my blogs. I only write about what interests me instead of what I think others want to hear. That way my writing is more personal and not fabricated. I also try to write something every day in my notebook. Sometimes, it is only a short entry, but the ideas add up.
Why did you choose young adults as your target audience for your novel?
I teach 7th and 8th grade and wanted them to be able to read and enjoy my book. It has mostly been read by adults who have appreciated the details and facts I’ve included.
What has been your favorite part of becoming an Indie author? What's been challenging?
It has been wonderful to share Catalyntje’s life with others, and I’ve enjoyed the emails from people who have written to me, expressing their enjoyment of my novel. It has also given me more confidence as a writer, and I want to continue writing. The most challenging part about being an Indie Author is that it is a lot more than writing that I had to figure out how to do. I've learned about editing, marketing, sales, self-promotion, and formatting, to name a few new talents I’ve unexpectedly acquired. But, even with the extra learning, I’ve enjoyed every step of the process.
What are your favorite historical fiction books or authors?
I enjoy books written by Tracy Chevalier. She writes descriptively about her characters and provides wonderful details in her stories. I recently read “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon and loved it. I was already familiar with Martha Ballard’s story, so this was a real treat. I also like “Shackleton’s Stowaway” by Victoria McKernan since Ernest Shackelton’s story continually inspires me.
Your recommendation of The Frozen River bumped it up in my queue and it has been one of my favorite reads this year! I recently read The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier- I loved the mention: “A myth grows that the Dutch have bought the island of Manhattan from the Lenape tribe for some trinkets and a handful of – yes – beads.”
Do you plan to write more books? Would they be about New Amsterdam or a different time and place?
Since writing this novel about Catalyntje, I’ve fallen in love with writing, so I plan to write more books. I’m just starting a second historical novel, and this one is about an Icelandic Fisherwoman from the late 17th century. I will include New York in it.
That sounds intriguing! I have a soft spot for Nordic stories (I studied abroad in Denmark) and Iceland is so entrancing. My husband and I traveled the Ring Road in a camper van in 2019. The Museum of Witchcraft and the Saga Museum were incredible, but the fact that every small town has a communal geothermal heated pool really makes me want to go back!
Is there anything you’d like to close with?
I am glad to have met you and grateful you're continuing the story of Catalyntje with your upcoming book about Sarah. I have genuinely enjoyed our communications and enjoyed talking with someone so knowledgeable about New Netherland. I appreciate you taking time to write these questions to allow for this discussion. Also, I’d enjoy hearing from anyone who has read my book or is interested in it and invite you to take a look at my website historicalslant.com.
Thank you for taking the time for this interview and all our conversations, Lana! It's been a pleasure talking with someone also immersed in New Amsterdam and the Rapalje family. Congratulation on your novel!
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It has been great to visit with you Fawn. Thanks for taking time to talk with me about my novel. I'm so excited to read yours soon.