The University of Utah’s Honors College is thrilled to announce that Katie Sanyal will be publishing her debut novel after participating in Dr. Michael Gills’s Novel Writing Workshop. A senior in the Honors College studying English, Katie exemplifies the kind of student who fully embraces the unique opportunities the University of Utah provides. In fact, the Novel Writing Workshop was one of the key reasons Katie chose to join the Honors College.

Katie’s debut novel, Lady of the House, follows a young Asian American woman whose life changes drastically when she inherits her grandmother’s house in the South. “While it’s by no means an autobiography, it’s loosely based on my own experiences and places I’ve been,” Sanyal explains. The novel delves into themes like racial identity, mental health, and navigating life in your 20s.

Each spring, Professor Gills selects ten students for his course, assigning a summer reading list and mapping exercises. Students analyze novels for elements like point of view, structure, and character to inspire their own writing. Throughout the fall and spring semesters, they write two pages daily, producing about 150 pages each semester, with Professor Gills offering ongoing support. By year’s end, each student completes a rough draft of an original novel, and Katie is among those whose hard work will be published! “It was one of the hardest but best experiences I’ve had in college.” Katie explains. She claims that the environment of the class was incredibly supportive and motivated her to complete her novel. Katie was also the recipient of the 2023 Honors Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award.

Katie’s book launch will take place on April 10th, with the novel officially releasing on June 16th, 2025. Congratulations, Katie, on this incredible achievement!

Tia Wisco | Journalism Intern, University of Utah Honors College