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Date: 7/12/2023
CHICOPEE — In less than two years, Chicopee native Ken Gagne has written and published three books and with “much to say,” he has no plans of stopping. Gagne is an independent, self-published author, but that has not always been the case. In 1991, he left Chicopee and moved to Maplewood, New Jersey, to work for the National Basketball Association.
After his parents died 15 years ago, Gagne said his young children at the time did not know them well, only to realize that he did not really know his parents either.
“They were a part of a different generation that did not share much personal information,” he said.
In hopes of learning more about his parents, Gagne decided to do some research and talk with relatives and friends to gather information.
“The more I wrote, the more I thought it could relate to more people with tragedies” among other life experiences, he said.
While it started for his parents, then his kids, then himself, Gagne decided to throw it out to the world by publishing the memoir “You’re Gonna Miss Me Someday,” in July 2021.
Gagne shared that the memoir received “insane feedback” from people in Chicopee, Western Massachusetts and New Jersey.
This led to the creation of his second book — a sports novel — called “Wave Her Home” which came out in summer 2022.
Gagne’s third and most recent book, “The Unknowing,” was published at the end of May. He describes the novel as a “family drama” of tragedy that divides everyone.
He shared that he loves writing about how people cope with grief. “The Unknowing” deals with personal trauma and secrets — trying to see if everyone can let go of the past.
Gagne noted that there is a theme across all three novels: How to move on from everything that happens to an individual.
“People can relate to universal themes,” he shared.
Like his first book, Gagne said he has received positive feedback with the other publications.
“The response has been great, [which is] really why I keep writing so much … I kind of can’t stop,” he said.
Gagne shared that he has fallen in love with the whole writing process.
“I love the connection it creates with people,” he added. “It is all about people sharing their stories.”
Currently, Gagne is shifting gears and is working on a children’s book that he plans on publishing in October.
He shared that he is also writing out another novel and is hoping to publish it in spring 2024.
As writing has now become his full-time job, Gagne shared that it is something he never dreamed of.
“I had a job at the NBA for nearly 30 years,” he said.
He went on to say, “My wife is completely supportive … It’s not just a passion project anymore.”
Outside of writing, Gagne enjoys hanging out with friends, playing softball, golfing, cooking or listening to podcasts and reading books about writing.
“There is always more to learn,” he said.
Although he no longer lives in Massachusetts, he noted that he still watches and roots for the Celtics and Patriots.
“I feel like I owe Chicopee and my childhood for this whole second career,” Gagne said. “I wouldn’t be who I am without that place and the people who cheer me on.”
He continued, “Even since I left, people stuck with me … “I kind of owe everything to that [place].”
Gagne’s books can all be found on Amazon. The second and third novels can also be found in Barnes and Noble and local bookstores.
For additional information on Gagne and his publications, visit kengagnebooks.com.