Institute Childrens Literature

Rx for Writers

Transcripts

PART 2 OF KAREN O'CONNOR'S INTERVIEW

MODERATOR: Have YOU ever quit writing--or almost quit?

Karen: Well, I almost quit when I was writing that book that won the award I mentioned earlier. I almost quit again about l5 years ago when I had a two-year dry spell, meaning I couldn't sell anything, but (and this is what I mean by the call) writing wouldn't let go of me. And that's when I knew without a shadow of a doubt that who I am is a WRITER and I wouldn't be happy doing anything else for a career.

MODERATOR: Is your writing a priority in your life?

Karen: You can probably tell by my previous answers that it's absolutely a priority, but it does not take precedence over my faith or my family.

Chief: Suppose you have several ideas for various markets; should you concentrate on one, or go with the flow (so to speak) with all of it?

Karen: I tend to write two of three things at a time now, where I am in my career, but I don't recommend it for beginners because in the beginning it's too easy to get scattered and then discouraged. I do it now because I'm writing for publication regularly, meeting deadlines and writing columns, so I don't have the luxury of just focusing on one thing at a time.

Fayb: Why do people in general have a hard time giving credit to a writer?

Karen: Do you mean they don't want to give you encouragement or acknowledgment for what you do? I'd say it might be JEALOUSY!

Ducky: What kind of income can a good children's writer resonably expect to earn a year?

Karen: I don't honestly know. I've heard that Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary, famous children's writers, make plenty. More than I know probably. But the average writer in general earns part-time income because it's hard to sell enough to make it.

Ravena: What do you do if you find you just can't write anything?

Karen: When I feel stuck, I journal...it's a fabulous way to keep yourself turning out words and also taking care of your emotions. Sometimes what you journal about can provide the seed of an article or story.

judyg: So did you say we should stick with the type of writing we feel the most comfortable with and not explore other areas?

Karen: Depends. I liked to explore a lot of areas when I was new to this, but now I focus on what I love...inspirational writing. You can do what pleases you the most and at the same time look into other options. I also want to be a voice to encouragement when you feel all alone...when even your best friend or spouse seems disinterested. Remember, you have yourself. Take care of THAT best friend. He or she will be with you always.

Ducky: What books about writing would you recommend?

Karen: One of my favorites is by Anne Lamott. It's called Bird by Bird. I highly recommend it. Also Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg.

Ducky: What do you like to read?

Karen: I love to read good novels that inspire me with memorable characters such as Ann Tyler's Ladder of Years and Jan Karon's new Mitford series. I also love inspirational and devotional writing and books that make me think about life and its issues.

Ravena: How long did it take you to break into the children's literature field?

Karen: It took me about six months because I started with magazines, knowing I could get published fast in that field. And it's true. I recommend it. Magazine writing gives you a chance to write something in completed form that doesn't take too long and will be published shortly after it's purchased. That builds your confidence.

Ravena: Do you think that a new writer has an easier or a harder time getting published?

Karen: New writers do have a more difficult time getting published mostly because they are unknown. That's why many quit early.

Willie Willow Tree: You do think that a beginner should worry about breaking into the market or write the pieces that give fulliment?

Karen: That's a great question, Willie. I believe that you should do a bit of both. Decide where your heart is leading, or rather look at where it's leading and follow it, but also pay attention to what is being published and see if you can target some of what you love to do to the publications that are doing that kind of publishing.

judyg: Is it harder to write for magazines or write books?

Karen: Books are more challenging in my opinion because they take more time and must be about a bigger topic....one with many parts, but magazine pieces can be written fairly quickly and must focus on a single element of a topic.

Ravena: Does not having a lot of money make a big difference to stories getting published?

Karen: Do you mean YOU the author must have money? If that's your thinking, rest easy. YOU don't need to put up any money. A reputable publisher pays you for your work.

pmjv: Do you see published work reflecting our culture, or do you believe that the written word can mold culture? And what are beginning writers to make of that?

Karen: Great question. Yes, writing does reflect our culture and that's why it's important for writers to keep their integrity, to write about what they hold dear and valuable, though it's not always easy to get published. Writers can mold culture...even bad ones have influence, don't they?

Ravena: Do you think that someone should wait untill they are older to write? (ie. over 17)

Karen: Not necessarily. I have many students in their teens who write beautifully and sensitively. I encourage anyone of any age to write when they feel led.

Chief: As an unknown, how many published pieces do you typically have before you start to really get noticed?

Karen: I don't know if there is a number....if so, I'm still waiting. That's a joke, son! Actually, recognition can come in an instant or in a lifetime. Emily Dickinson was not appreciated or recognized until after she died!

gvl: Do editors get "turned off" at submissions from writers who have previously been rejected a few times?

Karen: No, I don't think so. I wrote for awhile for Young Miss and was rejected three times at first. But the editor liked my ideas, so she worked with me, giving me a chance to resubmit. I finally sold to her.

Ducky: Have you ever had trouble collecting from a publisher?

Karen: No! But I know plenty of people who have...very discouraging.

Willie Willow Tree: Fantasy is what I enjoy writing, but there doesn't seem to be a great market for it. Does the market change often or stay the same?

Karen: Markets change. One year fantasy is in, the next it might be out. That's why it's so important to maintain 'market savvy.' Read sample issues and get the author guidelines.

Ducky: Do you spend a lot of time at the library researching the market?

Karen: I do spend time at the library--or online, if you like that. The important thing is to stay connected to the writing world. As writers we are part of a larger world and we need to pay attention to it so we can serve our readers. Some writers are so stuck on their own words they don't care about what the publishers are trying to put across. Don't avoid the opportunity to grow and learn and expand.

Ducky: Should you expect to be prepared to bill a publisher for your work?

Karen: I don't usually send a bill to anyone except clients who use my coaching service. Publishers generally send contracts which I fill out and payment is sent automatically.

Ravena: Are new writers able to make enough to support themselves?

Karen: I don't think so. I'm still writing--and not supporting myself--after 25 years!

MODERATOR: Before we close, I'd like to post some of the comments I've received from the audience...

Willie Willow Tree: That IS healing, to see a gift in the pain.

Fayb: Karen, you inspired me with your awesome sense of spirituality.

Ducky: Sometimes the people that supposedly love us aren't very vocally supportive. My husband is supportive in that way, but has little to say about anything that I write.

Karen: My husband brags about me all the time, Ducky, but he has yet to read one of my books from start to finish!

Chief: Thanks, Karen, for showing that it IS helpful if you can write for different markets until you find your "knack."

Karen: Absolutely! Don't be afraid to experiment--it's part of the adventure!

MODERATOR: I'm sorry to have to interrupt at this point, but we're out of time. First, we want to thank Karen for coming tonight and inspiring and encouraging us to keep our writing commitments. Thank you, Karen!

Karen: There's an old saying: "Will we die with the music still in us?" To paraphrase, "Will we die with the writing still in us?" Let's not let that happen to us!!!! Hugs to everyone!

MODERATOR: Thanks to Karen for being here! For further help and encouragement, visit "Rx for Writers"elsewhere in this site, where you'll find the Writer's Support Room's articles on Getting Started, Creating the Writing Life You Want, Family Challenges, Work Habits that Help You, Money Issues, and Health/Self-Care for writers.

Also, be sure to come back next Thursday night, September 23, l999 to hear Beth Troop talk about "What Editors Really Want!" Beth Troop is Assistant Editor at Highlights for Children and Boyds Mills Press in charge of manuscripts. She oversees the logging in and circulating of manuscripts, reviews manuscripts, and edits books. Come hear Beth talk about submission policies and procedures, how to best catch an editor's eye (and what to avoid doing), what editors look for in a manuscript, and what to do with the dreaded form rejection! You won't want to miss next week! And now, good night, everyone!

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