Institute Childrens Literature

Rx for Writers

Transcripts

"Reach for the Stars, but Keep Your Feet on the Ground" with Karen O'Connor

Thursday, January 6, 2000

MODERATOR is Kristi Holl, your Web Editor for this site. Kristi has 22 juvenile novels to her credit, as well as l00+ articles for children and adults.

Karen is Karen O'Connor, author of over 35 books for children and adults, plus over 300 magazine articles.

Names color coded in blue are audience members.

MODERATOR: Good evening! Welcome back to our online interviews. We're kicking off the new millennium with an appropriate topic for the new year! Tonight Karen O'Connor will speak on the topic: "Reach for the Stars, But Keep Your Feet On the Ground." Karen O'Connor has written over 35 books for children and adults and over 300 magazine articles, and this year has her own magazine column. I'm Kristi Holl, your web editor and moderator for this evening. I'm excited tonight to hear Karen talk about the importance of stretching ourselves by setting attainable goals while at the same time, continuing to learn and practice our craft. Karen has the experience to back up her advice and will share examples from her life as a writer over the past 25 years. Hello, Karen! We're so glad you could make it tonight!

Karen: Thank you. I'm happy to be here.

MODERATOR: Karen, before we talk about goals and getting motivated, could you give our viewers a short background sketch? How did you yourself get started writing?

Karen: I started in third grade! My teacher assigned us to write a little book and so I wrote one and illustrated it...and then I was hooked.

MODERATOR: Did you ever feel like quitting? Was there a time when it was hard to stay motivated to "reach for the stars"?

Karen: I never felt like quitting...but I did feel like throwing things against the wall and did so a few times!!

MODERATOR: Let's go right away now to our topic for the evening. It's a time of re-evaluating our writing lives, especially since we're now in a new millennium, not just a new year. One writer recommends "building a private laboratory in which you will reinvent your life." In 2000, how can we reinvent our writing lives?

Karen: I can't speak for others, but I'm reinventing mine by looking at what I REALLY want to do.

MODERATOR: Great place to start! Name some common mistakes writers make when "reaching for the stars."

Karen: I've noticed that newer writers are caught up in the glory rather than in the process. They want the byline and the fun of seeing their name in a book or in a magazine and don't want to do the hard stuff--the marketing, the business of writing, the self-analysis that is required to LEARN the craft so they can apply their talent in a way that will profit them and bless others who read what they write.

MODERATOR: How do you stay motivated year after year? (And do the challenges change?)

Karen: Yes, the challenges change. I write about different things now than when I started, mostly because I have changed. What keeps me motivated is doing my work with 'new' eyes and focusing on the message I want to share. I've never been motivated by money or fame, though I need to pay my bills like everyone else. My love of writing ties into my love of sharing life.

SaraJ: What do you mean, doing your work with "new eyes"?

Karen: Each day I am a new person. I know more than I knew the day before. I'm more alert to life as I grow older and therefore, I see things 'newly.' For example I am now more concerned with inner topics--of spirit and relationships and I love to help people find hope and joy from everyday experiences. I did not have such 'eyes' years ago when I was starting.

MODERATOR: Discuss various types of support writers can make use of to keep reaching for the stars (e.g. online newsletters, magazines, books, meditations).

Karen: I belong to writers' groups, and I have people in my life that write who share my commitment to writing...we talk and support each other. I also read books and magazines on writing and attend conferences.

MODERATOR: We do have free choice. How as writers do we choose from among the many roads that are open before us (writing for magazines, books, plays, e-zines, etc.)?

Karen: That's tricky! There is so much to choose from. I suggest each of us simply explore what is available online, on newsstands, from friends. I look for ideas wherever I go...and it works for me. I tend to like books more than online newsletters.

SaraJ: Can I back up a minute to the other question. Do you read any particular newsletters or books or magazines?

Karen: I read Writer's Digest, a San Diego local writers magazine and I've read books by Anne Lamott (Bird by Bird) and others. I look in bookstores and depend on referrals from others in the field and they depend on me. Sharing is great!

MODERATOR: How do you know if you have the single-mindedness required to write a book?

Karen: Writing a book is hard work but a joy for me. I'm not sure that you know until you try it. I found that beginning with magazines before trying a book really worked well for me.

Ducky: Is there a particular motivational book that you would recommend?

Karen: Yes, Bird by Bird which I mentioned--one of the best--and another one I loved was Writing Personal Essays by Sheila Bender and Writing Articles from the Heart by Marjorie Holmes: those are the three best ones.

MODERATOR: Someone once said that we highly overestimate what we can do in a year and highly underestimate what we can accomplish in 5 years. How do you make lofty--yet realistic--long and short-term goals?

Karen: I like that question. It has been true for me and one way I've overcome this is to set goals month by month, rather than a whole year's worth and I put that on my calendar and then I have the pleasure of meeting a goal one at a time instead of looking out over the year and being overwhelmed. Personally I can't look out five years--that's too far for me. In fact there is a piece of advice I read in a magazine that said, "Look down at your feet and not too far ahead," and that works for me.

echo: This is my first chat room ever, so please bear with me. I was wondering if you have any distractions, and if so, what they are.

Karen: Yes!!!!! I allow my grandchildren to be a distraction and I also love to be outdoors so it's hard to just stay at my desk, but I love to write, so I balance my indoor time with my outdoor time and I think that for everyone, it's a balancing act. There's no one right way for doing it--we're all different. I think it's important to look at what you really want. Do you just want the byline--or do you want to become a WRITER? Then you make your choices accordingly.

Ducky: I found that setting a weekly goal works for me. What do you think of this?

Karen: I think it's great. The important thing is to do what feels good to you because we can't tell each other what to do--we can only share what works for us and hope that that inspires others to look for that which works for them.

Maudy: Do you recommend writing to meet a publisher's needs, or should you concentrate on finding a publisher for what you have already written?

Karen: I do a little of each. For me, I am a working writer and I need to earn money, so I try to write the things that are on my heart that are compatible with publishers and publications that I respect and agree with.

Ducky: Yes, how do you meld what the publisher is looking for and what you love to write?

Karen: I will tell you what I did when I was beginning. I began writing about experiences and events in my kids' lives and my life as a parent and just wrote the articles without query letters. Then I looked for publications in a marketing guide that published things that would be of interest to parents, children, and families. That gave me a feel for several markets I could go back and forth with over the years, which I did, and I built up a good relationship with those editors over the years.

Mary: How did you begin writing for children?

Karen: About writing for children: my first article came about after an overnight campout in my backyard with my Camp Fire Girls. We had so much fun that I wrote up what we did as a little how-to article and sent it to Crusader Magazine and they bought it for $l2.50!!

Rosemarie: Can I ask what you think about multiple submissions? Are they acceptable and by whom?

Karen: In the religious market, I find that multiple submissions are accepted and that's pretty much where I focus.

bernie: How many hours a day do you write now? Do you have a set routine?

Karen: I do have a routine, but it varies depending on the project. I'm not focused on so many hours a day, but rather on the deadline. Sometimes I work eight hours at my keyboard...and some days I read or research.

MODERATOR: What might be some realistic (yet challenging) goals for a new writer in 2000?

Karen: When I was a new writer I decided to write one article a month. That was possible and exciting for me. At the end of the year I had twelve finished pieces and I felt great. The next year, I upped the ante! And so on. It's very personal.

writerabc: No matter how often I go over a manuscript I never feel it's good enough. Is that normal?

Karen: Yes, it's normal to some degree but our personality style has something to do with it. If you're a perfectionist, you will be more likely to hold yourself hostage than someone who is more serendipitous. Be gentle with yourself. You will improve with practice and time and trust that the process will lead to success. What you devote yourself to will bring results.

Terre: Why didn't you send your twelve pieces as you finished them?

Karen: I did. Maybe I didn't make myself clear. What I mean to say is I had twelve pieces to look at, and was able to say, "I did it! I met my goal."

Ducky: What kind of goals are we talking about, like what's on your computer? Could you give a specific example?

Karen: Good question, Ducky. Thanks for asking. One goal is to finish a book for women in the workplace by the end of the year. Another is to garner at least 30 paid speaking engagements, and another is to look for new magazines to work with.

Marv: Do you involve your children in your writing? I'm trying to encourage my teenage son to get published, as he has the knack.

Karen: Wonderful! My daughter is home-schooling her children and she is becoming an expert on helping other mothers help their kids to write expressively and creatively and have fun doing it. So to that extent, yes, my daughter is involved. She says she got her talent and drive from me...nice to hear.

Terre: Do you find it easier to submit to the Christian market?

Karen: Yes, I do, primarily because that is my faith path and I LOVE to inspire and encourage people like myself who are trying to live in this world and yet, keep our hearts and heads with God.

Ducky: Did your twelve pieces all sell?

Karen: I don't remember, but I do remember that at the end of the year I had made $400 and we used it for part of our vacation money! But remember, that was 25 years ago!

MODERATOR: As an instructor, I love this next question...

writerabc: I don't want my instructor to find any fault with my stories, but I learn from her corrections. I'd like to do a perfect one. Is that possible?

Karen: No, I don't think perfect is ever possible. Keep in mind that you are learning...if you were perfect, teachers would be out of work!

Ducky: Do you believe every writer should be willing to do speaking engagements and travel to promote their work?

Karen: No, only those who like to do it. However, more and more publishers like to work with writers who are willing to promote. We must be partners in the selling process. It's the reality of this game!

Marv: I was reading in SCBWI that too many genres with too many publishers can be a problem. Is this ever the case?

Karen: It could be. However, I always encourage my students and clients to focus on the writing. There is ALWAYS room for excellence.

MODERATOR: How can we make our goals a priority so they actually get accomplished?

Karen: That's a toughy! I face that challenge too. I generally use my feelings as a measuring stick, meaning that I notice how 'down' I feel when I put my writing off..and how great it is for me and my family when I am doing what I was meant to do. Everyone wins, so that helps me stick to my goals even when I'm tempted to bail out!

MODERATOR: How can we tell if we're being realistic rather than just plain negative?

Karen: That's tricky too. Great question. I believe that the better we know ourselves, the easier it is to answer that question. I depend on my husband and children for feedback. When I am overwhelmed they tell me to relax, take a deep breath and reassess. This is great advice. Generally a walk in the park and some conversation and prayer help me to come down to earth...and look again at what I can realistically accomplish. I can do more now, for example, than I could when I had young children at home. That's why it's so important to look at your life in a realistic way. Instead of getting discouraged and judging yourself for not doing enough, stop and look at your life. Is what you wish to do even possible at this particular stage of your life?

Marv: Do you have any suggestions on how to involve family members with your writing?

Karen: Not really! My own husband who claims to be one of my biggest fans has yet to read one of my books from cover to cover, and that bums me out. Many writer friends say the same about their spouses. However, if you have someone in your family who shares your passion, perhaps you can brainstorm your ideas with that person and ask for his/her input. My kids were a great source of it when I was in the early years of my career. I simply looked at their lives and our experiences together and found a wealth of things to write about, such as how to earn your summer fun, how to study less but learn more, how to care for a pet, how to make money, how to give a party... and how to get along with your parents (hint! hint!)

SaraJ: Do you keep from taking it personally that your husband doesn't read your stuff? Mine doesn't either, so it seems like he's saying it's not very important. Do you think that's true?

Karen: I don't pay attention to that anymore. I've learned to be my own best fan club. This is the call of God on my life and I try not to judge my husband. That negative stuff just pulls me down and keeps me from doing what I know I MUST do. I'm happy when I'm using my God-given gifts and that's good enough for me. Gradually, he has come around over time, acknowledging my ideas and even giving me new ones. I thank him for what he offers and let the rest go.

writerabc: Every time I read my latest short story to my husband he cries. Then he tells me not to read it to him again. That makes me feel good because it touches him. I figure if it moves him it will move someone else. Right?

Karen: Indeed!

Terre: After so many rejections, how can we motivate ourselves to keep trying?

Karen: It's tough, I know. I suggest you get into a writers' support group for specific feedback. It may be that you are in a habit that is standing in your way and you just can't see it yet. I stayed in such a group for two years and it made such a difference. I needed other people to point out what I couldn't see.

Ducky: I need to spend some time with youngsters to help my writing, but I worry that volunteering at school will take too much time away from writing. Any ideas?

Karen: I know what you mean. I got caught in the volunteer trap and had to yank myself out...and it was hard. I was enjoying the kids so much that I didn't want to go home and face being alone at my keyboard until a friend reminded me that anyone can volunteer, but not everyone can write. He suggested I take time to go within and rechoose my priorities. I did just that and the result was two picture books the following year...books that would not have been written or published if I had stayed stuck in the volunteer trap!

Rosemarie: If the rejections keep getting kinder, doesn't that give you the impetus to continue and then, who knows?

Karen: I never got kind rejections. All mine were standard pre-printed ones. In fact one was so blatant I cried. "We try to help our readers reach for something better in their lives. We don't publish sermons!"

Marv: How do you deal with the passage of time that it takes to get published? I have a work that has been accepted but it won't be printed for a year.

Karen: It's tough to wait, I know. I'm the kind of person who likes things to move quickly, but that isn't the way it works in publishing, so I follow the advice I received when I was new at this. I keep a lot of things going. Right now I have 30 articles in circulation. That will help pass the time until my next book is out.

Ducky: What kind of "habit" might a person be in that is keeping them from being published?

Karen: I'm not sure. It could be any number of things. Some editors have told me that they return stories and articles that do not have 'take away' value for the reader, meaning information or a theme that readers can grab hold of and apply to their lives OR it could be a matter of style, perfunctory writing that is accurate but not musical or unique, OR the writer may not have enough knowledge of what is being published today, for I receive stories from students who are clearly out of touch with today's kids. And Ducky, I'm not saying this is true of you. I don't know you. I'm simply saying that these are some of the unconscious ways we may be getting in our own way. I was guilty of all of the above at one time or another, and it took awhile for me to see my frailties. That's why I recommend support groups. Don't go it alone!

MODERATOR: Do you set aside time each day/week/month/year to formulate goals?

Karen: I formulate my goals in January of each year--in a general sort of way. But as new opportunities come up, I reformulate, meaning I set a goal, for example, to get the Bible commentary I'm working on done by Jan. 25 so I can meet my Jan. 31 deadline. I didn't know this deadline a month ago, so I couldn't create a goal for it until I had the info. We need some flexibility in the writing business.

MODERATOR: How do you keep goals in the forefront of your mind (besides the computer notes)? They're so easy to forget!

Karen: They are easy to forget. The only thing that works for me is to have them WRITTEN DOWN and to read them everyday , if possible. I was so frenzied about goals at one point in my life, I joined a group called GOAL STARS. Our entire focus was setting and meeting weekly goals. This was one of the most productive seasons of my life, then the leader got so successful from meeting his goals, that he ended the group!!

Rosemarie: Can reading children's magazines help you to keep abreast of today's children?

Karen: Absolutely! I'm glad you brought that up. That is one of the smartest things you can do. It's called marketing homework and it's part of the life of any serious working writer.

Terre: This year is the first year I'm trying to write with a theme in mind, for instance, for Pocket Magazine. Do you think this is a good way to set goals, even though it wouldn't be for any particular magazine?

Karen: Yes, if you like this publication, read it, analyze it, and then write something that you feel would fit. A writer I know, Mel Boring, suggests that we get a magazine we like, take it apart, page by page and then write a story and stick it in the middle of the magazine and see how it fits. If it feels and sounds like the rest of the publication, chances are the editor will agree. I think that's terrific advice.

writerabc: I only know one other writer in my area. Could you have a successful writers' group with 2 people? How does one go about starting a group?

Karen: I suggest you put an ad in a little community paper saying you are interested in starting a small writers' group in your home. Give your phone number or e-mail address. And when people respond, talk to them over the phone and get a feel for what they wish to accomplish. Try a few sessions....and see what happens.

Terre: I'm in a critique group, but they all write for magazines and YA; I'm the only Picture Book writer. Should I find another group for my PB critiquing? I find I have to explain why I leave certain things out (too wordy etc..)

Karen: Four to six is a nice number to start with. Depends...I ran a group for awhile with a mixture of fiction and nonfiction, juvenile and adult writers, and it worked fine.

Terre: When advertising, don't you think it's necessary to mention the genre of group you are wanting to start?

Karen: Yes, that could be helpful, though not necessary. When you are starting, it is nice to include anyone who is serious and interested. You can specialize later when more people express interest.

Ducky: Could you conduct a writers' group through e-mail?

Karen: Perhaps. However, I like to see the whites of people's eyes, don't you?

Maudy: When you are analyzing a piece of writing, or a publication, what kinds of things do you look for (or at)?

Karen: When I'm critiquing I look for a basic theme or message (what is the writer trying to say) and how is he/she saying it? I also look for basic usage, grammar, and mechanics. Impressions are made quickly. I like a professional appearance... as well as a message that I can relate to.

MODERATOR: Karen, you're widely published and very successful. What motivates you to keep stretching and reaching for the stars?

Karen: Reaching for the stars for me means that I am always willing to be the best I can be, to look within for the next message I feel compelled to put into my writing, to be open and willing to grow and change and try something new. For example, I feel I am reaching for the stars in writing this Bible commentary for a women's study Bible. I've never done that before. I reached for the stars when I wrote my first fiction books for children after having written over 20 non-fiction books...it was scary, but exciting. Challenges and change are part of what keeps us fresh and interesting as people, and certainly as writers.

MODERATOR: How do you tell the times you're not thinking "big" enough?

Karen: I FEEL small and I get cranky and anxious and squirmy. I can tell that I'm holding back out of fear or resistance or inertia, but when I do that, I am so unhappy that I can't stand it another minute. So I submit to the next hurdle, ask God for grace...and jump over the next log!

MODERATOR: That sounds so familiar!!! Backing up to a previous question...

Maudy: For analyzing a magazine, I meant when you are studying a publication in order to write something similar. What in the magazine are you looking at (or for?)

Karen: I look for themes that appeal to me, that make me say, "I could do that!" and then I know I'm looking at a publication that feels friendly, compatible with my ideas and my voice.

echo: Have you always been a writer, or have you dabbled in other areas as well?

Karen: I was an elementary teacher for one year and I had a tutoring business for years in my home, and I've been a writing mentor to many people over the years, and have taught for ICL and done curriculum consulting: all writing related jobs.

stormy: How do you suggest getting rid of writers block?

Karen: The best thing for me has been journal writing, but frankly I haven't really experienced much writer's block. I recommend Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way if you're having trouble in this area.

Maudy: Do the ideas for promotion come from the publisher, or do they expect you to come up with them?

Karen: You work together. My experience has been that if I show an interest in speaking in schools, or signing books, they will get more excited about me and my topics, then be more interested in continuing to work with me.

stormy: What are some good places that would publish first time young writers?

Karen: I found the small magazines for families and children to be a good place to start.

MODERATOR: Are there pitfalls when you reach for the stars, but don't make concrete plans on how to attain those dreams or goals?

Karen: YES! That's what I mean when I say that you need to keep your feet on the ground. You dream big dreams...then practice the discipline of writing, marketing, analyzing, learning...etc.

MODERATOR: In Creating a Life Worth Living, Carol Lloyd said, "Settling on a goal just the right distance from your present situation can be a tricky task." Comment?

Karen: I agree, but I also like what novelist Leslie Li said: "Focus on the stretch just ahead of you, without gazing off at a distance too far that you cannot yet see."

MODERATOR: We are advised to make our goals specific and concrete. Can you explain what that means and how to do it?

Karen: Sure. An example: If you want to write for children's magazines as I did when I started writing 25 years ago, then choose five publications that you admire, send for sample copies or subscribe to them and really get to know them. Ask for guidelines for authors and study those too. Then each month write a short story or article that you feel will be a good 'fit.' The goal then could look like this: January: I will locate five publications I wish to write for. February: I will study guidelines and sample issues. March: I will write a short story or article and submit to one of these magazines and keep track of other ideas as they come to me.

MODERATOR: Good examples. Do goals need to have dates or deadlines? Why/why not?

Karen: I like dates--at least loosely, because they serve as a means of measuring your success. For example, if I say I will write an article in March and by April 15 I still haven't done it, then I know that I missed the mark and I can recreate my goal. But if I just say I will write an article this year...then I'm kidding myself because I can keep putting it off since there is no date to fix it to.

MODERATOR: How true! I have so many things I want to write--so many projects. How do I choose which one to start with?

Karen: When students ask me this question, I say, "Pick one!"

MODERATOR: Keeping your feet on the ground reminds me of the Louis Pasteur quote: "Did you observe to whom [creative] accidents happen? Chance favors only the prepared mind." Comment?

Karen: Great quote! I agree. My best successes and happiest moments have come out of being prepared. For example, when I was writing my first fiction books for kids, I remember taking my notes with me on vacation because I had a goal. If I put my ideas off because of travel, I would have missed my deadline and the opportunity to break through to this new level. That in itself was incentive enough for me to stay committed. I don't mean to suggest you become an addict and not even enjoy a vacation, but we can achieve our goals even while having outside fun. I simply stole upstairs to an empty bedroom and did a couple of hours of work on my stories while my husband and his brother chatted. They didn't even miss me!

MODERATOR: Does keeping your feet on the ground mean "get a real job"? That's often what spouses and mothers mean!

Karen: I don't see it that way. To me a real job is writing. I think I mentioned earlier what I mean by that. It's doing the grunt work of writing...learning the trade.

SaraJ: That's so true about getting a "real job"! Why don't nonwriters think writing is work?

Karen: Because there is so much myth and fantasy surrounding the writing profession. People who don't write don't understand how much it takes to be a writer. Many students tell me after a few lessons that they had no idea how much WORK it really is.

writerabc: This may sound like a dumb question, but do you take a lap top with you on vacation? I have often thought it would be nice to have a lap top to take with me when I go away. It would make it easier to work on my stories.

Karen: I don't own a laptop, though it would be nice. If you have one, great.

MODERATOR: In what self-defeating ways do we limit ourselves and our success?

Karen: Negative self-talk is probably the biggest offender. We often do not see the value of ourselves as artists...in the making!

MODERATOR: How important is rest and play in attaining your goals?

Karen: VERY IMPORTANT! Over the holidays, my husband and I dedicated the last week of the year to just us. We rested, played, walked, prayed, watched movies and slept longer, even though I worked a few hours each day. I felt as though I were on a long overdue vacation and it has paid off. I have entered the new year full of pep and enthusiasm.

MODERATOR: I'm sorry to have to interrupt, Karen, but we're out of time. Thank you so much for coming tonight and sharing your inspirational thoughts on reaching for the stars. It was just the "kick off" I needed for my own writing!

Karen: Thank you. It was my pleasure. And thanks to all of you who participated. It was my joy to be part of your journey.

MODERATOR: Come back next week and we'll have another "Open Forum" where I answer your questions. "Open Forums" are where your Web Editor, Kristi Holl, fields your questions on any subject. I've published over 100 magazine articles and stories, as well as 22 books for the juvenile market. I'm a former student who has combined teaching for fifteen years and raising six children with her writing, and I welcome your questions on time management, getting started, writer's block, marketing, or anything else you'd like to discuss. Bring your QUESTIONS and OPINIONS to this moderated open forum next Thursday night. And in the meantime, reach for those stars! Good night!

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