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Noodler of the Month: Karen Potter
Noodler of the Month: Karen Potter
Q. Tell us a little about your writing journey so far.
A. I wanted to be a writer almost from the time I first picked up a
pencil. The act of writing down thoughts and dreams (I'm a die-hard
list maker) has always appealed to me. As a child, I made up stories
about everything (I'm sure all my teachers thought I was a
pathological liar) and I loved to make up alternate endings to all
the books I read. I began reading romance in the '80s and began
writing them in the late '90s. I sold my first book (the third I had
started, but the second I finished) to Silhouette Romance in October
2003.
Q. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received from another
author?
A. To paraphrase: Fish or cut bait. I was fooling around with my
writing, not really with a goal I mind (unless you count selling in
a single deal my 13-book series on the Baker family of fictional
Summerton, Michigan. Yeah, like that was going to happen...), and
Patricia Waddell, a fabulous author of Regency and Victorian-era
historicals and compelling futuristics, asked me how badly I wanted
to be a writer. My answer, which embarrasses me when I remember it,
was that it varied from day to day. Her suggestion was to think
about what I wanted and whether or not I was willing to work toward
that goal. That conversation changed my life, and I will always be
indebted to her for taking the time to give me that kick in the butt
I so desperately needed.
Q. If you could spend an hour picking the brain of anyone, who would
it be?
A. William Shakespeare. When I read his works, I believe he had a
direct line to the human heart. His works cover every possible
emotion and every sin (and consequence) known to man.
Q. What do you feel is your best strength as a writer?
A. I hope it's in my ability to tell a compelling story. To love and
trust are very difficult, but the rewards are incredible.
Q. Is there a type of book you'd love to write that you haven't?
A. I have written a few children's stories for use in storytelling
programs, and I would love to have the artistic ability to
illustrate them myself. Unfortunately, I can't draw a straight line.
Q. What, in your opinion, are the three writing books that no writer
should be without?
A. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott; On Writing by Stephen
King; a good dictionary.
Q. What is your writing process like?
A. Very disorganized. I usually come up with an idea for a new book
at about the time I'm finishing the previous one. I fill out a
character study chart for the hero, heroine and major secondary
characters and then I start writing. By the time I've finished the
first chapter, the synopsis has generally jelled in my head. I write
that down and then I'm off to the races. I edit as I go, so my first
draft is pretty much my last draft.
I do the majority of my writing in the evening. I work full-time, so
I'm usually at the computer between 7 and 8 p.m. and I write until I
can't hold my head up any longer. I rarely write on Saturday -- too
many other things to catch up on. My home has a screened-in back
porch, so I like to move my computer out there when weather permits.
Q. Other than writing and reading, what other activities do you
enjoy?
A. I enjoy crochet, working in the yard, occasionally watching
movies and spending quiet time reflecting on my blessings (they are
many!) and spoiling Max, the feline in my life.
Q. What is your dream vacation?
A. Hiking on the island of Kauai (without the bugs).
Daddy in Waiting
by Karen Potter
Silhouette Romance
June 2005, ISBN: 037319773X
Homepage:
Karen-Potter.com
Click here to see
Karen's page on Wet Noodle Posse.com
To read last
month's Noodler of the Month article, click
here
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