Ask the Author: Karen Ulm Rettig
Answered Questions (7)
Karen Ulm Rettig
To say that I “got the idea” for Finding God would be misleading because most of the themes, insights and metaphors came to me slowly, over a 20-year period. At no time did I envision the entire book, or even large portions of it. Rather, I worked from vague feelings that took shape a few thoughts at a time and often in no particular order. Writing was a chaotic process, and I was frequently surprised at words coming from my pen. The beginning, however (the first three pages), originated when I wrote a short piece about my first direct experience of God. Though it started as a simple narrative, it soon meandered from that path, then it changed direction altogether.
Karen Ulm Rettig
We writers are told to be keen observers of the physical world, but I fail at that. The things that inspire me are general rather than particular, the big picture rather than visual detail. I love to use metaphor to portray society’s fault lines, to contrast old and new ideas, or to explore humankind’s relationship with God. I enjoy poking gentle fun at our foibles, especially our delight in (and frustration with) technology. Inspiration is a fascinating topic in and of itself, the way it appears out of nowhere and vanishes just as quickly.
Karen Ulm Rettig
Nothing big. Writing Finding God was a 20-year project, and I poured myself into it. Now I feel the need to step away and let new ideas germinate. I’ve written some short pieces, but I’m not ready to begin another book.
Karen Ulm Rettig
This doesn’t apply to anyone who works on deadline, but my advice to creative writers is to take your time. First, set aside work-in-progress for a few days before calling it finished; you may like it less (or more) when you re-read it. Second, get good criticism: from a writers’ group, from a professional editor, from your cousin the English major. Get critique from as many qualified people as possible before you publish.
Karen Ulm Rettig
For me, the best thing is the high I feel when I’ve written a perfect metaphor, one that makes an elusive truth or shared human experience come alive.
Karen Ulm Rettig
I think it’s important to write several times a week, even if only to play with old insights or revisit unfinished pieces. Working regularly seems to lubricate ideas. When life gets busy and I don’t write for a couple of months, ideas dry up. If I’m working on a specific piece and words balk, I find it helpful to stop writing and begin a task that requires motion: take a shower, vacuum the floor, chop vegetables. Words usually flow as soon as my hands start moving. If that doesn’t work, I put the project away for a week or two. By the time I return, words are waiting for me.
Karen Ulm Rettig
Renee, the concierge and Ozu, the Japanese man in "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barberry. Because Renee couldn't be loved until someone saw past her self-imposed reclusiveness, and Ozu was able to do that.
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