Ask the Author: Karen A. Chase
Answered Questions (8)
Karen A. Chase
What a cool question. A few years ago, when my Uncle died, I received his small collection of address books—he would get new ones every so often, and then transfer, update, and edit the names based on who was still alive or in his life. Most entries were people I also knew. A couple friends, but mostly family. Except one.
The name was of Asian origin, the address in Japan, and the man turned out to be a rather well-known chemist/artist. His name was in every address book, carefully updated, as if their relationship always continued.
As long as I knew him, my Uncle only ever lived in one place. And only took holidays to one location a few hours from home. Was this a pen pal? A man he'd met where he lived or vacationed? It remains a mystery, and one that a female protagonist could investigate…
The name was of Asian origin, the address in Japan, and the man turned out to be a rather well-known chemist/artist. His name was in every address book, carefully updated, as if their relationship always continued.
As long as I knew him, my Uncle only ever lived in one place. And only took holidays to one location a few hours from home. Was this a pen pal? A man he'd met where he lived or vacationed? It remains a mystery, and one that a female protagonist could investigate…
Karen A. Chase
Summer feels like it's so far away, but I'd love a good murder mystery in the style of dear Agatha Christie. I like the ease and fun of the genre. I welcome suggestions for mysteries, and also for contemporary magical stories.
Karen A. Chase
If I could travel to any fictional book world, I would want it to not be of this world, but some magical realm. Where play and happiness, and the occasional adventure, awaits. I guess all that is in the Hundred Acre Woods of Pooh-land, isn't it?
Karen A. Chase
An historical novel about the Declaration of Independence is my current project (it has been for about 6 years as of 2015). I published other books and articles in between, but this one… well, it's been a wondrous journey that is at last found a literary agent.
Karen A. Chase
I have a quote by Ann Patchett on my desk. "I will write my way into another life." I refer to it often. I'm nearly there (as of 2015).
Karen A. Chase
Writer's block to me, given that I write travel or historical fiction, is an indication I don't know enough yet. So I research, read blogs, or hit the library. Then the words and stories come.
Karen A. Chase
Guilt-free reading. It's part of the job, part of the joy.
Karen A. Chase
Write. I know it sounds obvious, but words come by putting them down. Also, find a freelance editor you can trust. Working with them will help give you timeframes to write in, but also it's like having an MFA one-on-one instructor. In between, learn the publishing business, after all you hope it will be your business. I learned it by asking Google questions, going to writing conferences, and speaking with the freelance editors I worked with.
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Oct 13, 2021 11:13AM · flag
Oct 13, 2021 11:28AM · flag