Karon Luddy's Blog
October 29, 2014
Q & A with Karon Luddy
Was there something that prompted the story for your second novel Bewilderment of Boys?
Yes. A few months after my first novel Spelldown was published, my photographer friend Erin Hubbs sent me a photo of a handsome teenage boy and a cute teenage girl sitting on opposite sides of a spewing fountain glancing sideways at each other. When I read the caption—Karlene and Billy Ray Sighting—I broke out in goosebumps. Had Erin stalked two characters from my novel and captured the chemistry between them with her camera? But then another notion fluttered in my heart. Maybe Karlene and Billy Ray had gone rogue on ME, their so-called author—and now lived in the MINDS of READERS where they could pop up at any time, in any place—even at a fountain in Charleston. It was as if Erin loved the characters so much that they became real. For six years, Erin’s mysterious photo sat on my desk and urged me to continue their story.
Describe your writing room.
It is messy and chaotic. Filled with books, photos, posters, talismans, good luck charms, artwork, and art supplies. I sit behind a big wrap-around teak desk that makes me feel protected or barricaded according to how the writing is going.
What authors have inspired you?
There are so many, but here are a few paragons and their masterpieces. Carole Shields and The Stone Diaries. John Irving and his book A Pray for Owen Meany. Jess Walters and his masterpiece, Beautiful Ruins. And lately, My Bright Abyss by Christian Wiman, a superb provocative book about poetry and faith.
When did you start writing?
I began writing poetry and fiction in my twenties. I started writing seriously in my late thirties.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Spend time with family and friends. Make collages. Be outdoors. Hike, walk, do yoga, exercise and travel. I also love to watch movies, see plays, and listen to music.
What have you learned while writing your books?
To be a deeper, kinder, more creative person.
What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
Sequencing the story so that it flows like a river. This is TORTURE.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
Bewilderment of Boys came to me one day on a long walk shortly after I had finished my first novel Spelldown. I loved the sound of it.
Are you working on your next book?
I have two writing projects. One is a fantasy that came out of nowhere after my father died thirteen years ago. The other is a novel that continues the story of Karlene Bridges as an adult.
Yes. A few months after my first novel Spelldown was published, my photographer friend Erin Hubbs sent me a photo of a handsome teenage boy and a cute teenage girl sitting on opposite sides of a spewing fountain glancing sideways at each other. When I read the caption—Karlene and Billy Ray Sighting—I broke out in goosebumps. Had Erin stalked two characters from my novel and captured the chemistry between them with her camera? But then another notion fluttered in my heart. Maybe Karlene and Billy Ray had gone rogue on ME, their so-called author—and now lived in the MINDS of READERS where they could pop up at any time, in any place—even at a fountain in Charleston. It was as if Erin loved the characters so much that they became real. For six years, Erin’s mysterious photo sat on my desk and urged me to continue their story.
Describe your writing room.
It is messy and chaotic. Filled with books, photos, posters, talismans, good luck charms, artwork, and art supplies. I sit behind a big wrap-around teak desk that makes me feel protected or barricaded according to how the writing is going.
What authors have inspired you?
There are so many, but here are a few paragons and their masterpieces. Carole Shields and The Stone Diaries. John Irving and his book A Pray for Owen Meany. Jess Walters and his masterpiece, Beautiful Ruins. And lately, My Bright Abyss by Christian Wiman, a superb provocative book about poetry and faith.
When did you start writing?
I began writing poetry and fiction in my twenties. I started writing seriously in my late thirties.
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
Spend time with family and friends. Make collages. Be outdoors. Hike, walk, do yoga, exercise and travel. I also love to watch movies, see plays, and listen to music.
What have you learned while writing your books?
To be a deeper, kinder, more creative person.
What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
Sequencing the story so that it flows like a river. This is TORTURE.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
Bewilderment of Boys came to me one day on a long walk shortly after I had finished my first novel Spelldown. I loved the sound of it.
Are you working on your next book?
I have two writing projects. One is a fantasy that came out of nowhere after my father died thirteen years ago. The other is a novel that continues the story of Karlene Bridges as an adult.
