Friday, May 31, 2013

Author Interview - Karen Lange



I'm pleased to welcome  Karen Lange, my friend, blogging buddy, and fellow author, to Christian Writer/Reader Connection!

Please share some highlights of your writing journey.

Thank you, Susan, for having me over!

The writing journey is an adventure! One ongoing highlight is meeting so many wonderful writers.  It was also great to see my first byline in a magazine article years ago. It might seem silly, but I still enjoy seeing my name in print. :)

The biggest highlight to date would be signing a contract with Helping Hands Press. It still seems a bit surreal!

I was so excited to hear you signed with Helping Hands Press. What was it like when you received the contract offer? Did you scream, do the Snoopy Dance, or celebrate in some other way?

No, there wasn’t any screaming, lol. It was early morning when I got the email with the contract. After I read it, I sat back, a bit stunned. A wave of excitement and nerves hit me simultaneously. So I decided to text my kids – I knew they’d see it when they got up. And of course, I told my husband as soon as he woke up.  I think I sputtered out something like, “Umm, guess who was just offered a publishing contract?”

The whole process took less than a week and I was surprised how quickly things went. I still smile when I think about it. I’m both nervous and excited.

What project will be the first on the publishing list? Do you have specific goals/ideas for future releases?

The plan now is to revise and expand a short book I self published in 2007 on homeschool learning co-ops. I’d like to compile and publish my teen writing lessons (that I use with my online classes). And of course, I’d like to see our collaborative project, the historical novel, published.

What is your favorite aspect of writing?

Although I enjoy the entire process, I love seeing a project to completion. It’s satisfying seeing everything come together.

Writers draw inspiration from a variety of sources. What gets your creativity into high gear?

Ideas are everywhere, and I am often inspired. I’m amazed at how God created our minds and imaginations to work. Sometimes it’s hard to rein in the ideas that clamor for attention. Staying with the task at hand and deadlines help me focus.

Often a small thing sparks my creativity. Take for instance a scene in our book that deals with a main character’s young daughter. My 6-year-old nephew said something one day that generated a scene and dialogue between the daughter and another key character.  So you just never know, do you?

Thanks again for inviting me to stop by, Susan! I appreciate your support. It’s always fun to come and see you and your friends.  :)

To connect with Karen online, you can find her at:

Karen Lange
klange61@hotmail.com
Writer, Blogger
karenelange.blogspot.com
Instructor, Coffeehouse for Writers
http://coffeehouseforwriters.com/

Thank you, Karen! I know there are good things ahead for you. 

Writers and Readers: Do you have any questions for Karen? Feel free to jump in and ask!





39 comments:

Karen Lange said...

Thanks again for having me, Susan! I love stopping by!

Blessings,
Karen

Terri Tiffany said...

Congrats again to you Karen! I am so exited for you on this journey.

Susan Sundwall said...

Karen, great to read more about you and your exciting news. Now the fun begins, eh? God bless your new endeavor.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen - My pleasure. You're always welcome here.

Hi Terri - Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Karen's always a favorite among readers.

Hi Susan - I love interviews. You always learn so much about an author.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Tyrean Martinson said...

Congratulations, Karen!!! Love that your book is on it's way! And I'm excited about your other projects too.
Great interview!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Tyrean -

I'm excited for Karen as well. She's a talented writer.

Blessings,
Susan :)

JD said...

Karen:

Congratulations on the publishing contract! (Throwing confetti and sounding noisemakers.) I'm so excited for you. I wish you much continued success. As you know, I've been following you for a few years now, but it's always nice to get to know you even better through interviews.

Many continued blessings...

Karen Lange said...

Terri,
Thank you! Your support means a lot. Congrats on the progress with your house! :)

Susan S.,
Thanks so much! Ah yes, now the fun begins, you are right! :) I have much work to do.

Tyrean,
Thanks a bunch! :) I'm excited too! So many ideas, so little time...LOL

Janette,
You have been a faithful follower and I appreciate it! Thank you so much! :)

Happy weekend,
Karen

Diane Estrella said...

Two of my favorite ladies in one place. Congrats Karen! So happy for you!!!

Karen Lange said...

Diane,
Awww, you are so sweet! It's such a blessing to have you as a friend. :) Thanks so much!
Happy weekend,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette - That's how we met - through Karen's blog! I'm doubly blessed. :)

Hi Diane - As Karen would say, "you're a peach."

Blessings,
Susan

Chatty Crone said...

Congrats to Karen too! sandie

quietspirit said...

Congratulations Karen on your good news. I have some friends who homeschool and may be interested in your homeschooling co-op information.

Karen Lange said...

Sandie,
Thanks so much! Good to see you! :)

Cecelia,
Thank you! There are so many homeschoolers out there now, it seems everyone knows someone who's doing it! :)

Blessings,
Karen

Loree Huebner said...

Great interview, ladies! Fun to learn more about you, Karen.

Also, a big congrats! Many blessings on your journey!

Jean Fischer said...

Karen! CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you. Great interview, Susan.

Blessings,
Jean

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That first contract is always surreal.
Good thing you didn't scream when you got that email - you would've scared the crap out of your husband.

Karen Lange said...

Loree,
Thank you so much! I appreciate all of you cheering me on. :)

Jean,
Thank you! Susan knows how to do an interview right, doesn't she? :)

Alex,
Thanks a bunch! Yes, lol, I guess you are right. Don't want to scare the hubby first thing in the morning. :)

Blessings,
Karen

Susanne Dietze said...

Congratulations to Karen! I am so happy for you. Fun interview. Thanks, Susan!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Karen, your smartest move is that you already have a built-in audience for your first title. Well done!

Karen Lange said...

Susie,
Thanks so much! Appreciate you coming by. :)

Diane,
Thank you! Your insight means a lot! I'm nervous about this, so that's a boost. :)

Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Thanks to all those, who have left comments! Karen is a favorite around here. :)

Anonymous said...

So exciting for you and your book. Wishing you every success!

Rhonda Schrock said...

Congratulations, Karen! What a wonderful story. I love it.

It's a "and suddenly, God" story, for sure.

Keep us posted on your progress and what's happening? We're thrilled to walk this one with you.

Clapping!

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Congrats Karen on your contract! I'll make that a news item in my next blogging buzz :)
Thank you Susan for hosting, you two are a great team!

Lydia Kang said...

Great interview, thanks Karen and Susan!

Karen Lange said...

MJ,
Thanks so much for coming by! Enjoyed my stop at your blog. :)

Rhonda,
Thanks a bunch, my sweet cheerleader friend! Appreciate it! :)

Marja,
Thank you! I will watch for the post, that is so sweet of you! :)

Lydia,
Thanks so much! Susan knows how to host a great interview! :)

Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Everyone -

Thanks for sharing my joy at Karen's success. It couldn't happen to a nicer person.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

Aww Susan, you're so sweet! Or should I say you are a peach? I know, you are a sweet peach! :) Thanks again for having me!

Blessings,
Karen

nutschell said...

Congrats Karen! So happy for you. This is just the beginning I'm sure.
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Karen Lange said...

Nutschell,
Thank you so much! You are so sweet. :) I appreciate everyone cheering me on.
Blessings,
Karen

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Congrats on the publishing contract! I'm excited for you. God bless!

Karen Lange said...

Lisa,
Thank you for hopping over! Much appreciated! :)
Blessings,
Karen

Angela Ackerman said...

I find the littlest things lead to full blown stories as well. One time, my son stuck a rock in his pocket--bam, instant story. Another time he stood at the top of a jungle gym with a stick, and a whole novel came out of that!

Congrats on your publishing contract--I am so happy for you! :)

ANGELA

Karen Lange said...

Angela,
It's always interesting to see where the ideas come from, you know? Thanks for coming by! :)
Blessings,
Karen

Dorothy said...

Two of my favourite bloggers in the one place.

Congratulations, Karen on your contract. What wonderful days ahead for you. I can't wait to read your book. Thanks for the interview, Susan. You girls are having the best fun... I can just see it. xx

Karen Lange said...

Dotti,
Thank you! I should say the same of you - you are one of my favorite bloggers too. :) Susan is a good one to keep the fun going!
Happy weekend,
Karen

Jeanette Levellie said...

Karen: So excited for you! I could not be more pleased. I love it when the Lord gives one of His kids the desires of their heart!

Karen Lange said...

Thanks, Jen! :) I so appreciate your support!