Thank you Karen for agreeing to be interviewed today.
Can
you tell us a bit about you as an author?
I have always wanted to write for
children and often as a teacher I would write little stories or be inspired by
the stories that I read to the
students. I am very passionate about
literacy and children being literate.
The most important thing to teach a child is to read and then you open a
world of possibilities.
What
are the hardest part of being an author?
Self Doubt, I know I can write
but will It be enough? Perfecting and
learning my craft is ongoing and challenging.
What
do you enjoy most about being an author?
I love the creativity and the
magic of writing and the world’s I can explore and share. The social side of writing warms my heart.
What
authors/books have had an influence on your writing?
From a children’s perspective
Enid Blyton Little Golden Books,Doctor Seuss, Ann Frank, May Gibbs, Beatrix
Potter and so many today Authors it is impossible to list but I do adore Peter
Carnavas and Joy Cowley and Mem Fox and Margaret Wild and Libby Gleeson and
there is more.
Do
you ever get Writer’s Block? If so, how do you deal with it? Do you believe
there is such a thing?
I do get writer’s block and then
I question why I am doing what I do. I
know it will pass so I have a break or still try and think creatively.
Do
you have a particular place that you like to write?
By the sea, on my lounge, in bed,
at our awesome local coffee shops.
Do
you have a favourite time of day to write?
Just some time in the day.
How
do you like to reach your readers? (Social media? Book signings? Blogs etc)
Via my facebook page, school
visitis and networking. I still have
much to learn in this area.
Can
you tell us about your latest book?
I do not have a latest book as I
regularly write new picture book stories and then hope to revisit them to edit
and edit and edit.
How
long did it take you to write the book?
Some can take a day others are
not right even months later, I tend to
live in hope that each one will be better than the last.
Do
you have a favourite character/topic in your work?
I love animal stories, humour, friendship, adventure and self education
messages . Perhaps I feel strongest
about environmental issues and the strong belief that children need to know
what is happening in their world, not to be afraid but empowered.
What
was your process? Did you plot out the entire book, or just let the storyline
flow? Do you write in chronological
order?
I am a person that works an idea
in my head and it sorts itself out as I mull over it. Then just flows or other times I start it and
leave it and go back to it.
Do
you have a plan for your next book?
I am always working on a next
book hoping it will be the one to crack it for me. I live in hope.
Ebooks
vs Physical books? Do you have a preference when reading?
Physical books.
Self-publishing
vs traditional publishing?
What are your thoughts? Do you feel that
the industry is changing?
Both as the market is so tight
and competitive that you need to do what you can to get your story out
there. The industry is constantly changing
but so is everything else too.
And
finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors?
As I am an aspiring author keep chugging on
and trying and growing and writing.
Thanks again for dropping by Karen.
You can contact Karen via her various social media pages:
Creative Kids Tales http://www.creativekidstales.com.au/authors-illustrators/ckts-emerging-authors/1819-karen-hendriks
If you'd like to be interviewed for this Blog, please drop me a line. Thanks again for dropping by.
Amanda
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