5 Questions With Author & Blogger Karen Lange...

Can you tell readers a little about who you are and your background?

I’ve been a freelance writer for over ten years; I’m also an editor, author, blogger, and facilitator at the Coffeehouse for Writers. When not doing all the above, I also teach online writing classes for teens and do the bookkeeping for my husband’s and son’s carpentry business.

My articles have appeared in print and online for women’s, parenting, writing and other publications, and my latest projects include writing site content for a web design firm. A transplant from southern NJ, my husband and I live in the lovely north central Kentucky area. We are blessed with two sons, a daughter, a daughter in law, and a very handsome 8-year-old grandson.

What’s the best writing-related advice you’ve ever received?

When I began writing more seriously as an adult, a friend and writing mentor told me to “Call yourself a writer.” Although I did so timidly at first, her advice was spot on. The more I called and thought of myself as a writer, the more confident I became. This simple step lent courage and determination in those early years. It helped teach and motivate me to learn and grow, facilitating my first steps into the world of writing.

Why do you think writers should take writing classes?

No matter how much we know, there’s always something new to learn. Continued learning broadens horizons, and stretches and polishes skills. It also offers an opportunity to meet and interact with others, further enriching our writing and lives.

What’s your favorite creative, but non-writing activity?

I love to read. While it may not be viewed as a “creative” activity, I find it stimulates my mind, offering ideas and insight. Reading self help, inspirational, and educational material stretches me, offering encouragement and an opportunity to grow and reflect. Reading fiction holds entertainment value, which provides stress relief and much needed down time. These factors inspire and energize my creativity, making me a better person and writer.

How do you feel about blogging? Do you believe that all writers should?

Blogging is a great way to connect with writers and other creatives. It offers opportunities to improve skills, practice writing in various genres, and share thoughts with others. It can help build a platform, offering exposure in the writing and other communities. The social media potential is huge; you never know how far your post might spread through Twitter and other avenues. Blogging offers a means to showcase writing for potential clients, readers, publishers, agents, etc. While a writer doesn’t need to write a blog, I believe that doing so can provide valuable practice and visibility.

Thank you for inviting me to stop by for the interview!

Karen Lange is a freelance writer, editor, speaker, and blogger, an online writing instructor, and the author of Write for Life and Homeschool Co-ops 101. Her articles have been featured in women’s, writing, parenting, and other print and online publications. If she’s not reading and eating dark chocolate, she’s most likely hanging out with her grandson.
She teaches "Boot Camp for Writers!" at Coffeehouseforwriters.com.

Visit Karen at her blog, karenelange.blogspot.com.