My Hyper-Caffeinated Mind

So, the object lessons for writing and the future of my career keep coming, but in more and more positive ways. I received a reply for two of my most recent submissions to a new ezine called 21: The Magazine of Ultimate Creativity, saying he (the editor) liked my stories, but not as they were, and they needed changing. He hoped his comments weren't too "harsh", and said if I was willing to resubmit, he'd accept them.

A year ago, my reaction would've been this:

"Are you nuts? This is genius! How can you change genius!??!"

Now, it's this:

"Oh powerful and great editor, show me the folly of my poor unedited ways, and thine glorious editing Will be done."

Okay, so maybe I didn't grovel that much. The point is, it seems like I'm learning just as much about professionalism and etiquette as I am writing these days. For the most part, I'm really understanding how things work in the writing world:

I = writer. I write stuff. It's what I do.

Them = editor. They edit stuff. It's what they do.

When an editor says "We need this changed....", you say, "No problem."

Obviously, there's exceptions to every rule, but I've found that believing in a certain story and politely disagreeing with an editor's opinion is vastly different from getting mad and offended because....well...the editor has hit a sore spot, and deep down inside, we know the critique is justified.

Don't mean to harp on the guy again, but that's another thing Bryan Davis really impressed upon me while he stayed at my house...publishers and editors want to work with flexible, cooperative, professionals.

Now, you could say: "It's a small ezine. Why bow to their wishes?"

It's the principle, isn't? Word gets around, too, both good and bad....as I've had the opportunity to witness lately. In the end, I want these words attached to my name, (along with the absolutely visionary manuscript): professional, flexible, cooperative, congenial, relaxed, humble, and communicative.

Anyway, it's pretty cool. Both these stories are "good" stories, but there wasn't anything supremely "original" or "awesome" about them. One of them is a little cliched: Asphalt Oceans by Midnight is about a guy whose family was killed by zombies, and now he drives lonely, barren interstates at night, hunting the flesh-eating monsters wherever he can find them, armed with nothing more than a rusty old machete, an old .45 Smith & Wesson, and his anger. It's a decent story - very George A. Romero "Night of the Living Dead" - but it was fun to write. Also, the cool thing about it being an ezine, I can point online folks towards it.

So,gotta go. Need to impliment those editor-suggested changes.

Posted by kevinlucia at 10:18 AM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

Q: Karen, you've spent years working in the world of fiction, both as a writer and editor. What's it like working from both sides of the fence? Do both callings present unique challenges all their own?

Absolutely. Though I have to admit the challenges of an editor are easier for me to handle than those of a writer. I think that's because being an editor is about relationship, about coming alongside authors and helping them in their craft and careers. The issues I face as a writer are things I have to face alone--well, aside from God, of course. But motivating others, guiding and advising them, encouraging and even confronting them...that's far easier than doing those things for myself. Thankfully, I have a group of friends, as well as my family, who come alongside me to help me do what I need to do. And, of course, my wonderful editor Julee Schwarzburg, and my agent Steve Laube. They all help me get past myself to do what God's called me to do as a writer.

Q: Have you always pursued a writing career, or was that something that developed after working in the publishing industry for a few years?

The latter. I've always written stories, but only for my own enjoyment. My authors, though, had been after me for years to write. Then, in the early '90s, Francine Rivers and I were walking the floor at the Christian Bookseller's Convention and saw the new Palisades line of romances from Multnomah. I told Francine, who'd been one of the most vocal encouragers that I should be writing, that if I ever did try to write a book, it'd be something along those lines. A few days after I got home from the convention, my phone rang. It was Lisa Bergren, who was then the editor for the Palisades line. She'd overheard what I said to Francine, and asked me if I'd consider sending her a proposal. I've always believed if God opens a door I need to at least go through to see what it's about, so I did as Lisa asked. Multnomah contracted me, and my writing career was .

Q: What's it like in your current gig as Senior Acquisitions Editor for B&H Publishing Group?

VERY busy, and loads of fun. We're building the fiction line from the ground up, so we get to find new authors to go with the wonderful authors we already have on board. It's meant a GREAT deal of travel--one to three trips a month--and that's been exhausting. But it's been worth it. Our new line launches January '08, and we're totally jazzed.

Q: So you're going to meet, (or may already have met), Chuck Norris. Myself and "Walker, Texas Ranger" fans everywhere are instantly jealous. How did that come about? (if you've already met with) What was he like? I've always imagined him to be a down-to-earth sort of guy (one that can kick some solid butt, that is).

I'm going to meet him. Hasn't happened yet. He's got to have one of the most complicated schedules I've ever seen! It came about because he's one of our novelists, and it's my job to meet him and talk through where we go from here with his writing. My boss, David Webb, will be going with me as well. I'm really looking forward to it, because I have the same impression you do of Chuck. Down-to-earth and authentic. I love meeting people like that.

Q: Your celebrity list doesn't stop with Chuck, it seems. Tell us a little bit about how you came to meet up with Oliver North.

Again, because Lt. Col. North is one of our novelists. And believe me, that was a thrill. I've always admired the man, but had no idea what a sold-out Christian he is. To listen to him tell stories, see his humor and his passion for God and for those who serve their county, to hear his perspective on where this country is headed...it was amazing. He embodies faith and being a warrior for God.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your latest work, "What Lies Within".

It's the third and final book in the Family Honor series, and it's been receiving a lot of great attention. It was chosen as CBD.com's pick of the week when it released in November, and given 4 1/2 stars (out of five) and made Top Pick by Romantic Times Book Review. Plus I've been hearing from readers already that they think it's the strongest book I've written. Really blesses me, because it took so long to finish this book. But God's in control. I keep having to remind myself of that...

Anyway, the story focuses on Kyla, the elder sister, who struggles with mistakes she's made in the past. The theme is that we can never be good enough or talented enough or accomplished enough to earn God's love. But we don't need to be! God gives His love freely. All we have to do is accept it. Kyla's attained the pinnacle of success with her construction company, yet feels empty inside. So when an old family friend comes and asks for her help with a building project, she feels God is leading her say yes. The friend's church is in inner-city Portland, Oregon, and it's closing. The elders want to convert the building to a youth center. Kyla agrees to take on the job--and promptly finds herself smack-dab in the middle of danger. She has to contend with all kinds of obstacles, including gangs and a saboteur. And a former Force Recon Marine who is convinced she's headed for disaster. But because Kyla is a perfectionist, someone who has always been able to do what needed to be done on her own, she refuses to give up. Which on the surface seems great, but in reality is because of her fears rather than because she's doing something out of right motives. God leads her to a place where she has to surrender to Him, to realize she really can't do it all herself...nor does she need to. So it's a family story, with some adventure, suspense, and a touch of humor all mixed in.

Q: Do you ever have a hard time transitioning between "writer" and "editor"? And as an editor yourself?how does it feel you have your work edited?

Actually, it's not hard at all. They're two completely different functions, so the switch is pretty easy. As for having my work edited? I LOVE it! I've been so blessed to have wonderful editors who share my passion for story, and who can see things I can't in what I've written. All four of the editors I've worked with--Julee Schwarzburg, Diane Noble, Judith Markham, and Lisa Bergren--have been a writer's dream. Sure, it's hard when they point out things that I need to fix or that need to be changed (or even dumped...), but my work has always come through stronger because of their suggestions. So yeah. I love it!

Q: Would you consider any authors - contemporaries or otherwise - as inspirations? If so, which would you say have influenced you the most?

There are so many who have inspired me, I could never name them all! Not just in their writing, but in the way they fulfill this task God's given them, and in their lives and character. Francine Rivers, Liz Curtis Higgs, Robin Jones Gunn, Randy Alcorn, and so many other contemporary writers. They've helped me see what it means to have a servant heart, and why that's so important with this kind of work. And, of course, writers such as C.S. Lewis and Madeline L'Engle filled my heart and mind with stories that have never let me go. I'm so honored to share this calling with such amazing people, and can only hope my work and actions reflect the respect I have for them.

Q: Christian entertainment has changed much in the last few years; especially in the areas of music, fiction, and movies. What do you see in the future for Christian entertainment?

Continued excellence and depth, and increased growth. I think folks are looking for stories that move and inspire, stories that uplift and encourage. While there are some like that outside the Christian influence, I believe the greatest stories are grounded in God's truth.

Q: On an unrelated note, how do you feel about Amazon.com's new wireless reading device? How do you feel about someone potentially downloading What Lies Within?

You know, I'm so immersed in my work and writing, I'm just not as technologically informed as I maybe should be. I know about the Kindle (I think that's what it's called?), but I don't know the ins and outs of how they work. Of course, I'm always delighted when someone reads my book, but I'm also adamant about protecting copyright. So as long as they an utilize the technology without breaking copyright, that's fine with me. Do I think these kinds of devices will replace books? No. Avid readers still love the feel of a book in their hands. That's not going to change for awhile. Doesn't mean it won't ever change, but it's going to take awhile longer.

Q: In Stephen King's On Writing, Stephen talks about the "inner circle" of his wife and closest friends who read his work before any editors or publishers do, to give him an "everyman/woman's" opinion. Who reads your work - if anyone - before a publisher and editor does?

 My husband reads a lot of it, and I have a group of women friends who read some of it as well. I'd like to have them read it all and offer suggestions, but one of the downsides of having a full-time job as well as being a writer is that I'm always LATE! So there's seldom time for that. I'm changing that this year, though, by writing my next book without a contract. I want to get back to writing for the love of writing, not writing to meet a deadline. And that will enable me to have people read what I've written and offer suggestions. So I'm looking forward to that.

Q: Finally, if there was any advice you'd like to give to aspiring writers, what would it be?

Focus on the task, not on the destination. Keep your eyes on refining your craft, on providing the strongest, most powerful story you can. Don't let the desire to be published sidetrack you from what really matters: the One who called you, and the task He's given you. I've never heard of God calling someone to be published. Yes, He's called many to write, but the whole publication side of this deal is in His hands. If it's His plan for you and your book, nothing will stop it. But being published isn't what proves you're a writer. Being obedient, that's what really matters.

Posted by kevinlucia at 09:57 PM | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)