Location: Ontario, Canada
Education: Degrees in Journalism & Photography
The Writer
Do you have a specific writing style?
Style is a relative thing isn’t it? I try to write the way I speak. If you say I write like I speak, then I must speak with style.
What is your ultimate goal as a writer?
Setting a goal has never been tremendously important to me. Usually if I set a goal, it comes easily. It’s more of a challenge to keep working and see just how much I actually do achieve. It’s like a surprise; usually far greater than any goal I would have set for myself. Still, I guess I’d be lying if I didn’t say some kind of goal isn’t in the back of my mind.
The Work
Tell us about your work in Crack the Spine.
Photograph/Visual Art piece entitled “Blue Eye.”
What inspired this work?
This is the eye of my husky. The icy blue eyes of this dog always look right through you, as if he’s ready to make a meal out of you. The reality is, he is a gentle heart and spirit. You can never judge anyone’s character by appearances. Similarly, I can never judge a good shot until I really see all of its nuances. It just comes through, seeping through the lens.
How long did it take you to complete this piece?
Two days.
Anything else you’d like to share about your work in Crack the Spine?
I’ve shot cover art approximately six times for Crack the Spine. All of the visual art pieces have a specific focal point and vibe about them, which I find really interesting. It simply presents itself to me. I set up very few shots because that holds no challenge. Daily life is real, it’s beautiful, and it’s messy. The mood of a piece, the undeniable lighting possibilities and the story within the image is what I look for. I just hope I find it again and again.
Tell us about another project you have published or are currently working on.
I write a monthly column called “Karma Obscura” for Zen Dixie Magazine. I shoot cover art for Zen Dixie as well. Sometimes I dabble in poetry, like my poem “The Gathering” for Silver Birch Press or “Permitted” for Scotland’s Dactyl Zine. In January 2015, Vine Leaves Literary Journal will feature three of my visual art pieces, giving me the cover as well.
What inspired this work?
No creative ceiling!
Where can we find this work?
Zen Dixie
Silver Birch Press
Dactylzine
Vine Leaves Literary Journal
The Methods
Where do you write?
In a room with lots of distractions.
What time of day or night makes you most productive as a writer?
Creatively, the night provides better working conditions for me. A bowl of popcorn doesn’t hurt either.
What are your thoughts on writing at a computer vs. writing longhand?
I’ve done both, but poetry comes through better writing longhand. My columns and stories need a computer.
How do you react to editorial rejections of your work?
I quickly move on and search for other opportunities.
How do you react when one of your submissions is accepted for publication?
Happy Dance. (It’s not pretty.)
The Madness
What is your favorite book?
“The Death of Vishnu” by Manil Suri. It’s so visually and colorfully written. I have affection for books that are written in a way I would never form sentences too.
What’s in that cup on your desk?
Either hot tea with slices of ginger. (if I want to be healthy) or coffee mixed with chai and French vanilla powder. (if I want something sweet) It’s always in a larger than life mug.
What is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?
A wedding, funerals, births, the smile behind the gold medal, eyes turning from angry to sorry, soldier homecomings, and my kid’s faces. That’s the hardest question ever! I’ve left everything out.
Rain or Sunshine?
Today? Yes please and thank you.
Cats or Dogs?
Dogs ~ Just one.
Beer or Wine?
Wine
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
No singing wrinkles
Additional Reading on Karen