Guest Post by Katherine Owen


After planning this post for over two months, you can imagine how thrilled I am to finally introduce you to my guest.
 

Katherine Owen has written and released three novels, Not To Us, When I See You, preceded by her first novel, Seeing Julia, which was the recipient of the Zola Award in 2010 from the Pacific Northwest Writers Association. In fact, all three of her books are currently on Amazon’s best seller list for American Drama.
 

Katherine is a writer of contemporary fiction. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Communications-Editorial Journalism with a minor in English Literature from the University of Washington. She lives in an old house near the city of Seattle that overlooks Lake Washington with her husband, two children and a couple of crazy cats where she writes edgy fiction.
 

It is because of Katherine’s unique opportunity to learn and study from highly skilled masters of the craft that I’ve asked her if she would kindly share some of her journey and writing experience with all of us here today.
 

So without further ado, here’s Katherine!
 
 

Thank you, Karen.
 
 

An Essential Element To This Writer’s Life
 
 

EVERY WRITER CONVERGES ONTO THE PATH OF WRITING from a different place, but the journey, itself, usually begins with one particular person’s praise of your work. “This is really good; have you thought about being a writer?” A few writers take this bait and declare themselves a writer early on. The rest of us resist the calling and spend quite a bit of our lives in denial. I was in this latter group. So, when I finally jumped into the fray of a writer’s life, it was disconcerting to finally achieve the dream—writing full-time—only to discover that I had no idea what I was really doing.
 

That first year, I read every book on writing, wrote a seven-hundred page first novel, but soon discovered that the literary world was a lonely place filled with false starts, lots of stops, and uncertainty. I wasn’t really sure what the next step should be. Early readers of my work gave me feedback. It was good. I loved it. Keep going. There wasn’t a lot of depth to these critiques and I remained unsure as to how to make myself a better writer.
 

This led me to question if I could really write at all. Should I get an MFA? Would credentials prove this to me or the literary world? Defeat set in. I didn’t have that kind of time. I’d spent a good number of years already doing something completely different and away from writing. I didn’t want to spend thousands of dollars to leave my family and go away to Iowa for a year or so and get another degree when all I really wanted to do was write. So, the idea began to resonate that maybe what I needed to do was take a writing class to garner additional insight into my craft and answer the question for myself: Did I have what it takes to be a good writer? That’s when I found The Writers Studio.
 

There are all kinds of online class offerings from places like Gotham to Writer’s Digest to online courses right in your own community that will take your money and teach you some of the elements of writing. Yet, The Writers Studio, in my mind, sets itself apart because of its unique approach and true literary focus. Located in New York City, The Writers Studio was founded by Philip Schultz, a poet and fiction writer, who won the Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for his work, Failure.
 

The program’s advisory board consists of legendary writers like Jennifer Egan (my personal crush), Julia Glass, Bill Henderson, and many others. Class offerings include several in-person classes in New York City, San Francisco, Tucson, and even Amsterdam, but the program also reaches a wide array of writers through its online writing courses. I’ve been taking these online fiction classes for the past two and half years.
 

The Writers Studio isn’t a writing program to learn about where to place commas, use proper grammar, or how to plot a novel. Rather, it’s a place to learn about various persona narrators, mood, and tone. The program’s method, encourages students to “try on” different narrative voices—personas—with the belief that by studying other writers’ work and their techniques and/or approaches, your own writing will ascend to the next level. I liken it to painting with oils or acrylics. As an artist, you might study Monet’s work and attempt to paint like him, but your own artistic rendering would invariably be different. This is what happens when you study the works of other writers and utilize the TWS method. It opens up your mind to the possibilities in your own craft. Literally.
 

In my writing experience with the program, I have been able to better discern mood, tone, and establish various persona narrators within my work. I could never have written When I See You without having taken these classes. This particular novel is told from two points of view, the perspectives of a man and a woman, in first person present tense, no less. It is more complex than my other novels because of that alone; and, I owe my ability to even attempt this technique to the classes I’ve taken. In fact, all three of my currently released novels were inspired from assignments I first wrote in class. Even my current work-in-progress, tentatively titled This Much Is True, was first inspired by a fiction assignment I did in class a few sessions back.
 

It could be that you’re already a good writer, but you still question how to take your work to the next level. The Writers Studio will invariably up your game because studying the great writers of our time and past will ultimately improve your own writing. I can’t say enough about what I’ve learned and how my writing has evolved with The Writers Studio. This past spring I completed my second Fiction IV class. I’m contemplating taking another class in the fall because making lasting connections with other writers, receiving feedback from both peers and teachers about my writing, and providing critiques of other writers’ work on a weekly basis has become an essential element to this writer’s life.
 

It has made me a better writer; and, it is my hope it may do the same for you.
 

Thank you all for coming to view my post today. I think Karen has an announcement. Am I right, Karen?
 
 

Yes, you’re right Katherine. Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience with us!
 

As was mention above, Katherine Owen has released three novels: Seeing Julia (A Zola Award Winner), Not To Us, and When I See You.
 

If you leave a comment on Katherine’s post today and enter your information in the Rafflecopter box below, you will qualify to win a free copy of one of her books. She is giving away two of each. One paperback and one ebook in kindle format.
 


 

Thank you Katherine. This is very generous of you!
 

And don’t forget to look for her next novel, This Much Is True, slated for release later this summer 2012. Here’s the story-line, “They share an unexpected connection that proves life changing which leads to a continual search: he, to find her; she to stay lost.”
 

For more information about her novels and writing life, visit her website at:
http://www.katherineowen.net.
http://www.amazon.com/Katherine-Owen
 
 

And the winners are:
 

Seeing Julia Paperback
Laird Sapir

Seeing Julia eBook
Pat O’Dea Rosen

Not To Us Paperback
Liv Rancourt

Not To Us eBook
Debra Kristi

When I See You Paperback
Rhonda Hopkins

When I See You eBook
Sheila Seabrook
 
 
Congratulations to everyone!
 

Thank you everyone for dropping by and for all your wonderful comments!
Karen
 

76 Comments

76 thoughts on “Guest Post by Katherine Owen”

  1. Pingback: An Essential Element To This Writer’s Life

    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Angela! Oh, that’s right. You do live in the Seattle area. Well, I hope you and Katherine have a chance to meet some day! That would be cool! And I hope you get the opportunity to look into the Writer’s Studio. It sounds like an awesome way to challenge us into uping our game with the craft of writing. Thanks so much for coming by Angela. I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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  3. Debra Kristi

    Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us Katherine! Sorry I am late. I am currently in a class that has me crazy busy with homework. I love hearing about other writer’s process and learning what works and what doesn’t. I’ve heard of the Writer’s Studio before. I appreciate you recommending it. I’ll be taking a closer look at it. Great interview Karen and Katherine!
    Debra Kristi recently posted..What’s In A Car’s History – Picture Post -Where Is He Challenge 3My Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Debra, there is no need to apologize. The kids are out of school and you’re in class. That’s a switcheroo! Good for you girl! You know I am so glad you came by. You are the only one who has heard of The Writer’s Studio other than Katherine. That is so amazing! It’s had such a profound affect on Katherine’s work and I am glad you enjoyed reading about her journey. It’s a great time to be a writer. We have a banquet of choices that will help us improve upon our craft and take us to the next level. I hope you get the opportunity to read one of her novels Debra! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Thank you so much Rhonda for stopping by and leaving a comment! It’s very nice to meet you! I’m glad you enjoyed Katherine’s post! I hope you win one of her books! Take care! You are welcome here any time! 🙂

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  5. Katherine Owen

    All,

    It’s so fabulous to hear from all of you. I truly appreciate your words of encouragement and hearing your personal stories surrounding your own writing experiences.

    Karen ~ thank you for being such a gracious and supportive host! You have a great group here.

    Best,

    Katherine Owen
    Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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    2. Karen Post author

      Hi Alicia! With you super busy schedule, I’m so glad you were able to drop by and be re-aquainted with Katherine again. I know you’ll enjoy reading her books and the covers are amazing! I hope you win Alicia! Say hi to Roy! 🙂

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  7. August McLaughlin

    Lovely to meet you, Katherine! Congrats on your ongoing success. 🙂

    The Writers Studio sounds like a great resource. I’m a fan of on-line classes and resources for writers, particularly those that offer interaction and networking. It’s always fun to have smart folks we trust to bounce ideas off of! And for writers who struggle to sit down and do it, the deadlines classes instill can be helpful.
    August McLaughlin recently posted..Urgency to Write: How to Keep The Fire BurningMy Profile

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    1. Katherine Owen

      The writers I’ve met via The Writers Studio have been amazing and immensely talented. Reading and critiquing their work (and having the same done to mine) has certainly upped my game. It’s been a great experience for me. Thanks for the message. KO
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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    2. Karen Post author

      Hi August! I’m so glad you had the opportunity to meet Katherine! I, like you love the convenience of on-line classes for writers. I think we all need the interaction and support! It gives us confidence when we struggle and we learn so much from one another. I agree with Katherine. They can really up our game. Thanks for sharing your thoughts August. As always, it’s great to see you and I hope you get to read one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Patricia! How are you! You are so welcome! I am so glad you found Katherine’s post informative. As writer’s we need all the information we can get, don’t you think? It’s a constant learning curve. And it’s great to learn from other authors and their journey! It’s so good to see everyone abuzz about The Writer’s Studio. I certainly didn’t know about it before I met Katherine. Thank you Patricia for coming by and for sharing your thoughts with us. I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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  9. Cameron

    I read a blog post the other day encouraging writers to study the greats and try to writer in their style, as this practice can help writers discover new dimensions in their own style.

    It’s great to hear similar advice again in Katherine’s post. It confirms the helpfulness of this approach, and I’m eager to give it a try. I also look forward to checking out The Writer’s Studio.

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    1. Karen Post author

      HI Cameron! It’s so nice to meet you! It’s really nice when we find the support and encouragement we need in order to make improvements in our craft. I’m so glad you found Katherine’s post helpful! Yes, do check out The Writer’s Studio. They sound like they’re awesome classes. I do hope you win one of Katherine’s books. And thank you so much for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts Cameron! Hope to see you soon! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Ginger, you are one busy girl. Thank you for dropping by. I’m so glad you enjoyed Katherine’s post! I feel the same way Ginger. It is important to keep honing our craft and to learn new things! I found The Writer’s Studio exciting. I hope you do as well! And I hope you win one of Katherin’s books! All the best! 🙂

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  11. Liv Rancourt

    I worked with a jazz vocal coach for a while who taught by having students mimic great jazz singers. Who better to learn phrasing from than Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, right? Sounds like The Writer’s Studio uses a similar approach. Great post. Thanks!

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Liv! Thank you for stopping by and for tweeting! What a great analogy. Who better to learn from but the greats! You’ve got quite a background Liv. That’s amazing! Well, it is so nice to have you here. Ido hope you get a chance to read Katherine’s books. The Writer’s Studio is a huge influence in her writing. And it’s really paid off! You’ll enjoy them! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Natalie! Thank you girl! I, like you found Katherine’s own journey inspiring. I’m so glad you found it encouraging. Yes, please do check out The Writer’s Studio. Thanks for coming by and for sharing your thoughts will Katherine and myself. I hope you win one of her books! 🙂

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    2. Katherine Owen

      Thank you for your wishes. Writing is definitely a journey. If I damp down my perfectionist tendencies and just try to embrace the process and continual learning, the writing just flows. : )

      Thanks for the note.

      Katherine
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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  13. Julia Whitmore

    Thanks Karen and Katherine. Boy does your journey sound familiar — but can’t beat the happy ending! Thanks for the personal story, and info about The Writer’s Studio.

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Julia! How are you girl? You have been on my mind lately, and here you are! So great to see you! I think Katherine’s journey sounds familiar to a lot of us Julia. I too started later in life. But it’s good to know that classes like The Writer’s Studio exist and are there no matter what age you are. We can always improve in our writing ability. We can always grow as we gain more experience and practice with our craft. I hope you’ll to check it out. Thank you so much for coming by and sharing your thoughts Julia! 🙂

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  14. SheilaSeabrook

    Wonderful interview, Katherine and Karen! I love reading how other writers find their “groove”. The Writers Studio classes sound great and I’m going to check them out.

    Katherine, I love the covers of your books. They’re simply beautiful and your upcoming story blurb is so intriguing.

    Karen, thanks for the introduction to a new-to-me author!
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    1. Karen Post author

      Thank you Sheila! “I love reading how other writers find their ‘groove'”. I love how you put that! Please do check out The Writer’s Studio. I know I am. Yes, Katherine’s book covers are beautiful. Thanks for pointing that out. I’m glad you enjoyed Katherine’s post and I hope you win one of her books! I’m looking forward to her ucoming story myself. It really does sound intriguing! Thanks for stopping by Sheila! 🙂

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    2. Katherine Owen

      Yes, please do check out The Writers Studio. They’ve been wonderful to me.

      I’m glad you like the book covers. I spend an inordinate amount of time on them so I fully appreciate when they resonate with readers. I’m excited for “This Much Is True” and hope to have it finished late summer 2012.

      Thanks!
      Katherine Owen
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Lynnette! I, like you felt uncertain how to go about copying the masters. Then I met Katherine after reading one of her books. It impressed me that she learned so much from The Writer’s Studio and that all her stories sprouted from a scene she did in her classes. So yeah, I’m checking The Writer’s Studio out too. And yes, I think you get your money’s worth out of those classes. Thanks Lynnette for coming by and for sharing your thoughts. I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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    2. Katherine Owen

      As I said in my post, this is a unique way of approaching work with The Writers Studio. Copying is probably not the word I would use, you are more inspired and affected by closely studying a literary writer’s work. I hope that helps. Thanks for the note.
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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  16. Rhonda Hopkins

    Great post, Katherine and Karen! I’ve taken many in person and online classes over the past few years, but I hadn’t heard of the Writer’s Studio before. I’ll check them out. I was one of those that kept saying they were going to write a book. One of my friends went to a local college, got a continuing education catalog and highlighted the writing classes before thrusting it in my face with, “It’s time. Either do it or stop talking about it.” LOL She was right. I just needed to dive right into it. From the class I took, I found a wonderful writer’s group and things have just progressed from there. Without the classes and the workshop, I don’t think I (or my work) would have ever been ready. I’m self-publishing my first novel in August. Hopefully. 🙂
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Rhonda! Why thank you so much! “It’s time. Either do it or stop talking about it.” It sounds like you have a great friend! Well look at you girl! Congratulations! We’ll look forward to the release of your first novel in August! And make sure you let all of us know so that we can support you Rhonda! That’s fabulous! And I didn’t know about The Writer’s Studio either until Katherine mentioned it. I’m impressed with the fact the founder is a Pulitzer prize author! That says a lot right there. Thanks Rhonday for coming by and sharing your thoughts with us! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Debra! Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed Katherine’s post today! Her experience is the reason why I wanted to share The Writer’s Studio with everyone. It does sound like a great place to hone craft! I hope you get the opportunity to read one of Katherine’s books Debra! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! 🙂

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  18. Elena Aitken

    Ladies, great post!
    I’ve ‘met’ Katherine on Twitter in the past and have the pleasure of reading Not To Us, which I loved.
    I always enjoy reading about the writing journey for other writers, so thanks for the insight!
    Elena Aitken recently posted..My, How Time FliesMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Elena! Like you, I met Katherine on Twitter too! I am so glad you liked reading Not To Us and that you enjoyed reading the post! It great how we can learn from one another’s journey in this writers’ life. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts Elena! I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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  19. Sharon Clare

    Hi Margo, my journey was much like yours. I started writing at the University of Toronto where I ignored the professor’s recommendation that I really should be a writer. I took a course with Longridge Writing Institute, then took many workshops with the Toronto Romance Writers. After nearly a decade of study, my first book will be released by Crimson Romance on Aug. 6th! I love the psychology of a developing romantic relationship.

    Thanks for sharing your wisdom today.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Sharon! My goodness, you have quite a background in writing girl! Congratulations on your new release! You’ve worked very hard for this and I wish you the best of success! Let us WANAs know what we can do to help you! Thank you for coming by and sharing your experience with us Sharon! It is so nice to meet you, my WANA sister! I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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  20. CC MacKenzie

    The Writer’s Studio and the fact they run courses for writers throughout the world is wonderful.

    Katherine – Your journey to publication resonated with me. I’ve just downloaded your books. I look forward to reading them.

    Karen – what a brilliant post! I can tell you’re excited. The Writer’s Studio and how they work with new writers sounds right up your street.

    Great post.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Christine! Thank you for popping out of your “cave” to see us! I was impressed that The Writer’s Studio was founded by a Pulitzer prize winner. That kinda says a lot right there. And then to receive Katherine’s testimony about her experience with them really resonated with me. What can I say. You know me well. It does sound right up my street. Street sounds so much better than alley, by the way. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Christine! I hope you win a copy of Katherine’s book! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Pat! Doesn’t the storyline for THIS MUCH IS TRUE sound interesting? I can’t wait to read it. But then, I have already read Katherine’s book. And yes, those book covers are beautiful. I wonder who designed them? We’ll have to ask Katherine. I hope you find The Writer’s Studio helpful Pat. I was amazed that all of Katherine’s novels have sprouted from a scene she had written in one of her classes. That said boatloads to me. Thank you for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts. I do hope you win a book! 🙂

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    2. Katherine Owen

      Thank you so much, Pat. This Much Is True is still a work-in-progress, but I’m working hard on it.

      I did the covers myself in terms of using Adobe InDesign and working with stock photographs. I’m glad you liked them. Thank you so much. I put a lot of work into them, so your encouragement is much appreciated. : )
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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  22. Diane Capri

    Thank you Karen for introducing me to Katherine today, and to Katherine for sharing your journey. Many times, I’ve heard the words that Margo Christie wrote above — i.e. no one can teach us to write. I believe that’s true of writing and everything else in the world — we only truly learn by doing. But like you, Katherine, I’ve taken loads of classes of all types and read zillions of books. Not only because I do believe craft and technique can be taught and it can be learned, but because I enjoy learning. The Writer’s Studio is new to me, too. It sounds something like The Actor’s Studio. Are they related? Off to check it out – and to subscribe to Katherine’s blog, too.
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Diane! You are so welcome! “No one can teach us to write.” I too think those words that Margo Christie left are words of wisdom Diane! We can take the classes and read the craft books until our eyes fall out, but we really need to just write. And write. And write some more. Our craft and the techniques we learn need to be put into practice. I, like you Diane are enjoying the process of learning. Yet, until I met Katherine, I had never heard of The Writer’s Studio either. And this will sound crazy, but it was after I read one of Katherine’s books that I received her post by email. I had forgotten that I subscribed. LOL! I’m losing my mind Diane! I hope you win one of her books, you’ll enjoy it! 🙂

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    2. Katherine Owen

      Hi Diane,
      Thanks for your comment. Sorry to be so late in reply. I don’t believe there’s a relation between The Actor’s Studio and The Writers Studio although the concept shares similarities. TWS does have guest writers come in to NYC to speak at their various Craft Workshops. I’ve listened to Jennifer Egan via PodCast. It was amazing and wonderful every minute of the ninety minutes she spoke. Thanks for asking.

      Best,
      Katherine Owen
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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  23. Katherine Owen

    All – Thanks for the notes and best wishes! I so appreciate the encouragement.

    Christie – Love the line: “A writer learns to write by writing!”
    So true.

    Best,
    Katherine
    Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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    1. Karen Post author

      Thank you so much for sharing your writing experience with all of us Katherine! It was so generous of you for not only giving us a glimpse of your personal experience with The Writer’s Studio, but also gifting so many of your awesome books! Your writing is very captivating and your books covers, as Pat said, are beautiful! Congratulations to you and we wish you much success! Let us know how we WANAs can support you! Can’t wait for THIS MUCH IS TRUE to come out! Hurry up Katherine! LOL! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Susie, great to see you! They were great tips and I’m glad you found them useful! Thanks for coming by! I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Why, thank you Catherine! It does sound a lot easier to take an online class. No flights, no hotels, no crowds. You would probably save yourself some money too! And The Writer’s Studio has excellent teachers in the art of writing! Sounds like a win-win experience to me! Thank you for stopping by today Catherine and for sharing your thoughts! I hope you win one of Katherine’s books! 🙂

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    2. Katherine Owen

      The connections/friendships you will make online with other writers and the inspiration for my novels made every class I’ve taken with The Writers Studio worthwhile.

      Best,
      Katherine
      Katherine Owen recently posted..To Be SureMy Profile

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  26. Lynn Kelley

    Karen, thanks so much for introducing us to Katherine.

    Katherine, congrats on your writing success, and thank you for sharing your writing journey with us. I hadn’t heard of The Writers Studio before. Sounds awesome.

    I didn’t start writing until I turned 40. I’m so glad I didn’t wait any longer than that. I was pretty clueless at the beginning. I love to hear writers’ success stories. Best wishes with all your books, and thank you for so generously giving away two of each of your books! Woo hoo!
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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Lynn! I never heard of The Writer’s Studio either girl. It wasn’t until I read one of Katherine’s books that I got in touch with her. Then she explained her background and her involvement with The Writer’s Sudio and that all her books came from a scene written in her class. I thought, wow, that’s impressive. So I asked her to write a post about it. And now you all have an opportunity to win one of her books! I hope you win Lynn! 🙂

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Coleen! I, like you, always find that we can learn so much from the journey of other writers. I am so glad you enjoyed the post! And yes, definitely, check out The Writer’s Studio link! The classes Rock Coleen! Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope you win! 🙂

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  28. Margo Christie

    Thanks for this wonderful piece of inspiration. Like Katherine, I received an undergrad degree in English some twenty years ago. While in college, my writing consistently stood above par — without a lot of effort, I must add, since I spent much of my time in those years partying and aimlessly wandering, all the while absorbing the snippets of life I’d later need to write my first novel. Ay, but I’ve gotten a late start. Thus, much of my writing at this point focuses on lost opportunities and second chances.

    Also like Katherine, I’m having a tough time getting started. I do most of what’s recommended. I blog on my own site as well as on others, and I’ve read many books on writing. While recently re-reading Susan Pages “The shortest distance between you and a publishe book,” I was taken by her suggestion that no can teach you writing. No wonder many of the books I’d read only left me discouraged! This is especially true of the nit-picky, rigid ones that imply there’s only one way to do it right.

    Nowadays, my focus is on blogging (as a way of building a “platform,” or “following”) and writing, writing, writing! Susan Pages sage words couldn’t ring truer: A writer learns to write by writing!

    Cheers!

    Margo Christie
    http://www.margochristienovelist.com

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    1. Karen Post author

      Hi Margo! “A writer learns to write by writing!” I couldn’t have said it any better. I’m so glad that you found Katherine’s post inspiring! I did, and that’s why I’m ready to jump into one of The Writer’s Studio’s classes. I, like you and Katherine, have started late in my writing career. Yes, it is tough to get started. But I will say that I have found great support from #mywana! There, you are not alone. I will connect with you on Twitter and Facebook Margo and visit your blog! I hope to get to know you better. At least it’s a start. Thank you for coming by and for sharing your wonderful thoughts! Cheers indeed! 🙂

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