Reading time: About 2 minutes
Karen E. Osborne used to think that making things up was way more fun than doing research. But writing her historical novel, True Grace, taught her to appreciate a step she’d previously scorned…
Karen E. Osborne is an award-winning author of suspense and social-issue fiction, best known for writing mysteries and dramas centered on strong, flawed women navigating family, power, and moral choice. Her novels include the thriller Getting It Right: A Psychological Thriller; a dual-timeline murder mystery, Justice for Emerson; a book of historical fiction, True Grace; a suspense family drama, Reckonings; and a murder mystery, Tangled Lies. Karen hosts the weekly, award-winning, author-interview, audio and video podcast What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing?
I was excited to talk to Karen about how she approaches writing.
Q. Roughly how much time do you spend writing every day?
My minimum is 15 minutes because I can always squeeze that in no matter what else is going on. On a “writing day,” I might spend four to six hours.
Q. What’s a simple activity or habit that makes you a better writer?
Reading. Like most authors, I read all the time and learn from every book. Movies also enhance my writing. In addition to feeling, I want my readers to “see” the scenes and action.
Q. What interferes with your writing?
Ha! So much. Marketing. Volunteering. Enjoying friends and family. Travel. Church life and responsibilities. My weekly author interview podcast — What Are You Reading? What Are You Writing? But it’s all good interference. I’m blessed with a rich and varied life.
Q. How do you persuade yourself to sit down to write on days when you really, really DON’T feel like doing it?
I always want to write. Characters speak to me. Every time someone tells me a story, or I see someone dressed in an interesting way, or have an odd habit, I jot notes as soon as I’m able. But lots of times other compelling interests keep me away from my computer.
Q. Is there a particular motto or saying that you’ve found helpful for writing?
“Writers Write.” You’re not an author if you’re only writing in your head, imagining the book, pondering it. The other is “Keep studying your craft.” The minute we stop learning, we stop growing.
Q. Which stage of the writing process do you enjoy the most: researching, writing or editing/rewriting and why?
For years I thought I hated research. Making up things was so much more fun. But after writing my first historical novel, True Grace, I couldn’t wait to write another. Now, the only aspect I don’t love is the final edit, line-by-line, looking for those inevitable errors. All the rest brings me joy.
Q. What’s one of the best books you’ve read (either fiction or non) in the last five years?
This is a tough question. So many excellent books. Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus; The Calamity Club, by Kathryn Stockett; The Wisdom of Sundays, by Oprah Winfry.
Q. What book are you reading right now?
Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell Hall.
Q. What do you think is the biggest misperception that new writers have about the act of writing?
I speak with many new authors working on their first projects. One thing many miss is the importance of being part of a supportive writer community. Writers are generous people. We need each other. Find or build, but don’t try to do this alone.
