Humor for the
Karen O’Connor
by Londa Hayden
K
aren O’Connor started her writing career in the
mid-70’s with published articles in juvenile magazines.
The young author honed her craft through the years
with various nonfiction publications for children and adults.
She shared how one author most influenced her writing.
“Marjorie Holmes stands out in my mind. She wrote multiple
articles, books, and my favorite writing book, Writing Articles
from the Heart: How to Write and Sell Your Personal Experiences.
I believe she helped shape me as a writer.”
O’Connor studied with the Famous Writers School and
The Institute of Children’s Literature, and claims, “Most of
my books have some personal experience material, examples
from my life (and the lives of others), but I’ve never written
a full autobiography.” O’Connor recalls her first published
article. “My first check was for “A Trail of Tips for First-time
Campers,” for which I received $12.50 in 1974 from Crusader
Magazine for boys.” It stirred her passion for writing. From
then on, O’Connor attended at least one writing conference
each year and learned from a variety of published writers,
in person and through their books. She joined the Society
of Children’s Book Writers, Christian Writers Guild, and
American Society of Journalists and Authors. She used her
skills as part of the speaking and teaching staff at a variety
of conferences, including Mount Hermon Christian Writers
Conference, Christian Writers Guild, CLASS Conference, and
others. “I also taught writing at the University of California
Extension for years on a variety of campuses. When I was in
my full-time career, I worked five days a week in my home
office and often on weekends if I was pushing a deadline.
I kept a calendar nearby, had
organized files, and focused on
what was in front of me. My
books vary in length. It took
anywhere between two or three
months to six or eight months
from contract to completion.”
To promote her books, the
author stays in line with most
other authors. “I’ve always worked
with traditional publishers.
Harvest House and Baker
Publishing are the most recent. I
always had an agent working on
my behalf. Advantages include an
advance payment toward royalties and publicity paid for by the
publishers. Several of my books for seniors have sold a minimum
of 300,000 copies each. Radio and TV appearances arranged by
my publishers, some bookstore signings, and speaking at various
venues—such as business groups, retreats, women’s luncheons,
retired groups, being a guest blogger and doing book giveaways,
and so on. All are valuable.” Karen blogs every Monday at
karenoconnor.com. “I’ve been focusing on topics that relate to
seniors. I am now semi-retired and have written my last book,
but I will continue to blog and teach.”
The best advice she can offer to new writers is “be
authentic and write from your heart—your passion, the
topics that mean something to you. I’ve had my share
of disappointments and mistakes but when I look at my
career, it has been awesome. I fulfilled my life-long dream
since third grade to make my living as a fulltime writer and
writing teacher. I suggest to anyone wanting such a career,
ask yourself this question: “Do I have what it takes to stick
it out—regardless of the challenges and inevitable mistakes
and disappointments?” If not, I recommend looking for
a different career. Writing is hard work, requires a ton of
creativity, and a willingness to persevere.”
Karen O’Connor has 70+ books published, which sprang
from personal experience and topics of interest. “I researched
and ideas just came to me. I’ve covered children’s books,
books on relationships, and during the previous decade or so
I wrote humorous books for seniors (now that I’m a senior).”
Some of her bestselling titles include Help, Lord, I’m Having
a Senior Moment, Gettin’ Old Ain’t For Wimps, and most
recently Laughing All the Way: Wit, Wisdom, and Willpower for
the Golden Years (Harvest House Publishers), from which the
following quote best expresses the author’s sentiments. “‘Birds
of a feather flock together and so will pigs and swine. Rats
and mice will have their choice, and so will I have mine.’ I
laughed out loud when I stumbled on this old Mother Goose
rhyme while preparing a writing class for young students. It
reminded me that I always have a choice. I’m not held captive
to the opinions or choices of others—which is so important
to remember—especially during our golden years.” n
For more information on Karen O’Connor visit
www.karenoconnor.com
Southern Writers 9