Meet Coffeehouse Instructor, Karen Lange

Hi, Karen. Thanks so much for having this "coffee chat" with us. Please share a little about yourself and your background with us.

I always liked to write, but became serious about writing for publication about fifteen years ago. My first published pieces were in regional and state parenting newsletters. Shortly after that, a friend and writing mentor offered me a position as a columnist for a quarterly devotional newsletter. Since then, I’ve written for magazines, websites, and other publications, including curriculum guides. In addition, I teach online writing classes for teens and adults, offer copywriting and editing services, and maintain my personal blog.
When I am not writing, I like to walk, garden, cook, and spend time with my family, which includes a super cute 4-year-old grandson. My current projects include a collaborative work on an historical fiction novel. I also keep the books for my husband’s carpentry business.

What is the best advice you’ve been given about a writing career?

In the early days, a writer I admire advised me to, “Call yourself a writer.” Her advice was hard to follow at first because I was timid about proclaiming it to the masses. Once I started saying it, though, it built and gave me courage and confidence to move forward.

Another favorite piece of advice came during a recent interview with author Ann Gabhart. She said, “Rejection is not fatal.” You know what? She’s right. It stings, but ultimately it takes us where we are destined to go.

Who are some of your favorite authors and/or bloggers?

One favorite writer, perhaps you’ve heard of her, is Jennifer Brown Banks. I love her blog; she shares wonderful advice for writers of every level and genre. Other blogging favorites include Susan J. Reinhardt, Chuck Sambuchino, Terry Whalin, and Jeff Goins.

As for authors, I enjoy James Scott Bell. He not only writes great fiction, but also pens terrific books on the craft, such as The Art of War for Writers and Plot and Structure. Fiction authors Liz Curtis Higgs, Cathy Gohlke, Julie Klassen, Laura Frantz, and Jody Hedlund inspire me as well. These talented women have a gift for creating wonderful stories.

What’s your take on social media?

I just read a post on Rachelle Gardner’s blog that discussed platforms and unpublished authors. Regarding social media she said, ”… your writing is top priority. If that’s not working, all the rest will be irrelevant anyway.”

It was a good reminder for me - while social media has great benefits, it can also be a colossal waste of time. Balance is important, I think, and that balance is different for everyone.

Tell us a little about your Coffeehouse class and your teaching philosophy.

The Coffeehouse for Writers is a site where writers will find resources, forums, and online classes. I teach Basic Boot Camp for Writers, which is a four-week refresher that reviews writing fundamentals such as active/passive voice, homophones, subject/verb agreement, and a whole lot more. This user-friendly course is designed with the busy adult lifestyle in mind.

I believe that no matter where we are in our writing journey, we can benefit from stretching our skills. Lessons discuss ways to keep our writing fresh and on track through interesting prompts and assignments. Students interact with each other on a private forum, and receive my personalized feedback on every assignment. I love working and interacting with other writers. We all have something to offer each other.



Thank you Jennifer, for inviting me to stop by!

BIO
Karen Lange is a fan of chocolate, hockey, and Pen and Prosper. She is also a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers. Visit her blog at karenelange.blogspot.com/