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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Karen Harter answers readers' questions about writing tips, the inspiration behind some of her characters, and past and future projects.

Anna from Oak Ridge, TN: What else have you written? Do you ever do phone chats with book clubs? What are you working on now?

Karen Harter: My first novel, WHERE MERCY FLOWS, was published last year and has received wonderful attention. It's the story of a young woman who ran away from home, pregnant at the age of 17, and returns seven years later with her illegitimate five-year-old son. Her father is the austere Judge Blake Dodd, who seems like her own personal judge; she can't measure up to his standards. Yet Samantha has nowhere else to turn for help. As her secrets unfold, her childhood friend, Donnie, wants more from her than she's free to give, and her supposedly sinless father seems to have some secrets of his own. Keep a tissue handy for this one.

I'm definitely open to doing phone chats with book clubs. Some correspond with me by email too.

My current project is titled A TRAIN TO SOMEWHERE. I've had these characters in my head for years --- two young women who meet in a "friendly" college poker game. Maggie is cheating and Kenzie knows it. What starts out as mild irritation grows into blatant animosity when the coeds are assigned to share a dorm room. A strange friendship evolves, and the duo develops a reputation for getting into mischief. When they impulsively hop a freight train and Kenzie's big brother Griffin has to rescue them, he's furious. I can't tell you what happens between Griffin and Maggie. It's funny, though, how one spontaneous decision --- like hopping a freight train --- can change the course of one's life forever.

AnneMarie from Hillsborough, NJ: Where did you get the idea for AUTUMN BLUE? I am interested in writing a small book (I might not get it published because I am too young) but am not sure what to write about. What age did you start writing?

Karen Harter: Oh, AnneMarie. Write about anything that moves your heart. What are you passionate about? A great way to set your thoughts free is to journal. I don't think I started doing that seriously until after high school. (I did have a little diary in junior high, but that was mostly about boys who didn't even know I sat behind them in class.) You'll be amazed by the things that come out of your heart and mind when you journal. Ideas for stories will come. Jot them down. Study people. Practice describing their appearances, what they do with their hands when they talk, the way their eyes change with their emotions. Keep it up and books will happen!

My own love for writing emerged during high school with a creative writing class. My teacher read some of the poems I had written and made me feel like I had potential. Sometimes, all a person needs is someone to believe in them. But it wasn't until years later while I was raising kids that I allowed the gift to stir up again. I began to attend writers' conferences, and then wrote for magazines before taking on my first book project.

The idea for AUTUMN BLUE came out of the blue while I was trying to take a Sunday afternoon nap. That old curmudgeon, Millard Bradbury, just popped into my head. I immediately loved him and knew I had to find a way to catapult him from that faded blue chair and back into a meaningful life. What he needed was someone to rock his world --- like the rebellious teenage boy across the street, Ty Walker. And I personally experienced the heartache and feelings of helplessness when our own son became a chronic runaway at the age of 15, so it was easy for me to describe Ty's mother, Sidney Walker's, emotions.

Laura from Dublin, OH: How many children do you have and what are their ages? Would you consider writing another story with any of the characters from AUTUMN BLUE?

Karen Harter: Ryan is 22, a clown, and about to graduate from Bible College. Muscle-bound Michael is 19, a construction worker and obsessed with snow boarding and fly-fishing. My wonderful stepson, Jake, a certified mechanic, is 27 and just bought his first house.

You know, now that you mention it, I wouldn't mind stirring up these characters again. That would mean bringing more conflict into their lives, though, and I kind of hate to do it to them after all they've just been through. But imagine the possibilities…

Mary from Owasso, OK: Is Millard a fictional character, or does he represent somebody in your life? What a loveable man.

Karen Harter: Good old Millard. You know, my dad has a faded blue chair and he works the crossword puzzle. I've often heard him reminisce about the good old days when he and his buddies hopped freight trains that took them to their favorite fishing spots. It's frustrating for a man to grow old, while in his head and heart he is still the exact same guy who charmed the girls, conquered enemies, achieved success in his career, etc. Fortunately, my dad and mom are still active (Dad plays pool with his buddies, attends fly-fishing club and takes a Spanish class), though they are in their eighties. Yes, there is definitely some of Dad in Millard, but I think Millard is grumpier because he doesn't know yet that he's a hero.

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