Karen Guzman is the host of the popular blog Write to Despite
I started writing stories in fifth grade,
which resulted that year in two production of two little “books,” one about a
pony and one about a dog. Surprising, right?
What was your first published piece?
A short story titled “Get On With It.”
Where was it published?
In a very tiny literary magazine out of the
midwest. Believe it or not, I’ve actually forgotten the magazine’s name. At the
time it was such a major thing to me, and now I can’t remember the publication’s
name. I remember the story because it was so incredibly sophomoric. Yeech.
How long ago?
1990
What did you do before embarking on your
writing career? Was it an asset to your writing? How?
I worked as a newspaper journalist right
after college, stopped briefly while I earned an MFA, and then went back to
newsrooms for another 13 years. The benefits of my time as a reporter and
feature writer are just too numerous to mention. Working in daily journalism
gives you a front-row seat on the world, the communities, issues, and people
that you write about, and it’s an absolutely fantastic education. It helped me
grow up, a lot.
What inspires you?
Nature, the Divine, deeply felt and
beautifully written literature.
Please share one of your successful
author platform building technique
I wish I had more to share. Our blog www.WriteDespite.org
is my first platform. It’s doing well, but
to grow, we need to get the word out more broadly and provide more varied and
compelling content.
Parting words
Our blog www.WriteDespite.org
is about
writers helping writers. Send us your thoughts. Share your successes and
frustrations. We’d love to hear from you.Karen Guzman writing samples...
Feature story that appeared in Chicago Tribune
