Writing Coach Interview: Karen O’Connor
Continuing our series of interviews with our fabulous writing instructors, here’s the latest installment: an interview with the incredible Karen O’Connor!
Karen O’Connor is a published author, mentor, and speaker who loves to work with Brave Writer students in her Write For Fun classes. She is also Julie’s mom! Watching young people share their thoughts and ideas and creativity keeps her smiling. And when she isn’t teaching she’s either hiking or line dancing or playing choo-choo train with her great-grandson Massey.
What kind of a writer were you in high school?
Writing was always my best subject. I worked on our high school newspaper.
You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
I’d be mint green (unless someone beat me to it). I wore a mint green and lace dress to my senior prom and since then that color has been my favorite.
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What is one of your favorite classroom moments?
A favorite moment is reading original poetry by a young student.
What inspires you?
Working with young students inspires me. I remember being acknowledged for my writing when I was in school and I have two teachers who stand out in that regard. So now its my turn to offer that same recognition and inspiration to my students.
What are you known for?
Professionally I’m known as a published author and writing instructor and speaker. I love to bring help, hope, and humor to my writing and speaking and to share my experience with my readers and students so they can find their own voice and express their talents in the world.
What do you work toward in your free time?
In my free time I play with my great-grandson and spend time with my grown grandchildren. I am also part of a line dance club that performs for charity groups when we’re invited.
What would your autobiography be called?
Life on the Sunny Side of the Street
If you were an animated character, who would you be and why?
Little Red Riding Hood. I’ve always loved the original story by the Brothers Grimm of how she learned from a frightening experience but then overcame it.
Which superpower would you like to have? What is a superpower you already have?
I don’t have an answer for this. I trust God for superpower in my life.
Where would you go in a time machine?
I’d like to make a short visit to the era of Jane Austen.
If you could be Batman or Robin, which one would you be?
Neither. I prefer Wonder Woman.
If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why?
A Japanese Maple like the one in my front yard, because of its lovely delicate red leaves and sturdy trunk.
What would the name of your debut album be?
Smiling Through the Rain
What’s your favorite smell? What memory does it remind you of?
Lilac. Reminds me of a perfume I once had.
What was your favorite toy growing up?
I loved playing with paper dolls with my sister and two girlfriends.
What’s the one food you could never bring yourself to eat?
Lima beans.
Cake or pie?
Pie, though I rarely eat sweets.
When you were little, what did you want to be?
From my earliest memory I wanted to be a professional writer and to see my books on the shelves in a library and bookstore.
What book on your shelf is begging to be read?
I love cozy mysteries and just finished the latest one so I will be ordering more.
Brave Writer Podcast
Be There: A Brave Role Model for Parents with Karen O’Connor
Karen O’Connor’s Classes:
Tags: writing coach
