Member Spotlight: Karen Krueger

Why is writing important to you and why do you think it’s an important medium for the world? Writing is important to me because it brings me joy. It’s the most gratifying form of self-expression for me. I think writing is an important medium for the world because it allows us to share, connect, and learn. Whether we’re reading fiction or non-fiction, it can transport us to other places and expand our view of the world. As humans, we’ve been passing down our stories throughout time. Writing is one medium that allows us to do that.

What are your tried and tested remedies to cure writer’s block? If I get stuck while writing, I like to get up and do a physical task, like unloading the dishwasher or folding laundry. Focusing on menial tasks seems to free up the brain, and that can spark new ideas. If that doesn’t work, writing something completely unrelated can get the brain fired up again. I also like writing haikus because you have to follow a format and convey an idea in a few words. They’re not always good haikus, but the point is to focus differently.

What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received and would like to impart to other writers? Start by writing without editing – free flow! You can do the fine tuning later, but you’ve got to get the words on the page first!

What excites you most about being a writer in today’s age? I would have to say it’s the ability to self-publish. Not that it’s easy, by any means, but it allows more of us to publish and potentially get our work in front of readers sooner.

Karen Krueger’s Arrested Love is out now.