Image by Sophie Janotta from Pixabay

The owner of WiDo Publishing, Karen Jones Gowen, recently shared a post lamenting the absence of writer blogs, which were once so prevalent in our community. The sense of loss expressed in Gowen’s post is relatable; I think many of us miss visiting other authors’ personal blogs that chartered their journeys and processes. In exploring this topic, Gowen presents a list of questions she’d like to ask her fellow writers, the kinds of questions so often answered in those blogs of old. With her permission, I’ve copied the questions and answered them below, and any writer reading this is invited to do the same!  

Karen Jones Gowen and her family established WiDo Publishing in 2007 and have released over one hundred titles (including this one by yours truly). She is the author of eight books herself, which you can find here. 

Are you excited about the idea of people reading your work, or would you rather keep it private? 

I’m excited about people reading my work! It wasn’t always that way though. Before I published anything, I kept all of my work private. I was insecure about sharing my writing, afraid I only thought I was a good writer. The imposter syndrome was real. Then I took a workshop, and the positive and encouraging responses I received from my fellow workshoppers boosted my confidence. I began publishing regularly at that point. 

Do you have an audience in mind when you write?

Usually, no. When I’m drafting, I try to stay true to my own ideas and not let things like marketability get in the way. Once you start thinking about an audience, you start editing yourself, and editing shouldn’t be a part of the drafting process. 

Have you always wanted to write a book? 

Yes! From the time I was little, I imagined myself as an author. I was a child who loved to read, loved stories and disappearing into my own imagination. I filled countless notebooks with poems, short stories, and the beginnings of many novels. Finally, in my thirties, I wrote my first book, and a few years later WiDo Publishing offered me a contract.

If you have written your book, do you feel satisfied with it or discouraged and disappointed?

I’m proud of every book I’ve written. Last year, I reread my debut, The Fourth Wall, wondering if I’d feel differently about it as it was released ten years ago. But I still love it. There’s nothing I would do differently. I feel the same about my subsequent novels.

How many forms of writing do you like to do? For example, journaling, poetry, blogging, fiction, personal stories or memoir? 

All of the above! I journal daily, blog monthly, and have published numerous pieces of short fiction and memoir, along with several novels. 

Is your voice the same regardless of the format?

That’s an interesting question. Honestly, no. My cozy mystery novels have a different voice, as they’re written in a more commercially appealing way. They’re lighthearted and funny, whereas my usual work is more melancholy and literary. 

If you have published a book, what do you think determines how well it sells?

I wish I knew! I’ve never published a book that sold particularly well. Probably no one really knows what makes one book more successful than another in terms of sales. I think a lot of it is luck and timing. 

How do you feel about critical reviews? Do you shrug and move on or do they devastate you?

I don’t mind critical reviews at all. In fact, as a reader, I always check the 3-star reviews on books if I’m looking for an honest and well-rounded opinion. As a writer, I definitely prefer the 5-star reviews, but all are appreciated!   

Do you feel that book publishing only counts if it’s done in a certain way, such as through an agent or a particular publishing company?

Nope. Writing a book is a huge accomplishment, and whether it’s traditionally published or self-published, it’s something to be proud of. Everything counts.