Karma Brown

How did you become a writer?

I am that author who insists she never wanted to be a writer. Despite being an early, voracious reader, a career in writing books never occurred to me. I didn’t start writing in earnest until I went to journalism school, at the age of 28, and after both an undergrad degree and five years working in the corporate world. While I initially intended be a broadcast journalist—my dream was to become the ‘Katie Couric of the North’ (as I’m Canadian)—life has a way of pointing you in the right direction even when you aren’t sure where you’re going. I was working as a marketing director when an idea for a novel popped into my head, and I thought, “I know how to write copy and magazine articles…how hard can a novel be?” Turns out, hard. But I persevered, because I discovered how much I loved writing long-form fiction, and I kept at it while I went through career changes, a cancer diagnosis, and the birth of my daughter. Just before my 41st birthday (and with my third novel written), I because a published author. And about a month ago my fifth novel (RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE) was published!

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.).

There is neither the space or time to list everyone and every book that has inspired me over the years, however, there are a few authors who have been my “go-to” influences: Stephen King’s On Writing was a game changer for me; I have been a lifelong reader and fan of Margaret Atwood’s work; Lauren Groff has written some of my favourite novels (including Fates & Furies and The Monsters of Templeton) and is a brilliant writer; and Ann Patchett and Meg Wolitzer can do no wrong in my opinion. One of my most thumbed-through books is Embers by Richard Wagamese—it is a truly beautiful book. I read a lot, and across all genres—it is my meditation.

When and where do you write?

When I started writing my first novel I was working full time as a marketing director, so most of my writing happened in the morning before work or late at night. Then I had my daughter, quit my “day” job and started freelance writing, and still found I only had time, and energy, to write before dawn. Now that my daughter is in school, I have more time during the day to write but I find old habits die hard – my best, most creative time is still early (like, 5am early) morning. I can—and do—write everywhere and anywhere, but my top spots are coffee shops, my local library, and my living room. 

What are you working on now?

I’m working on my first non-fiction project at the moment. It’s about owning and reclaiming your time in the age of increasing urgency, and then exploiting it to tick off a “bucket-list” type project or two—with a focus on the early morning being an ideal time to do so. It will be published with HarperCollins end of 2020. I’m also working on my next fiction project, but it will remain a secret for now.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?

Personally, I’m not a fan of the concept of ‘writer’s block’ – generally, I get stuck either when I’m trying to force my characters to do things they don’t want to do, or I’m overthinking the story. For me, exercise is a great way to get my creative brain unstuck—and that can look like a sweaty workout or a quiet walk in the woods with my dog. The other solution is to take some time away from the project. Usually if I stop forcing things within the manuscript the words begin flowing again. 

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Write, or read, every day. I read Stephen King’s memoir and craft book, ON WRITING, years ago – when I was writing my first book, which is now RIP in a dusty drawer – and his simple (but non-negotiable) idea to never get far away from the craft of writing stuck with me. Some days I write nothing more than a few words, or manage a chapter of my current read, but I do work my craft daily. It keeps the writing muscles in shape, and helps me stay focused when I really need to churn out a lot of words to hit a deadline. 

What’s your advice to new writers?

It’s a three-part answer:

One, not everyone will love your book, and some will downright hate it. And that’s okay. Reading is so subjective – there are books I didn’t finish that other people adored, and other books I still think about that others loathed – so don’t attach your worth to others’ words. Also, on a more practical point, learn to love writing synopses. I know many authors dread them, but as you progress through publishing they are often needed when you’re pitching books to editors…so embrace them. A synopsis is your friend!

And two, if you want to be a writer, then be a writer. Which really means, focus on the BIG goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day frustrations, but don’t let those take you off course. I like to tell people I got published through a combination of coffee, the habit of early morning writing, and grit. 

Finally, embrace the “shitty first draft.” Treat it like it’s the best thing you’ve ever written, even knowing you have to go back in and rip it apart. Always give that first draft its moment in the limelight—a lot went into it, and without it you have nothing. Any draft, in any shape, is a beautiful thing.

Karma Brown is the award-winning journalist and bestselling author of five novels, including COME AWAY WITH ME, THE CHOICES WE MAKE, and her latest, RECIPE FOR A PERFECT WIFE (Dutton, December 2019), which reached #1 on the Canadian bestseller lists. Karma’s work has also been featured in a variety of publications, including SELF, Redbook, Today’s Parent, Best Health, Canadian Living and Chatelaine. She lives just outside Toronto, Canada with her husband, daughter, and a labradoodle named Fred.