Interview with Karen Roman
Interviewed by Jenna Glatzer
Karen Roman is a freelance writer and editor based in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. To read some of Karen's
favorite features or learn more about her services for businesses and writers, visit her
website
by clicking here.
How did you first know you were a writer?
I guess I never really 'knew' I was a writer, but I always knew I was a reader. My father says he can't remember a time when I couldn't read.
I remember reading the word 'riboflavan' off the side of a cereal box while I was still using a pillow to see over the edge of the breakfast table.
Words, both spoken and written, always fascinated me. I even remember the first time I heard the word
'delicious.' I was four years old and, while walking across the fields which separated her country home from mine, my new best friend described the cookies her mom made as "delicious"
(with the obligatory lick of the lips). I repeated the word out loud, my tongue twisting around the delightful play of vowels. The
cookies were an afterthought; to me the WORD was delicious. I guess that was the beginning
of my love affair with the English language. It wasn't long before I wrote my first poem, as a present to the same playmate.
My family later moved into the city and I practically lived in the public library which was conveniently located right next door to our
downtown apartment. The first genre I devoured was fairy tales, and especially folk tales from China and Eastern Europe. Next came classical
Greek and Roman mythology, which remains my passion to this day. Stories by authors like E. Nesbit and C.S. Lewis were never far from my bedside; by
age 8, I was borrowing the entire seven-book Narnia series at one time, because I loved them so. When I got Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" for my 13th birthday I was in seventh heaven. After the fourth time through it
I could read the whole trilogy within four or five days.
By grade six, I asked my Mom to help get me into the adult section of the library, because there simply wasn't anything challenging
enough in the juvenile section. The librarians were familiar with my voracious appetite for books, so they made an exception. I eagerly dove
into nonfiction, and soon immersed myself in textbooks on archeology, psychology and several other 'ologies'. As an adolescent and teenager, I
read nothing but science fiction and fantasy.
Twenty-odd years later I now find myself a pseudo-journalist and editor, although I never studied journalism in a formal setting. I prefer
to describe my 9-5 creative endeavours as 'feature writing'. I've enjoyed writing book and CD reviews, business profiles and reporting on local
events and attractions over the past four years for the local community newspaper, (there are always plenty of events and attractions to cover in
Niagara Falls, Ontario) but I am more comfortable in the role of editor. I love to read others' works and offer objective, constructive criticism.
At first I over-edited the material I received from writers. I proofread and rearranged all the syntax and structure to what I knew to
be the absolute 'right' way, regardless of voice or style. I've since learned to tone it down and appreciate the different approaches of writers
and especially the variety of readers. I focus on what's right with the piece in light of its intended audience, and go on from there, rather than
immediately jump to point out what's wrong from a pedantic point of view.
Although I have come to the conclusion that editing, rather than writing, gives me the most satisfaction at this point in my life, that is
not to say that THE Great North American Novel isn't sleeping away somewhere in my subconscious, waiting for the right time to emerge!
How do you land assignments?
I've been rather lucky, since I landed a job at the local weekly paper the same year I graduated from university. Small community papers
run on a skeleton staff, and often it's a matter of picking and choosing your own assignments. Later, as a working editor, I was also able to pick
interview subjects according to my own interest and hectic administrative schedule.
As for freelance, early in the game I contacted the editors of low budget magazines and newspapers (usually those that print weekly or
fortnightly) and offered my services for book reviews. Payment was practically nonexistent; usually I just got to keep the book in lieu of
payment, but at least I was in print. I also answered ads in trade and association magazines which specified the type of writer needed.
I try to be quick to notice and follow-up on unexpected opportunities. Once I saw a notice in a newsletter I received from Laubach
Literacy of Canada (I was a volunteer tutor for an illiterate adult in the program at the time) which
mentioned they were looking for writers to
contribute to a new textbook. Although I hadn't yet had anything published, I sent in a little descriptive essay as a writing sample and landed an
assignment for the project (biographies of famous Canadians in sport). I
met my deadline, and later discovered someone else could not, leaving the editor scrambling. I immediately offered my services to complete another
biography for the textbook, much to the relief of the editor. It was quite windfall to have my very first published work appear as two chapters in a
nationally-distributed textbook.
Query letters are such an important part of getting freelance jobs; any
advice for writing an irresistible one?
I can't speak for fiction, but with nonfiction it helps to list your resources. As editor of a computer technology/small business magazine,
I got query letters from all over North America. Often, these came from public relations staff or media communications firms representing major
corporations. They offered me articles to be written by company executives or by professional journalists to whom they out sourced the work. I could
always count on accurate info and accurate quotes, and instant response by telephone and e-mail.
Many queries came from small business owners who wanted to share their home-based business advice. Since that was within format they were
welcome to submit, however if the query or article seemed at all self-serving it would never go far.
My advice is to be honest about what you can provide, when it will be available, and be sure it fits the format of magazine. In short, what I
find irresistible is a sense that I can trust the writer to make good on his or her clear promise to deliver relevant content in a professional
manner. Vague (or misspelled!) queries always send up a red flag.
You seem to gravitate toward writing about creative people and events
(artists, musicians, etc.) Is this a conscious choice, or did these assignments come to you?
As I said, I was part of a skeleton staff, so it was a little of both. I wanted to handle the arts and entertainment section because I do
indeed gravitate toward the arts. As well as being a prolific reader, I play classical guitar, have studied art history and love to paint. Of late,
I've spent many a spare hour on the fine art of calligraphy and manuscript illumination. Happily, a career in the arts was always my fate.
I feel an affinity toward fellow artists regardless of their medium, and try to tap into this whenever I interview them -- my own keen
interest in each of the arts gives me a 'jumping-off' point, if you will; I think interviewees sense that while I am ignorant of the fine points of their art, I am truly interested in what they have to say on the subject
matter. Often, I find this puts them a little more at ease. It helps if interviewees realize you are genuinely interested in their professional
commentary, not out to nail them to a cross or twist their words to your own agenda. The truth is, however, that I've had just as many (if not more)
articles published in sections on health, women's issues, education and careers, business and computer technology.
I'll soon be starting a full time job as arts & entertainment editor of a new weekly coming out for Niagara Falls, as well as editing a
monthly magazine for tourists which focuses on the many entertainment venues and hospitality of the city -- namely the casinos,
festivals,
concerts, hotel conveniences, theme parks and natural attractions. It is a job perfectly suited to my tastes so naturally I'm quite excited!
How do you feel about editors who ask for articles on "spec?"
As an editor I could never guarantee that a writer's article would see print, regardless of quality. This was because of certain limitations
put on me by the publisher. I had to fill a 32-page paper three months in advance, knowing full well that since the final page count of any current
month was dependent upon the number of ads sold, the actual press run would likely be only 28 pages (and some of our franchises ran as little as 20
pages if they were in a new market!). Even if I verified that I slotted a writer's article for a particular issue, whether it actually made it
through the final cut before the press run would remain to be seen. Conversely, if the ad count was low, or we had to bump up the page count by
four to accommodate an extra full-page ad or two, I had to have enough copy to fill those extra pages at the last minute as well.
I imagine with the many, many different ways of managing a publication -- the different deadlines, budgetary concerns, varying number
of staff, traditional and modern ways of graphical setup, the experience and success of the sales force, and mammoth amount of editorial
administration that goes on behind the scenes, most editors who ask for articles on "spec" have their own good reasons. It's not necessarily a
reflection of the editor's confidence in the writer, but rather a result of a lot of behind-the-scene pressures. An article that arrives late, or with
significant flaws, can cause delays that a busy editor and overburdened graphics department can ill afford. Also, a good article can also be a
boon to sales reps, who will then have sufficient time to target the businesses which cater to its audience.
How tough is it to stick to a schedule when you may have several
articles due on the same day/week? Have you ever missed a deadline?
I've never missed a deadline, since for me it was always a matter of 'the buck stops here'. You have to do what you have to do, including late night,
last minute revisions for which you don't get paid. At one point I was responsible for seven different sections of the weekly newspaper, any four
of which would appear in each issue. If a writer was late or there was no available copy I had to whip something up of my own in a hurry. Luckily, I
work best under pressure, although often I could count on a two-day migraine as my only reward.
What do you do when the dreaded writer's block hits?
In my experience, writer's block is rarely likely if I have a comprehensive outline. My problem is more often digression and extraneous
material, as you can probably tell from this interview! Nonetheless, if I do come up against a blank wall, it is always best for me just to go do
something else for a day or two if possible. If the deadline is imminent, I write down just about anything -- half-sentences, notes to myself,
disjointed paragraphs or even the conclusion -- until the ideas and language start to flow properly. Later, I go back to delete the rubbish,
flesh out any creative leads and pull it all together properly.
Sometimes writer's block is indicative of an underlying problem. Perhaps I am trying to write about something I haven't properly researched,
in which case I go back to the drawing board. Perhaps the subject matter is too close to me personally, so I can't see it objectively enough to get it
down on paper. In such situations it is sometimes a good idea to discuss the subject with a friend or colleague.
What is something you wish you'd learned earlier in your writing career?
I learned to be totally objective and impersonal, like a real journalist should be. I'm still trying to unlearn it.
What is your proudest career moment?
I got a lot of satisfaction from knowing that as an editorial 'department' of one, I alone compiled, edited, fine-tuned and proofread all
the editorial for a magazine that went from a circulation of 25,000 in one city, to a circulation of 250,000 in six cities in just two years. This
feat demanded a lot of learning on my part, and a lot of creativity not only as a writer and editor, but as an
administrator and ambassador as well.
Are you ever nervous about doing interviews? How do you prepare?
I was very nervous about interviews at first, until I realized that most of the time the interviewee was much more nervous than I. Preparation
is the only way to appear calm and professional in that situation.
I always have many more questions than I think I will have time to ask. And as I run through the obligatory "who, what, where, why and when,"
I also remember to counter as many replies as I can with "how?". How did they decide on that location? How is it that a particular event took place
at that point in time; what events led up to it? This gives the interviewee a chance to recall anecdotes related to the subject, which in turn will
give great quotes and breathe life into my article.
I try to give the interviewee time to prepare as well (assuming it's not a situation where you need to catch him or her
off-guard). Often, individuals will have their own agenda. Let them have their say, since they've probably agonized for days beforehand in an attempt to memorize
what they want published. Once that is over with, they'll be more receptive to my agenda.
As an editor, what are some common mistakes you've seen new writers make?
The biggest mistake I see is writing above the literacy level of the readership. Believe it or not, the average reader of newspapers and
magazines has only a grade five reading level. I'm not suggesting you 'dumb it down', but by all means, when writing for the general public try to
tailor your article to an audience much broader than your college professors and colleagues. Simplify your syntax; keep one idea per sentence
whenever possible and scale-down your paragraphs. This will not only make the style much cleaner and friendlier, but also keep the reader's
attention.
Another problem is assuming the reader understands jargon specific to the subject matter. If you're going to use a term like "wysiwyg,"
"tearsheet," or "trailer" (in reference to movies), a short explanation with the first appearance of the word is necessary.
What would be your dream assignment?
As a natural-born editor, I've already given myself my dream assignment -- to write my first novel. The catch is, I haven't given myself
a deadline or outline. I might start it tomorrow, or the day I turn 75.
My father (age 82) just began writing poems about his recent adventures panning for gold in the Yukon. They are excellent! Perhaps if I
wait that long, I'll have a wonderful store of experiences to draw upon as well.
However, during my years as a business magazine editor I often ran across the saying: "The best time to start a business was three years ago."
If the same might be said for writing a novel, I guess I better get started!
Anything further you'd like to add?
Just that if you like to write, don't be shy. To get a start, target your weekly community newspaper, company newsletter, writing
contests or specialty magazines which cater to subjects you know and love. The more you write, the better you get. It's a fact.
Also, don't get discouraged or embarrassed when you see something you created in print, and think you could have or should have done a better
job. Instead, celebrate your objective hindsight, because it means you've reached a new plateau of creativity, experience and self-realization.
Karen Roman B.A.
President, WNES
Professional composition, manuscript
revision, editing and binding, proofreading and more.
E-mail: writenow@caninet.com
Website: www.caninet.com/~writenow
