"To know what you prefer instead of humbly saying Amen to what the world tells you you ought to prefer is to have kept your soul alive."
- Robert Louis Stevenson
How did you begin writing? Can you tell me a little bit about your background, education and training?
I've been writing for as long as I can remember! I've always loved books and reading, and learned to read at an early age. I think I wrote my first story (with the help of my mom) at age 4. When I was in 4th grade, I won the class short story contest for a story I titled, "The Dawning of the Sun." I continued to write through my junior high school years until I developed an interest and passion in theatre and acting. In 1995, at the age of 29, I decided to integrate my passion for theatre with my love of writing and try my hand at playwriting. I have been writing for the stage ever since. In 1999, following my move to Canada (and facing a long cold winter) I decided to try my hand at writing a novel. That's when Hey Dorothy You're Not in Kansas Anymore was born.
I completed my doctorate in Human Science at Saybrook Graduate School. I completed two undergraduate degrees (Social Services and Psychology) and a Master's degree in Human Development Counseling at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. I have worked as a youth and family counselor, an addictions counselor, a drug and alcohol education and prevention specialist, a mental health counselor and a college counselor. That kind of background has provided a tremendous idea bank for my creative writing!
Where did you get the idea for Hey Dorothy You're Not in Kansas Anymore?
When I was 25 years old, my father killed himself. It was emotionally devastating for my family dealing with his death. That tragic event in my life provided the seed for creation of the Robinson family - a family dealing with the sudden death of their dad.
When I was writing Hey Dorothy You're Not in Kansas Anymore, I had just moved from Tampa, Florida to Calgary, Alberta, Canada - a BIG change. I experienced a very different climate and a somewhat different culture in Calgary. I also incorporated some of these cultural differences into my book.
If Hey Dorothy You're Not in Kansas Anymore was made into a motion picture, who would be your dream cast?
Good question! We'll have to see who decides to produce the screenplay. I have some ideas but I'll never tell!
Who are some of your favorite authors and what are some of your favorite works?
Although they have completely different styles, I am HUGE fan of both David Mamet and Neil Simon. I think Larry Shue created two wonderful plays - The Foreigner and The Nerd. I'm a big fan of Oscar Wilde. The Importance of Being Ernest and The House of Yes by Wendy MacLeod are two of my favorite plays. Anything by William Shakespeare or Jane Austin and, or course, The Wizard of Oz!
What would you say is the most rewarding part of writing?
Having other people enjoy your work.
What kinds of things do you like to read?
I read a lot of plays and contemporary fiction. I enjoy suspense thrillers, legal thrillers and mysteries. I've read all of Jonathan Kellerman's books and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. I also love Augusten Burroughs - what a funny guy!
What new projects are you currently working on?
I have just completed my second screenplay and I'm working on four others. I'd like to have one sold by the end of the year!
What else do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog. We are childfree. I watch a lot of movies - about five to eight per week. I also try to get to the theatre as much as possible. I have a healthy lifestyle. I'm a vegetarian and I work-out every day. I also enjoy travelling and hiking.
Most recently, I started playing several musical instruments including the psaltery, keyboard, mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer. Music has become one of my spiritual practices. I also read spiritual material (such as ACIM) and meditate every day.
"You are the music while the music lasts." T.S. Eliot from Dry Salvages
For more information about Karen Mueller Bryson, visit her website at:
