An Interview with Karen O'Connor

Photo Gallery

Will you start by giving us a snapshot of your life? We know you as an author, but what else are you involved in professionally? Personally?

I teach writing for the Christian Writers Guild and for the Long Ridge Writers Group. I also speak at the Mount Hermon Writers Conference each spring and at the Mount Hermon Fall Mentoring Clinic. I speak at women’s retreats occasionally and at women’s church events. At one time, I spoke at a number of business conferences, as well.

Teaching and encouraging aspiring writers is almost as important to me as writing. Two women in my life inspired me, so I want to do the same for others. I also write freelance articles for Focus on the Family, The Lookout, and Tapestry. And I’m my son’s right–hand writer for his web–based business. This is great fun. I love being part of his profession, and he enjoys having “Mom” on the payroll.

On the personal side, I enjoy a weekly dance workout, gardening, hiking—which I do once a week with members of the Sierra Club—spending time with my grandchildren, my adult children, and of course my husband, Charles. He and I like to travel a bit, and we love the theater, concerts, camping in the Sierra Mountains with friends each summer, and walking in our neighborhood. And of course I love to read. Books are among my greatest treasures. I’ve loved reading since I was a child. I also enjoy blogging. http://www.wordykaren.blogspot.com/

Where did you get your great sense of humor? Have you always been one to look at life and laugh?

I haven’t always smiled at life. I’ve had heartache as everyone has at some point or another. My first husband left my children and me after twenty years of marriage and family life, and at that time I hit the lowest point I’d ever known. But it was also the beginning of leaning on God. When I really heard the Gospel for the first time, I knew things were going to be very different. I was scared and excited, too. As the years passed and I opened up to more of God’s love and healing, I recovered my sense of humor—the one I was known for as a kid. Laughter got me through many tough situations over the years. I began to see there was something to smile about in almost every aspect of life. I believe that perspective has inspired me to offer hope, help, and humor to others through my writing and speaking.

How do you collect the stories that you share in your books?

I ask family members, friends, acquaintances, neighbors—even strangers I meet—to tell me about their lives, and to share the touching, inspiring, and humorous experiences they’ve had related to the topic of my book. I then ask permission to turn their “story seeds” (as I refer to them) into humorous stories with a fictional twist for my books. People are very receptive to sharing and to seeing what I do with this grist from their memory mills. I use many of my own experiences, as well.

Your books poke gentle fun at the “senior moments” we all experience from time to time…so tell us, do you have a senior moment of your own to share?

Sure do. Last year, while preparing to move from one city to another, I looked everywhere I could think of for my favorite white sunhat—the one I wore whenever I went walking or hiking. The last time I remembered wearing it was on a walk with a friend and then to a coffee shop with my husband that same day. I assumed I left it in the restaurant and someone picked it up. Finally I gave up looking and asking about it, but reluctantly so. We moved, and I turned my thoughts to buying a new hat—though whenever I shopped I couldn’t find one quite as nice as the “lost” one. Later that year as we prepared for our vacation, I longed for that hat once again. I had prayed that God would put my hand on it—if it were still around. I opened my suitcase to pack for the trip and unzipped one pocket I rarely used. It seemed like a good spot to put a couple of scarves or a hat! Of course. It all came back to me in a rush. I had placed my beloved hat in that very pocket on our last weekend jaunt—several months before. I pulled it out and hugged it, and I haven’t let it out of my sight since—except to set it on the closet shelf in our hallway where I can see it every time I open the door!

Your book titles proclaim that “Gettin’ Old” and “Walkin’ with God” Ain’t for Wimps! Why do you believe this?

I not only believe it, I’m walking proof of it. Age brings all kinds of unwelcome “side effects” such as wrinkles, hearing aids, bunions, aching hips, slower pace, less energy, and on and on. It takes grace and grit to accept these limitations and keep smiling. But I’m determined to do so, because aging also offers the opportunity to be gracious, grateful, and generous with those who come behind. Those of us who have hit that mark have “made it” so to speak, and we can be a voice of encouragement to others, and an example of a life well–lived. I want to be that for my children and grandchildren and younger friends, just as my parents and people older than I am have been for me.

What do you think people overlook when they think about “gettin’ old?”

I can’t speak for anyone but myself, but I can mention what I observe. Some seniors seem to dwell on the negative (aches, pains, difficulties, loss of usefulness or importance, etc.), and in so doing, they miss the great opportunity there is to be of service to others, to share their wisdom and experience, and to be a force for good in the world. On the other hand, I know dozens of older people who do all the “good stuff” I mentioned and more. They keep themselves fit mentally, physically, and spiritually and share themselves freely with others through volunteer activities and missionary work.

Are there things about the empty nest, retirement, and the second half of life that have surprised you?

Yes. How good it really is. I still feel youthful. I enjoy many of the same activities I’ve always enjoyed—such as hiking in the mountains, writing books, and participating in church activities and I have no intention of retiring. I feel more peaceful than ever before. I don’t take myself as seriously as I once did, and I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about what other people think of me. I enter into life with expectancy, and as a result, I receive many delightful surprises every day.

For example, when we moved to our new community, I was concerned that I might not be able to make the kind of deep friendships I was leaving behind. I had known some of those people for nearly 25 years. But the first week here in Watsonville, I met two women on my block with whom I bonded almost immediately. I told them my concern. We all laughed and agreed that since we have less time ahead of us than behind us, we would skip the usual nonsense women go through to impress each other and simply be friends right away—without any pretense. What a relief. These two women are now among my closest and dearest “new” friends. And they count me the same. Not a day goes by that we don’t greet in the street or at the mailbox and exchange hugs, and in times of need we get together and pray for one another. God is faithful to give us everything we need, regardless of our age or circumstance.

Is it true you have 14 grandchildren? Tell us about your family. How do you manage to keep track of all those grandkids?

My husband Charles and I have been married for 24 years. Between us we have 12 grandchildren (he has four, I have eight). Then we “adopted” two other children (whose grandparents had died) into our grandchildren brood—totaling 14. We have a birthday calendar so we don’t forget anyone’s special day, and we shop for Christmas and birthday gifts all year long—taking advantage of sales and special promotions so we can remember each one with something special. I also keep a journal for each one and give it to them upon graduating from high school. It’s my legacy. Charles and I also made a small individual photo album for each one last year. The young people range in age from four to twenty!

Word has it there’s another “Wimps” book in the works. Can you give us a sneak peak?

The next title in the series is Bein’ A Grandparent Ain’t For Wimps. That’s for sure!! I’m usually worn out after a day with the little ones. And the big ones keep me on my toes—checking out my wardrobe, hair style, and helping me remember things I forget! I have already gathered 45+ “story seeds” for the book—many of which have come from my own grandchildren.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m blessed to be part of the Harvest House family. I receive such love, care, and respect as an author and as a person. God gave me the gift of laughter and the ability to write. HH has allowed me to use both for God’s glory, for the good of the company, and for my many readers who have helped me face the “golden years” with grace, gratitude, and grit!