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An Author Interview with...

Chris King

The Life of Your Writer...

Tell us a bit about yourself. What would you like us to know about you?

I have what I call a "Portfolio Career" (many different careers in my job portfolio). Besides being a writer, I am a storyteller, fitness instructor, speaker, trainer, website developer and designer, artist, newsletter editor and mother of five.

What is your favorite...

Food: baked potatoes
Color: red
Sound: the whooping and hollering of my fitness students during a class
Taste: tartness (apples and grapefruit, for example)
Person: so many, but do love Julia Cameron of the Artist's Way
Place: New York City with Chicago and Washington, D.C. close seconds
Memory: playing games with my children as they were growing up
Article of clothing: earrings (really jewelry, but they set my wardrobe)
Word: incredible

What is your favorite writer's quote and why?

Probably, Anne Lamott's "Bird by bird, buddy. Just take it bird by bird." This description of her father (a writer also) telling her brother (ten at the time) who was overwhelmed by a report that he was writing on birds and immobilized by the hugeness of the task ahead. When I have an article or a large project, I tell myself to take it one step (one bird) at a time.

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

Probably Hawaii. I have a daughter who lives there now, and I haven't yet been down to visit (she writes that they live in "paradise."


Your Writer's Perspective...

What inspires you to write and why?

I write and maintain three information websites, and write two other columns, all of which I write for weekly. This is a motivator, but I guess the inspiration comes from my enjoyment of sharing information that I have learned and experienced.

What do you think makes a writer successful?

Loving what you do and doing it on a regular basis.

What is it that makes you successful as a writer?

I write about topics that excite me. I enjoy the writing and then the follow-up editing, editing, editing.


A Writer's Journey...

How long have you been writing and how did you get your start as a freelance writer?

I've been writing for longer than I can remember. I was writing articles for a local newspaper and when the editor quit, I took over as editor. Because those who wrote for the paper were volunteers, I often filled in with my own articles, and, of course, thought up assignments, and even rewrote articles. Then, a year and a half ago, when I quit (after ten years of being editor), I started writing freelance exclusively.

What are your goals as a writer?

So far I have many articles in print and on the Internet, along with two e-books and a special report. I want to continue with my on-line writing and article publications, but also have two books in the works, one a non-fiction about "Portfolio Careers" and the other a fictional book of stories.

What is the best tip you can give to fellow writers?

Be patient and persistent in everything you do.

What do you hope to provide your readers with through your writing?

Useful information, inspiration and entertainment.

List your three favorite online writer-resource sites and why?

www.writersweekly.com: great newsletter for writers

www.freelancing4money.com: weekly source of paying freelance opportunities (many for writers)

www.writers-editors.com: all sorts of information on writing and opportunities.

Tell us about your publishing success (book title, publishing date, publishing company, where it is available to purchase)...

Presently, I have two e-books with the group called Intellectua.com. They are "How to Get Started as a Professional Storyteller" and "How to Get Started as a Fitness Instructor." Both can be found at www.dreamjobstogo.com/?10395

How long did it take you to write your book(s)?

They each took a couple of months of concentrated work.

What would you do differently if you could repeat the same publishing experience?

Probably nothing different. We were given the desired format, and I found the whole experience to be interesting, enlightening, enjoyable and educational.

What have you learned about the publishing world through your experience?

This is different from the regular publishing world. I know many others who have published, both with a publisher and also self-publishing. I did have a story appear in one of the earlier Chicken Soup books (no pay, but people have contacted me). Those who go through a publisher say that they still are in charge of their own marketing and receive very small royalties per book.


Your Writer's Response...

This is your chance to "Talk-Back" to your readers. What would you like to say to them?

Just, keep reading. It will never go out of style.

What's the one thing that you want them to know about your writing?

My writing isn't heavy. I want it to be helpful and fun. If you have any questions and/or comments, don't hesitate to get in touch with me. You can find me at chris@creativekeys.net or even phone me at (216) 991-8428 (I love to talk).

Please provide us with the link to your index page and/or web page.

My major website is www.creativekeys.net. I also have a website that would be interesting to freelancers at www.freelanceliving.com and another about storytelling at www.storytellingpower.com

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