Karen grew up on a small family farm near Spillville, Iowa.

Life on the farm was always an adventure for a small child – especially with six older siblings! 

There were always creative ideas to be explored and stories to share.

In 2013, Karen began writing children’s books to capture some of those creative stories still running through her head…

Because of her own curiosity as a child, Karen offers books that are exciting to read with surprise endings!  

Children use their imagination and wide-eyed wonder as they read – they can’t wait to discover how the story ends.  Then there are always plenty of giggles!

Interview:

1. Will you tell us about your most recent published work?

My most recent published work is “Fenella and the Enchanted Forest”.   This book teaches the lesson that friends can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and it is what is on the inside that counts, not what is on the outside.  I believe this is a truly important lesson for children (and adults) to learn.   Fenella won a 2018 Purple Dragonfly Award in the Cultural Diversity topic.

2. What personal challenges do you face as a writer?

Whereas writing is a full time job / career for some authors, writing for me is my hobby, so sometimes finding the time to write is a challenge.

3. What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I like to write stories that keep children interested until the end, either with a bit of suspense or surprises throughout the book.  I think sometimes the most difficult part is to ensure that my stories will keep the attention of the child, so that they are excited to read it over and over again.

4. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

When my first book was published, I had proven to myself that I could do this.  It gave me the confidence to continue with my second and third books.

5. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to take a chance – if you fail, at least you tried.

6. What’s the best way to market your books?

I market my books through Amazon and other online sites.  I also attend author events / book signings and have given presentations at several schools.  Word of mouth / friends / family and social media are also good ways to market.

7. What is your favorite childhood book?

One book that I still remember from my childhood is titled “Pretzel” by Margaret Rey.  It is about a little dachshund that grows to be the longest dachshund in the world.  Most admire him except for the little girl dachshund across the street.  She does not care for long dogs. However, one day Greta needs rescuing and the only dog long enough to save her is Pretzel.  I think this book again instills in me that it is not what is on the outside, but what is on the inside that is the most important and sometimes we have to prove that to others.

Social Media Links:

Karen is featured on the Iowa Center for the Book website www.iowacenterforthebook.org/authors/browse/karen-hutzel

Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/kmryanthutzel

Contact information: kmrhutzel@gmail.com