The Author Spotlight Series shines a light on writers creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their books and why they do what they do.
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To submit an author for consideration, email editors@myentertainmentworld.ca.
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“Karen Whetung is Anishinaabe and of mixed European ancestry and currently lives and works in Victoria, B.C. as an Indigenous Mentor and Storyteller in the local school districts. She believes that through sharing stories we can heal our communities, celebrate our diversity, and create a world where we all belong.”
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
Though I’ve loved writing most of my life, and sometimes fantasized about writing-type jobs, I didn’t consider pursuing it seriously until I was in my early thirties.
Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?
The first thing I ever tried to write was a birthday card to my dad, when I was around 3 or 4 years old. I’m sure it was just scribbles. Other than that, I wrote a poem called “the mask” when I was around 12 years old.
How did you develop your skills?
I kept a journal from 11 -19 years old, and wrote almost daily. I consumed tons of media: books, magazines, plays, movies. I worked really hard to learn the conventions of English. Most importantly, having fun, sharing, and creating with others has majorly impacted my skills and abilities.
Who are some of your biggest literary influences?
Stephen King, J.D. Salinger, Paulo Coelho, Octavia Butler, Shel Silverstein, Eden Robinson, David Sedaris, Stuart McLean
Do you have a favourite book?
3-way tie: The Alchemist, Parable of the Sower, and The Lesser Blessed
How would you describe your work?
A safe space to tackle some of the harder things in life.
What’s your writing process like?
For me, the writing process involves a lot of walking around thinking or pacing at home half-muttering. I’m sure I look on the brink of madness, but it’s also how I organize and visualize the ideas and structure of the manuscript.
Next, I sit and write on my computer until I’m completely drained.
I leave it for at least a day, and the go back and read it out loud. From there, I’ll go back and forth between walking and typing until it’s ready to share.
Tell us about your most recent book.
Four Fallen Eagles is a story that was created as a gift and reflection for the students I had worked with when I was an Indigenous education assistant. I shared it with Teddy Anderson (from Medicine Wheel Education) and he asked for a manuscript.
After it was completed, I went to the table reading with the illustrator and team at Medicine Wheel Education. Together we read through and talked about what images or ideas we had imagined. EB sunflower came back with such wonderful images and landscapes, and I knew that I was part of something really special.
What are you working on now/next?
I’m determined to write down the oral stories I have told over the years. “The noisy girl and the Windigo” is finished and I’m working with an indigenous youth to illustrate it. “how the wolf got two coats” is in the early stages but will likely be shoppable soon.
