This Week: Karol Tiler

Q: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

A: I have always been an avid reader and from a very early age would read anything and everything I could lay my hands on. In my early thirties, I read a couple of books I was disappointed in and thought that I could have written the ending better. I have an over imaginative mind and can make a story from an everyday occurrence.

Q: How and when did you make this dream a reality?

A: I was busy in those early years, traveling with my husband who was a military man, and raising our four children as well as having to work. But the feeling of wanting to write was never far away from my mind. We left the Army and my children married and moved away; I had what you call ‘The Empty Nest Syndrome.’ Even though I was still working, I found it was not fulfilling enough. I took a creative writing course, and the idea was formed for my first book. Later, a published author from my writing circle told me that most writers start with short stories before they take on writing a novel. I began to type it out on an electric typewriter; changing what I had written each time I went back to it.

Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned so far in your writing career?

A: Perseverance, always. Never give up, and never be complacent. Never be satisfied with what you have written, always strive to improve it. Respect Editors and Publishers, but they are not God. When they criticize or reject your work, don’t take it personally, keep on smiling.

Q: What are you working on right now?

A: I have just finished my second book titled Out of the Gutter, I am waiting for the design cover from the publishers for my approval, and once that is done the book will go to print. I have written the first four chapters of my next book titled Sam’s Song; this is the sequel to my first book, Footprints.

Q: Name some authors or books that have influenced your writing life in a positive way.

A: I have always loved and read all of Catherine Cookson. She came from Newcastle upon Tyne in the North of England. I loved her books because they were all about life. Many of her books were based on the hardships she had as a young girl; the places and people in her books were those she had grown up with. The stories were believable. I know firsthand that life is not always sweetness and light. Other authors I have enjoyed are Claire Raynor, Maureen Flowers and Harry Bowling. Since coming to live in America I have enjoyed reading Nora Roberts and Anne Tyler. But I will read anything else that comes my way.

Q: What excites or ignites your soul?

A: I get excited when the underdog fights back and wins. When the person who has been treated badly and unfairly succeeds. When goodness and honesty wins over badness and dishonesty. I don’t like people who take advantage of others. I wish I had the means and know-how to be able to stand up and fight for all those who cannot protect themselves. This is something I feel very passionate about.

Karol Tiler is 58 years old and grew up in West Yorkshire in the North of England. She has four children and nine grandchildren. She was a nurse for twenty-five years and worked as a Social Worker for three years. She has lived in Florida since October 2005 with her husband Allan.