Huz Interview: The Inside Scoop on Author Karen Witemeyer

Today we welcome Wes Witemeyer, husband of author Karen Witemeyer.




Karen Witemeyer is the author of Short-Straw Bride and To Win Her Heart.  You may visit her website at www.karenwitemeyer.com.


Welcome Wes!

Where did you meet Karen, and how long have you been married?

We met at church during college. Karen was a freshman and I was a sophomore. I remember a conversation I had with my roommate at the time. After meeting Karen I said to my roommate, “That is the kind of girl I could marry.” It took about 6 months, but eventually our friendship turned into something more and we have never looked back. This past year we celebrated 20 years of marriage.
Who lives at home with you?

We have 3 children, currently 14, 12, and 10, and we have no pets. 12 years ago, my parents retired and moved to the town where we live. Our neighbor at that same time got transferred to a different city and was looking to sell his house. After talking to Karen and me first, he offered to sell his house to my parents. They still live next door to us today. It takes a special person to live next door to their in-laws, no matter how good the relationship is. Early in our kids’ lives, you would ask them how many people were in our family, and they would answer 7, to include my parents as part of the family.Did you know Karen was a writer before you were married?

No.  She has, however, always loved to read and was always making little notes about things she liked as she read.  Karen has always been someone who has been willing to do what needed to be done, and it is such a thrill to see her be able to write and minister through her writing because she has such a love for it.

What is your occupation and how long have you been working at that vocation?

I am currently working as an Analyst for the Advancement Division at Abilene Christian University.  I have held this job for the past 9 years; however I have been employed by the University for a total of 17 years.

What are a few of your favorite books and authors?

I love to read fantasy and science fiction books.  I have a nice collection of Star Wars books.  I also like to read R. A. Salvatore and Terry Brooks.  One other series I really enjoy reading is the James Bond books.
Have you ever read any of your wife's books?  If so, do you have a favorite?
 

I actually have not read any of my wife’s books.  And yes I do occasionally catch some grief from people about that fact. However my wife is very gracious about it.  I do have her first book downloaded to my iPhone, so who knows maybe I will get to it.  If I had to pick a favorite, it would be her first book A Tailor-Made Bride, since it is dedicated to me.

Where does Karen write?

A lot of writing happens in the office at her day job during down time.  However, occasionally she will need to spend some time writing while at home and that always occurs in our bedroom sitting on our bed.  During some long trips, occasional writing can occur in the car.  I did buy her a laptop several years ago just for her to use for writing and she is very protective of it and uses it quite often.

What does she wear when writing?

I don’t think there is a specific “writing outfit” for Karen.  It is usually just whatever she happens to have on at the time.

Is there anything unusual that she ever asks you to do relating to her writing?

Nothing unusual.  She will close the door while she is writing and I will do everything I can to keep the kids from disturbing her.  Having said that, knowing that she is writing romance stories, I do occasionally try to up our personal romance factor secretly hoping that it may help in some small way.

What activities do the two of you enjoy doing together as a couple?

We both love to be out in nature, but the chances to enjoy those things are few and far between given the stage of life we are in with our children.  We do manage to get away occasionally and really enjoy just spending our time together.  After the kids are in bed for the evening, our favorite thing to do together is to sit in our recliners and see who can fall asleep during a TV show the fastest.  Karen usually wins.

Now, from Karen:

 
Does your husband write? If so, please tells us about it.  

My husband is not a writer, unless you count writing computer script. Even when he's preparing to teach a class at church, he goes for the minimum notes possible. He can be a deep thinker, though, and I will sometimes talk through ideas with him when I'm working on a new plot.As an author, what is something exceptional that you appreciate about your husband relating to his support of your career?

Wes is supportive in so many ways. He keeps copies of my books and promotional materials on display in his office. He has photos of my books covers on his phone that he whips out to show anyone who asks. He even talks up my books with his online gaming friends. Even computer nerds have wives and mothers who read, you know.

Before I ever made any money at writing, he encouraged me to attend writing conferences, and even now he is the first to tell me to go for it when travel and speaking opportunities arise. He steps in to take care of the kids and never begrudges me the time I need to meet a deadline. He may not read my books, but his support is undeniable. He's my hero.
 Thank you for visiting, Wes and Karen!


For more Huz Interviews Go HERE>>