The word inventors have to create a new term to describe how I felt when I learned that 'Refund' was on the shortlist for the Frank O'Connor International Story prize - Excited, thrilled, honored, none of them quite do it. Karen Bender connorcreatedescribe share on social
Don't go into any store that features shopping bags that can stand on their own accord in the middle of a table. This sort of shopping bag denotes prices that will start chipping into your children's college education fund. Avoid it. Karen Bender accordavoidbag share on social
Write something beautiful and honest and that makes you very proud. Karen Bender beautifulhonestmake Change image and share on social
Writing about a person whose struggle you wish you could solve is an act of compassion and also, frankly, opportunism. Karen Bender actcompassionfrankly Change image and share on social
What is it to be normal, at 12, at 78? What is it like when you can't grow up? Karen Bender grownormal Change image and share on social
Write a story a great writer would write. Because part of becoming an artist is pushing through all the disbelief of those around you, deciding that you are a writer when you have no idea what a plot is or whether what you've written is any good, or anything. Karen Bender artistdecidedisbelief share on social
Tell your mother that any clothes she wants to purchase you as a gift has to be suitable for a job interview. Karen Bender clothegiftinterview Change image and share on social
You sit at your computer for hours, then slave away at your job that you may or may not like. You don't know how to explain to them that the time when you feel alive or present is when you are writing. Karen Bender alivecomputerexplain share on social
I wrote lots of pages. I showed what I wrote to Iowa friends, and they said, 'Good start.' That was discouraging because I thought it was almost done. Karen Bender discouragefriendgood Change image and share on social
My first published work was when I was 19, in 'Playgirl.' It was an odd experience but exciting. Karen Bender excitexperienceodd Change image and share on social
