Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Kaiser.
Hi Terri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My grade-school teachers often complained about my daydreaming during class. I was piecing stories together—always. I saw them everywhere. Still do, as any writer will tell you. I dabbled with writing stories for years. The challenge lay in a lack of confidence in my ability and belief that anyone would enjoy reading my work. It wasn’t until I forced myself to attend the Harvest of Writing conference by Midwest Fiction Writers in Minneapolis many years ago that my perception of my abilities changed. My sister drove me, and I tell you, I thought I would lose my breakfast all the way there. She nearly shoved me out of the car, and as I stood on the curb spewing reasons why this was a dumb idea, she took off and left me there. By the end of the day, I knew it was one of the best things I’d ever done for myself. After that event, I attended every conference and class I could. I read countless books on craft and joined a few writers’ groups. Three years ago, I moved to the Twin Cities from Wisconsin (I’m still a cheesehead, but with a newfound yearning for popovers and hot dish). I am soaking up all this area has to offer a writer, and there’s a lot. Finding my people, like-minded souls who live by the written word, is key.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My greatest obstacle has been me—insecurity in my ability, time management, a lack of tech skills, and second-guessing the plot. That’s it. Unfortunately, my writing took a backseat for many years. Now that I have shed my day job, one would think my writing would have leaped to the top of the list, but it’s still a struggle. I am learning to put my butt in the chair and get the words out, no matter the quality—that’s what revision is for. I am also learning how to refill the creative well. Creativity of any kind is nourishing and necessary. I take painting or baking classes, visit art museums, or spend time in nature. Pottery is on deck next.
The path to publication is never smooth—at least it hasn’t been for me. Suffering rejection takes extraordinarily thick skin to navigate. Early on, I knew this journey would rely on my ability to see my work objectively through the eyes of those with more knowledge than I, accept their guidance, and sift through the constructive criticism. That’s if I was lucky enough to receive advice rather than a standard rejection.
The most difficult rejection so far has been an editor showing enthusiasm for an early story, but requesting a heavily elevated word count. When I finished, I received a standard rejection letter. It was devastating. After a week of wallowing in a pity-pool as deep as Lake Superior, I realized all I learned from that experience. To meet the word count, I had to expand my plot, flesh out characters, and add sensory details regarding location and character interaction. I ended up with a better book. That manuscript was never published, but what I learned was priceless, and I believe the next book proved that.
So, you may ask, why do it? Why write? Because buried deep within my soul, I cannot not write. Because when it all comes together, it’s so damn satisfying.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Romance novels were where I began with Finding Lucy and Kissing Livvy. I was fascinated by the idea of two people from opposite ends of life’s spectrum coming together, with differing goals and ideals, and finding common ground. Creating a successful romance is akin to working a puzzle—all the pieces must fit in an intricate way that is authentic and satisfying for the writer and reader. Writing romance allowed me to let my humor flag fly.
I then moved toward historical fiction, which is the bulk of what I read these days. Genealogical work is one of my hobbies. I come across so many stories and people that grab my soul and beg to be written. I want to honor them, keep their struggles alive. It’s a delicate dance between fact and fiction to respect the characters and what they experienced.
My historical novels are loosely based on nuggets of family stories handed down. Sometimes, all it takes is a vision of a scene or an event that takes hold in my brain. My novels, essays, and blog posts often involve family dynamics, the nuance of different characters and viewpoints of those sharing the same gene pool. The Witness Tree is a good example of that. Desperate actions in 1944 irreparably impacted those who came after and had to deal with the repercussions. My yet-to-be-published novel, Wildflowers, which is set in 1933, involves the lengths two young women go to trying to save the family farm. These are stories of women who face challenges that bring them to their knees, yet they rise and survive as best they can, even if they don’t always win the fight. It’s fascinating to me how one generation informs the next.
I am most proud when my readers tell me I made them laugh, sigh as they let the words sink in, or shed a tear. Writing is about emotion. Without it, books are set down unfinished, never to be reopened. Those bits of feedback let me know I’ve done a decent job and that all those hours spent staring at a screen were worth it.
What sets my stories apart, I believe, is the dialogue and dynamics between the characters. Who doesn’t enjoy a sassy back-and-forth, playful teasing, or an argument that turns ridiculous or tender? It’s what I like to write the most.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently marketing my next novel, Wildflowers, to agents and publishers, while also exploring the option of self-publishing. On June 27th, I will be signing books at Lake Country Books in my new hometown of White Bear Lake. Last winter, a fellow author and I taught a class on publishing at the White Bear Center for the Arts, and we plan to do it again in the fall. Public speaking is not my forte, but I am working on it. Currently, I am putting together a two-volume compilation of essays, most of which are from a newspaper column I wrote a few years ago titled Letters from Musky Falls, the same as my blog. I also have another historical novel in the works.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.terrimorrisonkaiser.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrikaiser12/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terri.m.kaiser
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-morrison-kaiser
- Other: www.lettersfrommuskyfalls.wordpress.com
