Karen Grassle
Author Interview - Karen Grassle
Author of BRIGHT LIGHTS, PRAIRIE DUST
In my memoir, I have taken a healing journey through a life full of love and plagued with alcoholism and depression. The wonder of finding a calling at a young age and pursuing it with all my heart is here, so too the trials of a young marriage while trying to break into NYC show biz. The excitement and exhilaration of a Broadway show, or getting the role of "Ma" on "Little House" when I was at the end of my rope have made for a life that was never dull. At the peak of my fame, I had to confront my own addictions, and face myself. My hope is that the vulnerability, insight, and humor I share will be an inspiration for the reader and women in particular.
Author Interview - Karen Grassle
Author I draw inspiration from: Anam Thubten, Alice Waters
Author Interview - Karen Grassle | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: In my bed.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Andre from "War and Peace," Tolstoy
Author Interview - Karen Grassle | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: When I was a child, I started writing stories. When I won a contest at Sunday School, I thought maybe I would be a writer. But my calling was to the life of an actor. Then, these last years when I had more time, writing became my chief occupation.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: I like to hold a book, hardback or paperback, and be able to leaf back and forth through the pages to check questions that I have while I'm reading.
The last book I read: "Ghost in the Throat, " by Doireann Ni Ghriofa
Author Interview - Karen Grassle | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: All of the above. But the original drafts of the work that became BRIGHT LIGHTS, PRAIRIE DUST were all on yellow pads with pencil or pen.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Jo in "Little Women."
Author Interview - Karen Grassle | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: An Actress. Is that a fair answer? If not, then a psychologist working with people.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1930's glamor
Place I’d most like to travel: The Barrier Reef, if I could get there without jet lag.
My signature drink: Black tea, no sweetener, and lots of it.
Favorite artist: Michaelangelo
Number one on my bucket list: Taj Mahal
Anything else you'd like to add: My book has turned out to be a woman's book, I think. From the early readers, I'd say it speaks across the generations to the challenges women face when they have gifts they want to develop and children they want to care for at the same time.
Find more from the author:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.grassle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_grassle/
Pinterest: https://pin.it/6aKX3WU
Author Bio: Karen Grassle is an actress who trained for the theatre and worked all over the country in plays as well as Broadway prior to becoming known for her portrayal of “Ma” on the beloved, world-renowned TV series, "Little House on the Prairie."
During her years on television, Karen co-created the TV movie "Battered" and advocated for women’s issues. After 8 seasons on "Little House," Karen married and she and her husband adopted a baby, fulfilling Karen’s dream to be a mom. Although the marriage did not succeed, she was grateful to be a mother. She continued to appear on television and also stood by on Broadway for Mary Tyler Moore and Lynn Redgrave. Karen continued to play major roles, spending six years at Actors Theatre of Louisville, and later, at theatres near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as around the U.S. and Canada. Her most recent film, "Not to Forget," is due to be released in 2021. This lighthearted film revolves around issues of dementia and family. She attributes the ability to write and complete her memoir to the Addison Street Writers Circle, which she co-founded. For more information, please visit her website at KarenGrassle.net where you will also find a link to "Storytime with Karen," recorded for young children during the pandemic.
