Karlene Browning lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
What are some names of the books or other media you have created?
As a typesetter, editor, and formatter, I’ve worked on many books over the years, including HE DID DELIVER ME FROM BONDAGE by Colleen C. Harrison, a best-selling LDS 12-step recovery book; PIECE OF SKY by Ann Hunter, a middle-grade fairy tale retelling; and many more. As I recently returned to the publishing scene, I’ve released OMEGA ALPHA and LIFE IN THE PIT by Kristen Landon, and LIFELIKE by Sheila A. Nielson (a 14th annual Whitney Award finalist).
What inspired you to become a creator of media?
Since I learned to read at age 4, I’ve been fascinated with stories. I love words, I love stories. I was about 12 when I realized that people wrote books, and thought, maybe, I could write one too! I haven’t published a novel yet, but I’m still thinking about it. In the meantime, I play with words and story every day—reading, editing, typesetting, formatting, design, and marketing. I love taking a manuscript and making it shine!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
That’s like asking which is your favorite child! I am very proud of my work with Hearthaven Publishing, getting the message of recovery through Jesus Christ out to the Latter-day Saint community. Their first book, HE DID DELIVER ME FROM BONDAGE, has sold over 200,000 copies. Another huge highlight is my most recent release, LIFELIKE, which is a Whitney finalist! There was much jumping and screaming and exaltation when that was announced.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given in your creative journey?
Don’t ever tell yourself you can’t do something because you don’t know how. We have Google now. You can always learn how to do something. The more you use a tool or skill, the better you become. Also, a recent piece of advice that I use daily: “When one can see no future, all one can do is the next right thing.” – Pabbie from Frozen II
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
If you want to do something, keep learning and keep practicing. Network with people you know. Don’t be afraid to tell friends and family what you’re doing. Your excitement for what you do will inspire them—and they’ll tell others. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to establish yourself as a professional in any field—it’s how I got (still get) 95% of my work.
What keeps you inspired in your daily creative work?
I can see the end of the project from the beginning, in all it’s shining glory. That view keeps me going.
What would you like others to know about you or your creative process?
Book people are my people. I can talk with them for hours about books, authors, and other book-related things. It’s networking with others who love books that keeps my creative process going.
You can find tips on the creative process on my “About” page on my website at: https://inksplasher.com/meet-inksplasher/
In what ways do you feel you have been able to be a voice for good in your creative pursuits?
I love doing workshops and presentations about creating and publishing books. I love sharing what I’ve learned over the past 40 years and encouraging others to keep trying, celebrating their successes. Years ago, author Josi S. Kilpack told me that I was the best book cheerleader ever and that has remained one of my most treasured compliments.