Karon Sue Semones

Virginia is Home

I was born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia. I married a NYC theatre director who had a four story high mural of the Blue Ridge Mountains painted on the back wall of his courtyard apartment so I wouldn't be homesick. He truly loves the (Yeats) "pilgrim soul" in me. Like Heidi, I recently moved back home after a fifteen year adventure in the NYC area.

First story I ever read, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in my Shirley Temple Storybook at age four.

When I saw Edgar Allen Poe's room at UVA at age eight I decided then and there that being a writer would be the best job on the face of the planet.

My dream to write and teach was delayed until my daughter was through high school then I went to Hollins University, which has an excellent writing program. When I said how scary it was to follow in Annie Dillard's footsteps one of the professors said, "Make your own." And I have.

The thing I like most about playwriting is that you can meet your characters face to face. The lights go up and there's this universe that you've created out of your head. Suddenly, the world can see your imaginary friends too or maybe it's just a form of collective insanity. It's the reason I like the collaborative aspects of playwriting.  Storytelling coming to life with the help of directors, actors and designers.

I have a fear of first person stories because I never want to be identified with my characters. I want them separate from myself to observe and record their actions  and secrets like a secretary. I also don't outline my stories in order not to be limited to a set framework. Sometimes it's like being a bizarre journalist to hear voices in your head and I suspect if I had been born a hundred years ago I would have been the aunt kept in the attic.

I've had wonderful mentors and cheerleaders who have supported and encouraged me every step of the way. I don't try to limit myself to a category of writing but if I had to choose a label it would be as an Appalachian Writer.

You'll find I'm not a fan of de-constructionism. I appreciate all aspects of art and seeing a moment of a person's vision whether through words or paint. But trying to "add" to someone's art other than offering opinion is like taking crayons to a Manet in the Met.

The artistic dark night of doubt is a personal journey that you always hope will bring inspiration in some form or fashion, but color your own picture please.

Theater isn't a comfortable medium to be in these days. Musicals and producers reign. There aren't enough theaters who can afford to do new work.

I don't write everyday. I need a sense of normal life otherwise the characters take over. I usually get their names from Southern Obituaries. I use #1 pencils and yellow legal pads and can pretty much write anywhere including a NYC subway car. I do have a lovely studio filled with all things from fairy tales and lovely famous writer dolls who inspire me. I really hate to type and sometimes find myself writing for eight hours straight without noticing the time.