Authors > Karen R. Koenig > Author Revealed

Karen R. Koenig
Photo Credit: Sue Messina

Karen R. Koenig

Karen R. Koenig is a cognitive-behavioral therapist and author of three books on eating and weight. A national speaker, she regularly teaches workshops on eating to groups around the country. She lives in Sarasota, Florida.

Author Revealed:
Q. What is your motto or maxim?
A. We're all doing the best we can.
Learn more about Karen R. Koenig
Karen R. Koenig Revealed
About Karen R. Koenig
  • Previous occupations:
    Teacher, typist, office manager, copywriter
  • Favorite job:
    Therapist and writer.
  • High school and/or college:
    Simmons College School of Social Work
  • Name of your favorite composer or music artist?:
    Billie Holiday.
  • Favorite television show:
    Seinfeld
Revealing Questions
Q. How would you describe your life in only 8 words?
A. Lucky to do what I love to do.
Q. What is your motto or maxim?
A. We're all doing the best we can.
Q. How would you describe perfect happiness?
A. It's all about love--loving and being loved and going gaga over what you do.
Q. What’s your greatest fear?
A. Not getting all the ideas in my head into books before I die.
Q. If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you choose to be?
A. Here in Sarasota, FL--paradise!
Q. What are your most overused words or phrases?
A. Because I write about eating, I'd say food and weight.
Q. What do you regret most?
A. Not writing more seriously earlier in my life.
Q. If you could acquire any talent, what would it be?
A. Using the computer more effectively!
Q. What is your greatest achievement?
A. Helping clients and readers be more comfortable with food and their emotions.
Q. What’s your greatest flaw?
A. Trying to accomplish too much.
Q. What’s your best quality?
A. My sense of humor.
Q. If you could be any person or thing, who or what would it be?
A. Myself.
Q. What trait is most noticeable about you?
A. I'm very (sometimes too) verbal.
Q. Who is your favorite fictional hero?
A. Atticus Finch
Q. If you could meet any historical character, who would it be and what would you say to him or her?
A. Billie Holiday. I'd tell her I wished she'd had a happier life and didn't use drugs so she could keep on singing.
Q. What is your biggest pet peeve?
A. Rude drivers.
Q. What is your favorite occupation, when you’re not writing?
A. Being a psychotherapist.
Q. What’s your fantasy profession?
A. Being a dancer.
Q. What 3 personal qualities are most important to you?
A. Humor, self-reflection, honesty.
Q. If you could eat only one thing for the rest of your days, what would it be?
A. Brown rice.
On Books and Writing
Q. Who are your favorite authors?
A. John Irving, Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Pat Conroy, Cynthia Ozick
Q. What are your 5 favorite books of all time?
A. My favorite book is The Magus by John Fowles.
Q. Is there a book you love to reread?
A. I don't often enjoy rereading books.
Q. Do you have one sentence of advice for new writers?
A. Keep writing only if you love it.
Q. What comment do you hear most often from your readers?
A. "It sounds like you're writing about me."
Q. How did you come to write Nice Girls Finish Fat?
A. I realized that so many of the troubled eaters I counsel and teach are the nicest women in the world who take care of others with their warm hearts and take care of themselves with food. I knew I had to teach them to put themselves first and learn more effective self-care strategies.