This is the second part of a two-part interview with Karyn. To read the first part, click here.

 

 

 


A few fun questions…

Whether touring or at home, what is your favorite comfort food and why?


With traveling and being on and off of airplanes so much, one of the most important (and challenging) things for me is staying healthy. My biggest comfort food goes back to being a kid. Whenever one of us would start to feel sick, my mom would make Lipton’s chicken noodle soup out of the box and it affectionately became known in our house as “sick soup.” To this day whenever I start to feel a little sore throat coming on I’ll say to my husband, “Can you go get me some ‘sick soup?’”At first he thought I was crazy, but he’s come to enjoy my little tradition. : -)



This website also features literary guests. What was the last GREAT book you read?


I just finished reading Tim Tebow’s book, Through My Eyes. As a fellow Gator there’s a special place in my heart for Tim, but like him or not as a football player, you have to admire his bold stand for Christ in a very cut-throat industry that is tugging at him in a thousand directions. It’s obvious that his first devotion is to his faith and everything else comes second. He is setting a great example (of) how to live a life of integrity no matter what.


 

 

 


You co-authored a book a few years ago. Can you tell us a bit about The Takeaway?


I moved to Nashville in the summer of 2007 and as I was getting ready to leave home I was trying to come up with a going away present for my dad. Nothing felt sufficient enough for all he’s poured into me, so I decided I would sit down and pour my heart out to him in a card. In the card I said, “Dad, it’s because of you that I feel prepared to go out on my own and here’s why.”


I proceeded to write out a list of all of his most important life lessons; all the things he’s taught me my whole life. As he read the card that night we shared a few tears, but then suddenly he said, “Karyn! This is a book!” So as it turns out, the list I wrote in the card that night turned into the chapters of our book, The Takeaway — 20 Unforgettable Life Lessons Every Father Should Pass On To His Child. It was the greatest thrill of my life getting to write that book with my dad. It’s definitely a great read for kids of any age, and we’ve had lots of parents tell us they’re using it as a devotion with their family. My dad called me many times throughout the writing process and said, “I can’t believe you remember that.”It’s confirmation to parents that you are getting through to your kids, and they’re picking up on things you’re saying and doing even when you don’t realize it.



In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?


Hmmmm….that’s a great question! I think I’ve probably been “all of the above” at different times in my life. When I first moved to Nashville I definitely felt like the little girl trying to walk in high heels, but I would have to say that I am now probably a cross between the strong female lead and the girl next door. Growing up as the big sister in such a large family, I learned at a young age to be strong and speak up for what I thought, and I had to be very responsible and independent. But at heart, I’m kind of the girl next door. I love to throw my hair in a ponytail and go walk around the mall with my husband. I have never felt the need to “keep up with the Joneses” or be something I’m not. I’m very simple at heart and I don’t like to complicate things more than they need to be.



I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.


Growing up we always had dogs, cats, birds, lizards, and anything else my mom would allow in the house. My all-time favorite dog was a little Chihuahua mix that we appropriately named “Magic.” The vote on that name was unanimous since my dad founded the Orlando Magic basketball team and served as the General Manager for many years. Magic lived for a long time and became an important member of our family. The day he died was a sad day around the Williams house. We felt like we had lost a brother. It’s amazing how close you become with your pets! The one pet I’ve had in the last few years is a goldfish my husband won for me at the Wilson County Fair. I brought him home and promptly named him “Wilson,” but unfortunately my goldfish mothering skills weren’t enough to keep him afloat very long! I would have a dog now if I wasn’t on the road so much. My husband knows not to take me by PetSmart when they’re having an adoption day because I don’t think I’d be able to come home empty-handed!



Thanks, Karyn! It’s a pleasure to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.


Thank YOU, Kathy, so much!!!!!




To learn more about Karyn and her music, visit her website at www.karynwilliams.com.




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