Author Karen Lain sharing her book, "Lulabelle's Story"

Tue, 07/17/2018 - 3:47pm — Jimbob Baird

Karen Harper Lain at the Indie Author Event

Writer and author Karen Harper Lain of Rochester has deep roots in Butler County, she lives on land that has been in her family since 1893. Her love of writing also has been with her for a long time, putting pen to paper and putting down words since her elementary school days, in the hopes of someday writing a book. Her children's book is titled “Lulabelle's Story, The Trailer with Lots and Lots of Love.” The main character of the book is a trailer by the name of Lulabelle, and is an inspirational book that teaches youngsters some valuable life lessons.

Karen was one of 43 authors who recently attended the Indie Author Event held at the Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Library, which featured hundreds of books ranging from children’s books to romance novels. Although the branch is in Warren County, Lisa Rice the director, and Rob Hankins the program director are both from Butler County. The half-day event brought together authors from many parts of Kentucky and other states, and gave each author the opportunity to network, socialize, and promote their books.

Was there anything in particular that made you decide to write this book?

When I moved here, the quickest way to live on the land was to put a mobile home on it. Some of my friends good-naturedly teased me about living in a trailer. (We've all heard that horrid expression "trailer trash.") I started to think about how a child felt about being teased about his or her home, and "Lulabelle's Story" was born. My goal is to turn all of the misconceptions and stereotypes about trailer life on its head.

Does your main character have any special meaning to you?

Yes. The main character in the book is the trailer, and her name is Lulabelle. She's also the trailer I live in, and it was quite a journey getting her here. She's a fine home to me.

Do you have any other books in the works?

I have another children's book written (about Lulabelle), that’s not yet published, and I'm also working on a book about both sides of my family and its history. My parents and other ancestors were good, hard-working, loving people who weren't wealthy or powerful; actually, they were poor as dirt. But, they were just as important as someone who is considered a big wheel.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I'm heavily involved in the Butler County Arts Guild. I also spend a lot of time outdoors, usually with a camera in my hand. To to be a Kentuckian, especially a Butler Countian, is a wonderful thing.