Bio
I was raised in a blue-collar suburb of Sydney with my only claim to fame being the soprano soloist in the school choir. I studied my Higher School Certificate at evening Tafe and on the bus, working by day as a bank Johnny. I’ve tried my hand at a selection of jobs, everything from charity collector, statistician, nurse’s aide, to radiographer. Then along came a chance with a teacher’s scholarship at Goulburn Teachers College. After I graduated, I taught in scores of primary schools, both in Sydney and Brisbane from Prep to Year Seven.
In 2005, I developed a disorder that changed my life’s perspective, leaving me with a zest and drive to express myself through creative writing. In the depths of mania, I began to write ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness, my gutsy account of my struggle and victory over Bipolar Disorder
In 2007, I received a RADF Grant for the appraisal of this memoir and won a competition to participate in QWC’s Advanced Editing Master Class for ME AND HER.
Those Who Dare, a fictional short story, was published in a Society of Women Writers anthology in September,2009.
In May 2009, I won another RADF Grant to pay for The Year of the Edit Writing course at Queensland Writers Centre to develop my crime faction novel, SAYONARA. I harnessed the knowledge and skills to rewrite and restructure ME AND HER and JOSH AND THE IT to publishing standard.
In March, 2010 I created Logan City Writers, a collective of Logan writers after meeting with the Logan Mayor and the Libraries Programmer. I presented the First Page workshop in May, 2010. I’m organising Logan Writers Week , a writers festival for 11th to 17th October, 2010. We now have over 70 members.
In July 2010, I submitted Sayonara, my Crime Faction novel to the Hachette Manuscript Development Program and in August I posted JOSH AND THE IT to a children’s publisher with a brilliant review from Leonie Tyle of Random House attached
I’m passionate about mental health and I’m ambassador for SANE Australia. Beyond Blue has supported my book ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness and invited me to join the bluevoices program. A compressed excerpt from my Memoir of Madness was published on the Beyond Blue website, titled ‘The Panel’ between August 2009 to July 2010.
I’ve had an article published by The Happiness Institute and currently have a new story of hope on the Beyond Blue website. My short story Price of Freedom will be published in an anthology in 2011 by Trellis Publishing.
A TOP Literary Agency is now considering ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness and JOSH AND THE IT, my Kids Sci-Fi fantasy adventure book.
I’ve now resigned from Teaching to become a full-time writer. I’m determined to see all three books published and my pro-active quest to Publishing continues.
My next writing projects include writing short stories based on my bipolar experiences as well as the Sequel to Josh and the It.
Hi Karen,
Was interesting to read your Bio. Have found we have something in common. I worked in the ANZ Bank in Roma and Brisbane from age 16 - 24 until I got married. Women were not allowed to work after they were married. Watched Agatha Christie DVD - was quite interesting. All the best for your writing and publishing.
Congrats on the new website! It’s looking good! Can’t WAIT to read your new book
Hi there Karen,
I have got to give it to you, you are a goer. You always amaze me. Well done!
Hi Karen what a great job you have done with your web site - maybe you could do one for me as I am not really computer literate!! Good luck getting the book published and do send me a copy of Me and Her. Talk Soon. Bye for now. Cousin Karen … New Zealand
I too have worked in a bank, State bank of NSW… one job I will never do again! I think I must have been the worst bank teller ever! considering I just loath Maths…we live and learn! but it was an interesting first job, and I made some really good friends, so I guess it was worth it!
Great work, Karen.
I like the look of your site and will watch your progress with interest. May the power of positive thinking take you where you want to go. Good luck and best wishes. David … QWC Member
Well done, Karen and all the best in your search for an agent and a publisher.
Fantastic website Karen…congratulations!! Would love to read your stories, I wish you great success in your journey and will follow your progress with interest xx
Hi Cheryl, Lovely to hear from you. Hope all is well. Did you like reading about our school days? … Karen
Karen, The very best of luck in all your accomplishments.
I Will look for an announcement regarding your book publishing on Twitter.Revel in the satisfaction that your accomplishments diminish any negative oppinions and sterotypes. http://www.underthehopetree.blogspot.com/
I have a BIG announcement tomorrow nite on my website!Thanx Melissa for your support, look forward to reading your Blogs.
Hi Karen I am writing my lifestory 35 years of saving animals, also I have written a childrens book, and a book of “real life poems” I am wondering how you made your approach to Allen & Unwin & who you actually ended up going through as I know that you cannot send manuscripts direct.
KAREN Can you email me please
Hi Margo, YES YOU CAN! I f you have a Non-Fiction book, you can you directly to the Publisher with a Book Proposal, which includes a Query Letter, marketing plan, cross-analysis of similar books, synopsis, sample chapters etc etc. I wish you every success. Cheers, Karen :))
Hi Margo, I emailed you today. If you have any other questions. Ask away. Karen :))
Congratulations on your initiatives with the Logan Writers’ Week. Unfortunately I cannot participate as I will be in Brisbane only for two days in the week before: Weds 29th Sept & Thursday 30th to speak at the International Librarians’ Conference on the Weds and run an Authorpreneurship workshop for ASA on the Thursday.
Hi Hazel, I understand totally but thanks for your support and comment here. Could you please tell me the locations and times for your two events and I’ll let the Society of Women Writers know …Karen :))
It’s amazing what we can accomplish when manic, LOLOL!
Or properly medicated
Hi Pam, I’ve always ran with high energy and motivation, some may say a little hypomanic. My manic, reckless days are gone. Now I’m Recovered and my writing and my life is focused and even keeled. Karen :))
Believe in the stars and reach for the planets and you will be published. Being involved with the Mental Health Organisation can only assist your promotion of Me and Her.
Keep your chin up, don’t get down and Keep opening those doors.X
Thanks Karen, I really appreciate your words of support and I’ll do my best to push some of those doors open … Karen :))