Karen trained and worked as a medical secretary but when her sons both left home for university, she launched herself into Open University study, nurturing a life-long passion for books and reading. She graduated in 2020 with a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature, her ‘Empty Nest Project’, and went on to try her hand at some creative writing, drawing inspiration for Sana’s Magical Smile, her debut picture book, from her baby granddaughter. Karen lives in North Yorkshire with her husband Mike and their little dog Barney.