Karen Jean Matsko Hood began writing as a shy author, but has now developed a voice all her own. Her writing always exhibits a unique story as well as a voice of empathy and purpose. Hood’s writing is strong-minded. She is a meticulous wordsmith and combines information with compassion. Hood has always loved children and is devoted to their needs. It is only natural that she would channel her efforts to include children’s books and poetry.

                Hood writes about personal and spiritual themes. She also reminds us of the importance of our links with nature and the environment in our daily lives. Hood is passionate both as a feminist and as an active children’s rights advocate. She also works to encourage literacy for all ages. Her writing carries the urgency and outrage of current social injustice and inequality. The recurring theme in Hood’s work is to provide a voice for those whose struggles cannot be heard. Hood’s writing brings poignancy to the most hopeless of situations, yet she remains optimistic in her quest for dignity and social justice.

                Hood’s blend of traditionalism and modernism brings a current freshness and poignancy to her own poetic voice. She is versatile in her writing style and is able to incorporate a wide range of themes and topics. Her poems have been published in a myriad of magazines and publications on an international level.

                Hood was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana. As an undergraduate she attended the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota and St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. She also attended the University of Great Falls in Montana for an interim class. Hood received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science and minored in both Psychology and Secondary Education from the College of St. Benedict. After graduating, Karen and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands.  Hood also completed postgraduate classes at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City, Iowa. In May 2001, she completed her Master’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She has also taken post-graduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North Idaho College campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Hood is currently working on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

          Along with her husband and twelve children, Hood currently resides in Greenacres, Washington. Her interests include writing, teaching, and volunteering as a court advocate in the juvenile court system for abused and neglected children. Hood also is a literacy advocate for youth and adults. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, and photography. She also raises Icelandic Horses, Icelandic Sheepdogs, bishon frise, cockapoos, along with a few rescue cats. Hood also enjoys indoor and greenhouse gardening, and cultivating unusual flowering plants and orchids. Hood  spends time observing hummingbirds and other bird-watching activities. She finds all aspects of nature precious and demonstrates a passionate appreciation of the environment and a respect for all life.

                                               Karen Jean Matsko Hood

                                          507 N. Sullivan Road, Suite, A-3

                                       Spokane Valley, WA  99037-1469 USA

                                     Phone:(509) 927-0404/Fax:(509) 927-1550

                                     Website: www.karenjeanmatskohood.com

                                     E-mail:  Karen@karenjeanmatskohood.com

     You may order Hood’s other books including poetry, fiction, and non-fiction for adults and children, by requesting them from your local bookstore. Please ask your local bookstores to carry these books.