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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 the needs of children. It is only natural that she would
channel her efforts to include children’s books and poetry.
Hood reminds
us of the importance of our links with nature and the environment in
our daily lives. Her writing carries the urgency and outrage with
areas of current social injustice and inequality. The recurring
theme in Hood’s work is to provide a voice for those whose struggle
cannot be heard. Hood’s writing brings poignancy to the most
hopeless of situations. She is romantic in her vision for a quest
for dignity and social justice.
Hood also
writes about personal and spiritual themes. She is passionate both
as a feminist and as an active children’s rights advocate. Hood
also works to encourage literacy for all ages. Her blend of
traditionalism and modernism brings a current freshness and
uniqueness 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.
Hood was born
and raised in Great Falls, Montana. She attended the College of St.
Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota and St. John’s University, in
Collegeville, Minnesota. She 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 high school science and math on the island of St.
Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hood also completed postgraduate
classes at the University of Iowa, in Iowa City. 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 at 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, twelve children, and foster children, Hood currently
resides in Greenacres, Washington. Her interests include writing,
teaching, and volunteering as a child advocate in the juvenile court
system for abused and neglected children. Hood also is a literary
advocate for youth and adults. Her hobbies include cooking, baking,
nature photography, raising Icelandic horses and Icelandic
sheepdogs, indoor and outdoor gardening, and cultivating orchids and
flowering plants. Hood also enjoys observing hummingbirds and other
bird-watching activities. Hood finds all life precious and
demonstrates a passionate appreciation of nature, the environment
and a respect for all life.
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