Karen Jean Matsko Hood began
writing as a shy author, but has now developed a unique voice all her
own. Her writing 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 stories with compassion. Hood has been trained in
research skills in her doctoral studies. She uses her research in her
non-fiction books.
Hood reminds us of the importance
of our links with nature and environment in our daily lives. Her writing
carries the urgency and outrage of the 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 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’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.
Ms. Hood was born and raised in
Great Falls, Montana. As an undergraduate college student 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. She received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science
from the College of St. Benedict, with minors in both Psychology and
Secondary Education. After graduating, she and her husband taught
science and math on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Ms. Hood also completed postgraduate coursework at the University of
Iowa. In May 2001 she was awarded her Master’s Degree in Pastoral
Ministry at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She has also
taken post-graduate courses at Lewis and Clark College on the North
Idaho College campus in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. Ms. Hood is currently
engaged in research work toward her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at
Gonzaga University.
Hood currently resides in
Greenacres, Washington along with her husband, twelve children, and
foster children. 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 literary advocate for youth and
adults. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, photography, indoor and
outdoor gardening, cultivating unusual flowering plants and orchids, and
raising several specialty breeds of animals including Icelandic horses,
bichon frise and cockapoos, and Icelandic sheepdogs. Hood also enjoys
bird-watching activities such as observing hummingbirds. Hood finds all
aspects of nature precious and demonstrates a passionate appreciation of
the environment and a respect for all life.
You may
contact the office of the author and cook at:
Karen Jean
Matsko Hood, M.A.
507 N.
Sullivan Road, Suite, A-3
Spokane
Valley, WA 99037-8531 USA
Phone: (509)
927-0404 / Fax: (509) 927-1550
Website:
www.karenjeanmatskohood.com
E-mail:
Karen@karenjeanmatskohood.com and karenjmatskohood@hotmail.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.
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.
About
the Author
