Awards and Accomplishments

Karen was named the 2009 Extraordinary Woman of the Year.

"What makes any of us extraordinary is that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ, who loves us more than we could ever imagine." -Karen's Acceptance Speech

She also won the 2007 Evangelical Book of the Year for her novel, Ever After. It was the first time ever this prize went to a woman and the first time ever the work was that of fiction.

Adoption

Adoption has played a big role in Karen's life. She adopted three boys from Haiti when the boys were five years old. She still has them speak Haitian Creole as well as English, and sometimes has them speak their native language around the dinner table. The Kingsbury family took in these three boys despite their hectic schedule and busy living. Because of this, Karen created the One Chance foundation.

Compassion

Karen writes about many things she has compassion for, such as autism, bullying, and cystic fibrosis. She also created the One Chance Foundation, which is an adoption agency for orphans. The agency provides grants for people to pay for adoption. http://www.karenkingsbury.com/one-chance-foundation

Friendships

Karen Kingsbury says that her fans are her friends. She likes to include them in her life via email, twitter, and facebook, or meeting in person. Their personal life-changing stories inspire Karen to keep writing, and love her fans. She also calls her readers, "friends."

Don (husband)

"My husband is the most godly man I know. He literally wakes up before dawn most days and walks around our house, praying for me and our family. He takes his role as spiritual leader of our family very seriously. While I'm gone on speaking or business trips, he is constantly praying for me, and telling me how proud of me he is. Most men might struggle with the way God has grown my ministry of Life-Changing Fiction™ , but not Donald. He is an amazing husband, my best friend, my Prince Charming. I believe in the next season of our lives, when the kids are older, that he and I will write some marriage books together - or maybe he'll write his own. He has much to offer for men in our day." -Karen Kingsbury www.karenkingsbury.com/faq

Career

Karen first started out as a sports writer, and then moved on to be a novelist who wrote murder mystery books. After she met her husband Don, she began to write Christian novels and is now known as the "Queen of Chrstian Fiction." She has sold over 10 million books, and has written more than 50 novels.

Childhood

Karen was born on June 8th in Fairfax, VA. Her family soon moved to Michigan. I was the first child of five children, born to Anne and Ted Kingsbury. The photo above is Anne Kingsubry, Karen's mother.


"My heart is heavy as I write these words. On September 14th, my dad went home to be with the Lord. At this very moment, he is free and whole and well, and for that I'm beyond happy. Donald and I prayed that my dad would find the peace to let go if that was God's will, His plan. My mom reports that in his final hours, my father never looked more peaceful. Praise our glorious God and Savior! Today, at this very moment, my dad has felt again the long-missed embrace from my brother, and grinned into the eyes of his father - both of whom loved Jesus very much.
Still, this side of heaven I'm so sad. He will be missed with every breath. Every soccer goal and touchdown, every CYT audition and opening night. Every new book, all of which carry a part of him, my dear, sentimental father. If I squint into the lights - whether in a stadium or a theater - I'll still see him there, eyes glistening, a smile stretched across his face. The way I'll always see him.
We appreciate your kind words and amazing encouragement. If you'd like to leave a note for me or my family, please stop by my dad's CaringBridge web site. At his CaringBridge website, you can also read about his heart attack nine weeks prior to his death, and the miracle of his life since then. We appreciate your prayers, and couldn't have gotten through this season otherwise. God is good. Tonight we rejoice. Just before his heart attack, my dad told me, "Remember, Karen . . . will I dance for you Jesus, or fall upon my knees?" He grinned, his whole face full of joy. Then he gave a hearty shake of his head. "You gotta' dance!"
And so . . . tonight . . . he dances. Forever more, amen" -Karen Kingsbury

Music and Songwriting

Karen has worked with Grammy-award winning songwriter Gary Baker, and Lonestar lead singer Richie McDonald. She has written "Miracles Happen", "Where Yesterday Lives", and "Walls."

Karen is registered with the BMI as a professional songwriter. Music also plays a big role in Karen's faith and her novels. One of her favorite songs is "He Is With You" by Mandisa.

 

Faith

Karen became a Christian after meeting her husband, Don. On their first date, he brought the Bible and started reading to her. At one point, Karen and Don got in a fight. Karen took the bible and threw it on the floor and watched the Bible crumble to pieces. She is now a Christian speaker, author, and songwriter.

Karen's Children

Karen Kingsbury has three biological kids named Kelsey, Tyler, and John. They also adopted three boys from Haiti, named Josh, EJ, and Sean. Her children are involved in sports and theater, and many of her stories have come from her children's life experiences.