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About the Author and Poet
Karen Jean Matsko Hood began writing as a shy author, but has now developed a voice that is all her own. Hood 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 reminds us of the importance of our links with nature and environment in our daily lives. Her poetry 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’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. Her first book of poetry is titled Frost of Spring Green. 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 attended the University of Great Falls in Great Falls, Montana. Hood received a B.S. Degree in Natural Science from the College of St. Benedict and minored in both Psychology and Secondary Education. Upon her graduation, Hood and her husband taught science and math on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hood has 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 taken postgraduate classes at Lewis and Clark College on the North Idaho college campus in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; through Taylor University in Fort Wayne, Indiana; University of Washington in Seattle, Washington; Eastern Washington University in Cheney, Washington; and Washington State University, in Pullman, Washington. Hood is working on research projects to complete her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Hood resides in
Greenacres, Washington, along with her husband, thirteen 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
is a literary advocate for youth and adults. Her hobbies include cooking,
baking, photography, indoor and outdoor gardening, and the cultivation of
unusual flowering plants and orchids. She enjoys raising several specialty
breeds of animals including Icelandic horses, bichon frises, cockapoos,
Icelandic sheepdogs, and a few rescue cats. Hood also enjoys bird-watching and
finds all aspects of nature precious. She demonstrates a passionate
appreciation of the environment and a respect You may contact Ms. Hood through the publisher’s office: Karen Jean Matsko Hood c/o Whispering Pine Press, Inc. P.O. Box 1469 Spokane Valley, WA 99037-1469 USA Phone: (509) 927-0404│Fax: (509) 927-1550 Website: www.karenjeanmatskohood.com Email: Karen@karenjeanmatskohood.com You may order Ms. Hood’s other books including poetry, fiction, and nonfiction for adults and children, by requesting them from your local bookstore.
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