Karen Healey

Author

Karen Healey is a young adult author of contemporary fantasy and science fiction for tomorrow’s heroines. A New Zealander living in Australia, she’s a fan of baking, feminism, and World of Warcraft.

Where were you born?

I was born in Whangarei, New Zealand, in the gorgeous North Island, before I moved, aged six, to the even more gorgeous South Island. The wanderlust hit when I turned eighteen, and I’ve since lived in Japan, Australia, and the USA. I currently live in Melbourne, with a view of the Westgate Bridge.

What other jobs have you had?

I’ve been an assistant language teacher, a book seller, a stock packer, a volunteer charity fundraiser, and a pop culture critic.

What themes are recurring in your work?

Magic, action, adventure, diversity, body acceptance, finding yourself, and the importance of free choice. I firmly believe in the power of stories to inspire and provoke!

What have been the highlights of your career?

My debut book, Guardian of the Dead, was a William C. Morris honor book, which is a prestigious award in the USA. It was also shortlisted for homegrown Gold Inky award and the blogger choice Cybils Awards.

But I think the real career highlight is the teen book group who baked a cake based on the cover!

What are you passionate about?

Books, and their accessibility. Teenagers and their amazing capacities. Diversity – not just tolerance, but celebration. The awesomeness of young women.

Haven’t I seen you before?

You may have come across my blog, Attention Rebellious Jezebels, where I burble about pop culture, the writing life, and whatever takes my fancy.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I bake a lemon yoghurt cake that makes strong men weep.