Karen Kay Knauss grew up in Oklahoma where she earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. She has enjoyed careers in music, teaching, and fine art. She is a member of the Poetry Society of Oklahoma and has won numerous awards in statewide and national competitions. Karen has authored five poetry collections, two poetry chapbooks, and she has co-authored two genealogical chronicles. Karen was awarded Poet Laureate of the Poetry Society of Oklahoma, and was nominated for Oklahoma State Poet Laureate.