About Karen Silsby
I wrote my first novel between the daylight hours of working as a physical therapist and evenings spent raising a family. I became hooked on journaling as a way to develop my fictional characters, and found that I could use this approach to see more easily into my character’s minds. At this point, I realized the power of journaling as a tool for self-discovery and personal growth.
In 1998 I began opening my heart to live more fully and with more joy. That year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and began my healing journey. Seeing the value of living more authentically, I deepened my writing and journaling practice. It sustained me through the difficult days of cancer treatment.
The next few years were both challenging and rewarding as I moved forward as a published writer, served as a caregiver for my mother who had Alzheimer's disease, went through a divorce, and watched my children leave the nest. Through this tumultuous period, my journal was my constant companion.
Enthusiasm for journaling led me to study the intensive journaling methods of Ira Progoff. I also completed an extensive training program with Kathleen Adams and became a certified instructor of Journal to the Self workshops.
When I received a Certificate in Feature Writing from the University of California, San Diego, my writing life expanded further. I then pursued graduate work in creative writing at Antioch University in Los Angeles. My love of nature and place led me to study with Scott Russell Saunders at the University of Minnesota’s, Split Rock Arts Program.
My vision is to help others find their creative voices through writing whether this expression is through journaling, writing novels or nonfiction. Understanding the critical need for support, I coach my writing clients and group participants in a way that they tell me both empowers and inspires them.
When I am not at my computer writing, you'll find me hiking the North County San Diego lagoon trails, bird watching with my Australian Shepherd, Sam.