Karen Finneyfrock is the author of two young adult novels: The Sweet Revenge of Celia Door and Starbird Murphy and the World Outside, both published by Viking Children’s Books. She is one of the editors of the anthology Courage: Daring Poems for Gutsy Girls and the author of Ceremony for the Choking Ghost, both released on Write Bloody press. She is a former Writer-in-Residence at Richard Hugo House in Seattle and teaches for Seattle Arts and Lectures’ Writers-in-the-Schools program. In 2010, Karen traveled to Nepal as a Cultural Envoy through the US Department of State to perform and teach poetry, and in 2011, she did a reading tour in Germany sponsored by the US Embassy.
“Finneyfrock writes poetry with muscular verve and narrative push. The depth and breadth suggested in just a few polished images placed next to each other will make you reconsider what poetry can do.”
~Paul Constant, The Stranger.
“Finneyfrock’s work strikes the perfect tonal balance of humor, devastation and real storytelling-never just using metaphor for metaphor’s sake.”
~Amber Tamblyn, Bust Magazine.
“Karen Finneyfrock is a rare example of a slam poet who writes excellent poetry,” ~ Paul Constant, The Stranger.
Karen Finneyfrock contributed a poem titled “Newer Colossus.” I’ll remember that night not for the soup or song but as the first time I heard that poem. The poets of 1968, mostly now demised, would have loved it, this evidence that their legacy is alive.
~ Regina Hackett, Art Critic Seattle Post Intelligencer
karenfinneyfrock@hotmail.com
Seattle, WA
206.650.5257
Teacher Resources: Working with teachers in advance. The residencies described are designed for eight, hour-long sessions. Poetry and fiction residencies can be shortened to any length.
Poetry Workshop: Ideally these sessions take place in a room with a computer/projector that is connected to the Internet. (I show animated poems through youtube.) If this technology isn’t available, I can alter the plan. I will provide worksheets that can be made into books for each student to take home. Supplies needed: pencils, paper, stapler, scissors, etc.
Fiction Workshop: These can take place in any quiet classroom. Ideally, students will continue work on stories when I’m not present, either as homework or during other class time. Supplies needed: Pens, pencils, paper or computers, copy machine.
Sample Residency Topics: All About Poetry: Reading, Writing & Watching (Grades 3-5)
EALR Focus:
1. 1 Understands arts concepts and vocabulary
1.2 Develops arts skills and techniques
2.1 Applies a creative process in the arts
3.1 Uses the arts to express and present ideas and feelings
Karen Finneyfrock
206.650.5257
karenfinneyfrock@hotmail.com