Karen J. Renner
I love stories. ​
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As a cultural critic, I analyze stories to see how they influence our beliefs and behaviors.
As a speculative fiction writer, I tell stories about worlds different from our own so that we can see ours with new eyes.
As an editor and coach, I help people tell the stories only they can.
I’ve always been drawn to stories—how they unsettle us, shape our memories and identity, or help us imagine the future. That fascination has guided everything I’ve done, from my years as a professor of English to the work I do now as a writer and editor.​​​​​​​​
I've published over 30 books and essays on topics ranging from evil children, Edgar Allan Poe's influence on serial killer narratives, masculinity in ghost-hunting "reality" television, and movies about school shootings. ​(If you want to see a full c.v., click here.)
​Now, I'm working to expand the reach of my writing, editing, and educational work beyond academia.
When I'm not playing with words, I'm either hanging out with my two dogs, Daisy and Alice, and very doggish cat, Ferris Mewler, or I'm outside hiking, camping, or taking photographs. I'm also a newly-minted scuba diver and an avid guitar player.
I'm working on a couple books.
​​A History of New Bomer (pop. 1,662) is a novel-length expansion of a recently published short story. In most apocalyptic stories, women don't fare so well. The women of Bomer know this. So, when a unknown event leaves their small mountain town cut off from the rest of the world, they begin their preparations.
On "Reading": Cultural Criticism in the Digital Age argues that in addition to the traditional concept of reading (words on a page) we should be learning to "read" all of the different types of stories that exist in our world today--from TikToks to video games and advertisements--and explains how to do it.
Finally, No Words: The Language We Lack for Emotions We Feel examines the inadequacies of the English language to fully capture our emotional experiences--and the consequences of that lack.
If you'd like to see a full record of my previous publications, click here or check out my pages on Google Scholar, academia.edu, or ResearchGate.
For over 30 years, I have been helping people of all ages--from college freshman to retirees--figure out what they want to say and how best to say it.
I've edited three book-length collections, worked for an academic journal, and served as an outside reviewer of dozens of book manuscripts, proposals, and articles.
No matter what stage you're at or what subject you're working on, I can help.
Email me are karen.j.renner@gmail.com, and let's get started.