Karen Cecil Smith

Karen Cecil Smith is a biographer, poet, and award-winning children's picture book author and novelist. Her first book, a biography entitled Orlean Puckett: The Life of a Mountain Midwife (1844-1939), is about a Virginia woman who gave birth to and lost 24 babies before becoming a midwife. Although Orlean Puckett delivered over a thousand babies in her community, she was much more than a midwife. She was a strong mountain woman who carried food to her husband John and other Civil War deserters who hid out in the hills from the Home Guard. She was a loyal neighbor and friend who fed anyone who came to her door. Although she couldn't read or write, Orlean Puckett was a wise and humorous woman. Using extensive research and interviews, Karen was able to recreate and preserve the life of this incredible woman.

An Old Salem Christmas, 1840 is a children's picture book and Karen's second published work. This book tells the true meaning of Christmas, as seen through the eyes of a young Moravian girl. The North Carolina Society of Historians honored An Old Salem Christmas, 1840 with the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award.

Karen's third book and first novel, Pillow of Thorns is set in 19th century North Carolina. It is based on an actual, sensational murder case and tells the story of an exotic young beauty who stood trial for poisoning her wealthy, older husband. This book was also a recipient of the Clark Cox Historical Fiction Award.

Karen has completed a second children's book, An Old Salem Easter, 1850, and is currently in search of a publisher.