Renowned American author Karen Kingsbury was born in 1963 in Fairfax, Virginia. Before publishing over 85 Christian fiction books, she worked as a sports journalist for the Los Angeles Times and Los Angeles Daily News. Her first novel, Missy’s Murder, was inspired by a tragic murder story she covered as a reporter in the 1990s. Now 59, Kingsbury is considered the “Queen of Christian Fiction,” having sold over 25 million copies worldwide. Her uplifting stories of faith continue to touch lives today.
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Karen Kingsbury |
| Nickname | Karen Kingsbury, Kingsbury, Karen |
| Profession | Novelist, Author |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 8 June 1963 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 59 years |
| Birthplace | Fairfax, Virginia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Fairfax, Virginia, United States |
| Current Residence | Tennessee |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Religion | Christian |
| School | N/A |
| Collage/University | Pierce College |
| Educational Qualification | Graduated |
| Hobbies | Photoshoot, Gymnastic, Dancing |
| Physical Stats | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 185 cm in meters- 1.85 m in feet inches- 6'1" |
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms- 60 kg in pounds- 132 lbs |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Hair Colour | Blonde |
| Body Measurements | N/A |
| Career | |
| Debut | Novel: Missy’s Murder [1991] Movie: THE BRIDGE [2015] |
| Awards | • Oceans Apart: 2005 Gold Medallion Book Award - Fiction • Ever After: 2007 Book of the Year Award from ECPA Note • Was named the 2009 Extraordinary Woman of the Year in September, 2009 |
| Relationships & Affairs | |
| Martial Status | Married |
| Husband | Don Russell |
| Family | |
| Parents | Father- Theodore C. Kingsbury [died due to diabetic complications] Mother- Anne Kingsbury |
| Siblings | Brother- David Kingsbury Sisers- Susan Kingsbury, Tricia Kingsbury, Lynne Kingsbury |
| Children | Sons- Tyler Russell, Sean Angelo Russell, Joshua Russell, Austin Russell, EJ Russell Daughther- Kelsey Marie Kingsbury |
| Income | |
| Net Worth (approx.) | $123 million |
| Social Media | |
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Career
Karen Kingsbury has enjoyed immense success as an author, having written or co-authored around 100 books and short stories with nearly 13 million copies in print. Her uplifting brand of Christian fiction, which she has trademarked as “Life-Changing Fiction,” has made her a bestselling novelist for the New York Times and USA Today.
Several of Kingsbury’s inspirational books have even been adapted into heartwarming films by the Hallmark Channel, including The Bridge, A Time to Dance, and Maggie’s Christmas Miracle.
In addition to her prolific novel writing, Kingsbury expanded into songwriting in 2009, co-penning the track “Walls” with Gary Baker and Richie McDonald.
In 2017, she partnered with Liberty University to establish the Karen Kingsbury Center for Creative Writing so she could mentor future generations of Christian storytellers. Through her page-turning books and kindness as a teacher, Kingsbury has touched countless lives.
Filmography
Interesting Facts about Karen Kingsbury
- Her love of reading started early with Dr. Seuss’s books that her dad would read to her. By age 5, she had The Grinch Who Stole Christmas memorized.
- In college, her English professor abruptly ordered her to join the school newspaper staff, declaring she would “never stop writing.” This set her career path.
- She started out covering high school sports for the LA Times despite knowing nothing about sports. Her dad helped teach her.
- Kingsbury had a reputation for always getting the tear-jerker human interest stories from her editor.
- On their first date, her future husband Don brought a Bible and made her read Philippians with him. She thought he was crazy.
- Kingsbury literally threw Don’s Bible on the ground during an argument, splitting the binding. But this led her to buy her own Bible and grow her faith.
- She and Don lived in a $100/month garage apartment with no AC or heat when first married.
- Her first Christian fiction book, Where Yesterday Lives, was rejected by 30 publishers before being picked up.
- Kingsbury’s son Austin was born the same week her first published novel was released in 1997. He was later diagnosed with congenital heart disease.
- She feels called by God to write “Life-Changing Fiction” that touches people’s hearts.
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