I’m so sorry to learn of Karen’s death. We were friends in law school and I have been reading her work ever since she started her blog. I will always remember her as the smart, funny, beautiful young woman I knew way back then. I know she remained all of those things, except no longer so young. My deepest condolences to all of you. Kelly Cameron
Thanks for this! Wishing you all strength during this difficult time.
I was just re-reading all her posts. I hope you can keep this site alive, if only for a few months, so we can continue to admire and learn from her eloquent words of life and life of words.
I was part of Team Dinty at Kenyon with Karen, and her writing is something I have loved ever since, and that I still long to emulate. The world has lost all the words she could still have written, and I am sad. My deepest sympathies and prayers for you, her beloved ones.
Thank you so much for sharing this final post. I am so very sorry for your loss. I first met Karen at the Kenyon writers residency and was instantly drawn to her and her incredible lyrical writing. Her writing and life wisdom and encouragement inspired me to be a better writer and person in many ways. I know she was working on her latest book and I hope it finds its way into the world. Sending love and light to all who knew her.
So sorry for your loss! I've been reading her work since 2020, starting with her Kenyon Review piece and beyond. I never met her, but through her words, it feels as if I've known her for a long time. So grateful for this last post.
We're so sorry to read this post - we had the absolute pleasure of publishing Karen's work twice, as recently as the start of this year. Sending you our love.
Absolutely beautiful writing, this last generous gift to her readers. I am so appreciative and I am so very sad for the loss to Frans, Paul and Mark, and for the loss to the world of more of Karen's wonderful lyric writing. Her legacy will live on in these words and stories she has created for us.
I saw Karen last in February 1990, lifetimes ago. We reconnected in So. CA during the time she was in DC. We had lived together, in Middle Earth: Karen, Chuck, Becky and me. We studied together at UCIrvine, lifetimes ago. Karen was spectacular, singular, brilliant, and a wonderful wonderful friend. I, too, have been following her writing. I am so sorry for your loss. ❤️
The shape of things, yes. My curious, fierce, multi-talented friend. And yes, there is so much more than that. I feel your words here – honoring language, your ancestry, digging into the meaning of things, even as you lay in bed, your body a portion of its original self – as if you are still here in my room, honest, vulnerable and strong to the end. And through your words and loves and friendships, you will be here for decades to come. Karen, may you rest in peace. My heart goes out to you, Frans, and to your sons. Grief, too, has a shape, one we can only discover as it sweeps through us like a raging wind, or gently, erratically, unfolds inside us. love, Leslie
What beautiful last words from, and for, Karen. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I am grateful there is so much of her work out there through which I can visit her again. Heel veel sterkte. Michelle
So grateful for this last post and so sorry for your loss, Frans, Paul & Mark.
I’m so sorry to learn of Karen’s death. We were friends in law school and I have been reading her work ever since she started her blog. I will always remember her as the smart, funny, beautiful young woman I knew way back then. I know she remained all of those things, except no longer so young. My deepest condolences to all of you. Kelly Cameron
Thanks for this! Wishing you all strength during this difficult time.
I was just re-reading all her posts. I hope you can keep this site alive, if only for a few months, so we can continue to admire and learn from her eloquent words of life and life of words.
I was part of Team Dinty at Kenyon with Karen, and her writing is something I have loved ever since, and that I still long to emulate. The world has lost all the words she could still have written, and I am sad. My deepest sympathies and prayers for you, her beloved ones.
Thank you so much for sharing this final post. I am so very sorry for your loss. I first met Karen at the Kenyon writers residency and was instantly drawn to her and her incredible lyrical writing. Her writing and life wisdom and encouragement inspired me to be a better writer and person in many ways. I know she was working on her latest book and I hope it finds its way into the world. Sending love and light to all who knew her.
So sorry for your loss! I've been reading her work since 2020, starting with her Kenyon Review piece and beyond. I never met her, but through her words, it feels as if I've known her for a long time. So grateful for this last post.
Beautiful words of wisdom 💕🙏💕
We're so sorry to read this post - we had the absolute pleasure of publishing Karen's work twice, as recently as the start of this year. Sending you our love.
Thank you Frans, Paul and Mark 💜 My heart goes out to you, wishing you all the strength dealing with your loss….
Absolutely beautiful writing, this last generous gift to her readers. I am so appreciative and I am so very sad for the loss to Frans, Paul and Mark, and for the loss to the world of more of Karen's wonderful lyric writing. Her legacy will live on in these words and stories she has created for us.
I am holding you all in my heart. Her words have meant so much to me. Wishing you love and light. I am so sorry.
I saw Karen last in February 1990, lifetimes ago. We reconnected in So. CA during the time she was in DC. We had lived together, in Middle Earth: Karen, Chuck, Becky and me. We studied together at UCIrvine, lifetimes ago. Karen was spectacular, singular, brilliant, and a wonderful wonderful friend. I, too, have been following her writing. I am so sorry for your loss. ❤️
Thank you for sharing. I will miss my friend from high school (and beyond). Peace to you. 🙏🏽
The shape of things, yes. My curious, fierce, multi-talented friend. And yes, there is so much more than that. I feel your words here – honoring language, your ancestry, digging into the meaning of things, even as you lay in bed, your body a portion of its original self – as if you are still here in my room, honest, vulnerable and strong to the end. And through your words and loves and friendships, you will be here for decades to come. Karen, may you rest in peace. My heart goes out to you, Frans, and to your sons. Grief, too, has a shape, one we can only discover as it sweeps through us like a raging wind, or gently, erratically, unfolds inside us. love, Leslie
Frans, Paul and Mark. Thank you for sharing this and so sorry for your loss. With much love, Libby and Kevin
What beautiful last words from, and for, Karen. I’m so sorry for your loss, and I am grateful there is so much of her work out there through which I can visit her again. Heel veel sterkte. Michelle