Karen Benke has inspired children-and even a few adults-in the art of creative writing for over twenty years as a Poet in the Schools, writing coach, and visiting author. She specializes in leading on-the-spot creative writing workshops and has been known to get even the most reluctant writer to reach for a pen. Her poetry has appeared in many anthologies and national literary journals ( Ploughshares, Rattle, Hawaii Pacific Review, Poetry Daily ) and her books have been featured in FamilyFun magazine , The San Francisco Book Review, Kids' Book Review (Australia) and elsewhere. The recipient of two teaching grants from Poets & Writers and residencies from Djerassi Resident Artists Program and Hedgebrook, she runs TheWriters Nest and lives north of the Golden Gate Bridge with her teenage son, magic cat Clive, and rescue dog Rasco Roon. Visit her virtually at www.karenbenke.com.