Karen F Comer

A long time ago…1995 to be exact, I was a skin care consultant with Mary Kay cosmetics. And Mary Kay Ashe told the story of how a Bumblebee should not be able to fly. Its large body was too big for its tiny wings. But since the bumblebee didn’t know that - she flew anyways. The message was clear: If we believe in ourselves, then nothing can stop us. We too can fly! I had the idea to pass this special message along to children by creating a bumblebee character - the idea of Harriet was born. She would inspire children to discover who they are, what they love, and to believe in themselves and to dream big dreams. I scribbled my story ideas into a little spiral notebook (which I still have) and I named the Bumblebee Harriet after my grandmother. She had a can-do spirit and at the young age of 75, Harriet learned how to drive. It took her 8 tries, but she never gave up! She faced a life long fear and she conquered it. The little spiral notebook and its dream was tucked away in a nightstand for twenty-five years. Back then I told myself I didn’t have the time to write the stories. I was raising three children and we were a busy family. But maybe I just didn’t have the confidence back then, or was I afraid? Who was I to become an author? After all, I did not have an English degree or any writing experience. But in November of 2021 those things no longer mattered. I changed my career due to Covid and I received two unexpected gifts from that change: additional free time and a burst of confidence from someone who believed in my writing skills. (Thank you, M.D.) So now I write these stories for my grandson Callum, and any other child who comes across these books. I also write them just for me. You see, I had a dream to become an author when I was just 8 years old - it is indeed about the journey! Karen lives with her husband and dog Daphne. When she isn't writing she loves to travel, meet new people, experience different cultures and cuisine. She loves animals and the great outdoors, especially lakes! As a tribute to her grandmother Harriet, 10% of the profits from her book series Adventures of Harriet the Bumblebee go to food pantries.