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About NanaKaye: A Children's Author
NanaKaye
Karen Ormond Garris, affectionately known as NanaKaye to her readers and friends, was born in the serene town of Reelsboro, North Carolina. A lifelong resident of Craven County, she grew up enveloped by pine woods, family storytelling, and the front-porch wisdom that would ultimately inspire her writing journey.
While attending West Craven High School, she met her high school sweetheart, Gary. They married in 1975, building a life steeped in love, resilience, and a shared legacy. Together, they raised two biological children and opened their home to many others over the years, with each child adding another thread to the rich tapestry of family storytelling that would later fill her children's books.
Though NanaKaye studied English Composition, Graphic Arts, Accounting, and other creative subjects at the local community college, her most profound education came from lived experiences: bedtime tales for her grandchildren, poetry scribbled in quiet moments, journals brimming with family memories, and a steadfast belief that stories shape who we become.
Today, as the author and illustrator of beloved titles like The Adventures of Hare Hollow, Huckleberry Farm, Gnomegulch, The Sweetheart Blossoms, and Chronicles of Elyria, NanaKaye crafts layered worlds for readers of all ages. From enchanting woodland storybooks and Southern-rooted farm tales to Norse-inspired village lore and immersive fantasy novels, her work showcases a variety of voices — all grounded in heart.
Whether through watercolor storybooks, whimsical printables, or full-length fantasy novels, NanaKaye writes with a clear purpose: to preserve wonder, instill courage, and share stories worth remembering.
Because the best stories are not only read; they are carried forward.
How it Begin.
Stories have always lived in my heart — whispered through the pines, tucked in quilt folds, and passed around the dinner table like heirlooms. I grew up surrounded by storytellers, faith, and family — the kind of people who embraced family storytelling, believing every moment could hold meaning if you listened closely.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve written down the magic I saw in the everyday: a child’s question, a grandmother’s hands, a woodland path that seemed to hum with secrets. Those quiet sparks became the roots of my children’s books — stories woven with kindness, courage, and the beauty of home.
Some of my earliest “books” were scribbled in notebooks and stapled together with love — stories written for cousins, children I babysat, or simply the joy of watching a blank page come to life. Even then, I knew that stories had the power to connect hearts across generations. That belief still guides me today, whether I'm writing about woodland creatures, family traditions, or the quiet courage it takes to grow up.
Today, I write not just for children, but for the child inside each of us — and for the generations who will one day hold these pages and feel seen, safe, and inspired. As a nod to my roots, I often think of my own NanaKaye, whose stories fueled my passion for writing.
My style
My creative style is rooted in warmth, wonder, and a deep love for family storytelling, especially through children's books. I blend timeless, heartfelt narratives with a soft, handcrafted aesthetic — from gentle watercolor illustrations to vintage-inspired journal kits and sweet storybook characters that feel like old friends.
One of my most beloved creations is the Sweetheart Blossoms style — a signature look that brings characters to life with soft oval eyes, rosy cheeks, gentle smiles, and classic storybook charm. Every detail is chosen with care, from the pastel palettes to the cozy vintage clothing, creating a world that feels both magical and familiar.
Alongside my children's books, I design printable craft kits and digital resources for memory-keepers, journalers, and creative hearts of all ages. These include floral corner clusters, journaling elements, doll pages, and handmade treasures designed to bring joy to every page you create.
Whether I’m writing a magical tale in Hare Hollow or crafting a printable kit for your next project, my goal is always the same: to create something that makes you smile, slow down, and feel deeply at home, just like NanaKaye would.