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About Me
NanaKaye
Karen Ormond Garris, known to readers and friends as NanaKaye, was born in the quiet town of Reelsboro, North Carolina. A lifelong resident of Craven County, she grew up surrounded by pine woods, family stories, and the kind of front-porch wisdom that would one day inspire her beloved books.
Karen attended West Craven High School, where she met her high school sweetheart, Gary. They married in 1975 and built a life full of love, laughter, and legacy. Together, they raised two biological children and opened their hearts and home to many more, caring for a house full of little ones over the years, each leaving a story woven into the fabric of her life.
Her passion for storytelling led her to study English Composition, Graphic Arts, Accounting, and other creative subjects at the local community college. But her true education came from experience, from crafting bedtime tales for her grandchildren, scribbling poetry in the margins of cookbooks, and journaling through decades of family memories.
Today, as the author and illustrator behind The Adventures of Hare Hollow, The Sweetheart Blossoms series, and The Chronicles of Elyria, NanaKaye blends timeless values with imaginative wonder. Her work invites readers of all ages to rediscover kindness, courage, and the quiet magic of home.
From whimsical journal kits to watercolor storybooks, everything NanaKaye creates is rooted in the belief that stories matter, and that the best ones are meant to be passed down, generation to generation.
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 believed 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 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.
My style
My creative style is rooted in warmth, wonder, and a deep love for family storytelling. 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 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.