Karen Salyer McElmurray

Karen Salyer McElmurray (born September 12, 1956) is an American writer of creative nonfiction and literary fiction. Her works include Wanting Radiance (University Press of Kentucky, 2020), The Motel of the Stars: A Novel (Sarabande Books, 2008), Surrendered Child: A Birth Mother’s Journey (University of Georgia Press, 2006), and Strange Birds in the Tree of Heaven (University of Georgia Press, 2004), as well as numerous essays and short stories. McElmurray was Editor’s Pick by Oxford American in November 2009. She was the recipient of the AWP Award for Creative Nonfiction (2003), and the Lillie Chaffin Award for Appalachian Writing (2001).