Karen Telleen-Lawton studied engineering at Stanford University and economics and environmental policy at the University of Colorado, Boulder.  She taught computer lessons, was the assistant to Santa Barbara's Mayor for several years, and taught economics for six years for Regis University’s on-line MBA program before turning to full-time writing.

Telleen-Lawton has published on environmental, economic, social, and family issues in local, regional, and national publications including Santa Barbara Seasons, Stanford Magazine, UCSB Coastlines, Coloradan, and Family Fun.  She lives with her husband in Rattlesnake Canyon, volunteering as a docent at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.  They have two grown children.