About Us
Karin and Katie have been friends for as long as either of them can remember. As kids and young adults, they went to a summer camp where they gathered in an upper library room called The Owl’s Nest. It was a place where friendships were forged between the lines of stories read and listened to—where laughter, tears, and the serious matters of growing up were explored in the safety that only a place of whimsy can offer.
Since make-believe has always been an integral part of their friendship, Karin and Katie want above all to publish books that capture the imagination of adolescents. Between the quiet pages of a book, the young see the world, hear the world, and grow wise. This is the Owl’s Nest; come in and read! |
KarinKarin Hoyle has over a decade of experience in the publishing industry as the author of 11 books for teens and a columnist, creative writing instructor, speaker, and more. She has been agented, and is a sought after voice in the area of storytelling and culture: judging for book awards, editing for fellow authors, and offering consulting and advice to peers in the industry.
At Owl's Nest, Karin is the CEO and Acquisitions Editor as well as one of our Teen and Middle Grade authors. Find Karin on our author page and on her website. Her socials are @kbhoyle.author on Instagram, @kbhoyle.author on Facebook, and @kbhoyle_author on Twitter |
KatieKatie Stewart has a master's degree in Communication from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California. She is a professional writer and certified editor with over 12 years of experience in writing creative nonfiction, sales copy, and marketing copy for a major nonprofit. She also has extensive social media book marketing experience and relationships with several big New York publishing houses. She has curated a platform across social media sites, and as a result is a trusted voice in the book review world, developing relationships with authors and readers alike.
At Owl's Nest, Katie is the COO and Managing Editor as well as one of our Classics authors. Find Katie on our author page, @lifebetweenwords on Instagram, and Life Between Words on YouTube |
Our Team
Ash
Ash Schlax is an artist, published poet, and creative soul who has loved both art and words for as long as she can remember—her young life consisted of many made-up stories complete with illustrations. She has a BA in Creative Writing (Poetry) with a Minor in Journalism from North Carolina State University. She has served as editor, staff writer, and creative director for a variety of organizations and publications. After a decade in the fields of creative nonfiction and communications, she returned to her roots as an artist six years ago and has never regretted the decision. With her years of director experience, ranging from communications to creative, she now loves being a resource for small businesses and nonprofits, and is thrilled to be part of Owl's Nest, where her passions and abilities converge.
At Owl's Nest, Ash is the Creative Director and Poetry Editor. Find Ash at @ashschlax_ on Instagram and purchase her artwork at daffodilsandink.etsy.com or society6.com/ashschlax. |
Timarie
Timarie Friesen graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a degree in Modern Languages and Literatures. As a young mom, she began reading to her children—The Hobbit and other classics, old and new. She then wrote two middle grade books, joined two writers’ groups, and began blogging. Today she leads an online community of Christian writers, writes non-fiction articles, and continues to read great books with her children.
Timarie and her family live in Iowa and enjoy the outdoors. You can see what she blogs on her website or follow her on Twitter. At Owl’s Nest, Timarie is an Editor and a Reader, helping with Acquisitions. |
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Hance has loved books and the written word for as long as she can remember. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in communications and now works in publishing while freelance writing and working on a Master's of Arts in Writing from Johns Hopkins University. She lives in Washington, D.C. in a thriving community that she loves to bring together around good books, poetry, theology, tea, and beauty. She blogs at Finding Eloquence and you can follow her on Instagram.
At Owl's Nest, Elizabeth is an Editor and a Reader, helping with Acquisitions. |
Carol
With degrees in art and design, Carol Foust is a Jill of All Trades. She is an avid reader and audiobook listener, and her experience ranges from Girl Scout troop leader to special needs caregiver to after school and pre-school teacher. She splits her time between Alabama, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, where she acts as part-time associate and on-site assistant to CEO Karin.
At Owl’s Nest, Carol is a Design Associate, Assistant, and Audiobook Editor. |
Beth Anne
Beth Anne Dunphy is a lifelong reader and writer. She loves the thrill of a new book, the comfort of rereading an old favorite, and the delight of sharing books with others and discussing them in community. A mom of five and graduate of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, she has taught numerous homeschool classes, specializing in history, writing, grammar, literature, and music. She loves black coffee, mystery books, and all things Star Wars.
At Owl's Nest, Beth Anne is the Marketing Director. Beth Anne's book reviews and writing can be found on Instagram @bookworm_baggins. |
Lindsey
Lindsey Pearce has a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in professional writing from the University of North Alabama. She has extensive experience with remote work environments and in customer care—especially for small and growing businesses. She is excited to be part of the Owl’s Nest team. She lives in North Alabama with her husband and three children.
At Owl's Nest, Lindsey is Operations Manager. |
Ally
Ally Castaldo is a lifelong lover of books and of writing. Most of her childhood years were spent writing stories in her free time. She has a BS in Childhood Psychology and has also studied Biblical Counseling. In the past decade, Ally has been the Development Director of a local non-profit and has worked in youth and college ministry. She is excited to be working with Owl's Nest!
At Owl's Nest, Ally is Development Lead. You can find Ally on Instagram at @ally_castaldo |