Thank you for visiting! Karen McMillan writes fiction and non-fiction, adult and children's books, 23 books published in ten countries. On this site, you will find information about her books. Karen does many speaking events - cancer organisations, rotary, libraries, women's groups, writers' festivals, retirement villages, book clubs and school events - so contact her directly to book her in.
​
UPCOMING RELEASE
Elastic Island Adventures: Plantation Island Resort
Publishing 17 February 2025
Kiri, Jed and twins Emma and Ethan frequently journey on ‘elastic island’, a unique way to travel that sends them pinging across the ocean to various South Pacific destinations. This time, they travel with Blong the Cat and Heathcliff the Dog to beautiful Fiji.
When they arrive at Plantation Island Resort, they are surprised to discover Lepani, a small hermit crab, hiding in their room. He has run away from home, is terrified of plastic and doesn’t want to be a crab anymore. The children are determined to reunite him with his family, but it seems they will first have to allow him to enjoy the ‘day life’ with them. But they soon discover that he is accident-prone, and their biggest challenge will be keeping him alive!
​
Suitable for children 7 - 12 years. NOTE THE BOOKS CAN BE READ IN ANY ORDER!
​MOVIE/TV RIGHTS ARE OPTIONED FOR THE SERIES!
​
Elastic Island Adventures: Plantation Island Resort has been written with thanks to the Plantation Island Resort, Fiji and with assistance from Tourism Fiji.
CHILDREN'S BOOKS
ELASTIC ISLAND ADVENTURES
Elastic Island Adventures is in an exciting series, a fantasy action-adventure set in the South Pacific. Four Children, Kiri, Jed, and the twins Emma and Ethan, discover an 'elastic' Island that can send them pinging across the ocean to a variety of tropical island destinations. In each adventure the children travel to a different island and must work together to get out of sticky situations or to solve a problem. All the books are stand alone and can be read in any order. They main series is suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years. Blong the Cat's Costume Caper is for children aged 2 to 7 years. Suzy Cato is narrating the audiobook versions of the first six books - Kingdom of Blong and Flip Flop Bay are out now! Dominic Ona-Ariki has narrated Rarotonga.
ELEMENTAL HEROES: HYDROGEN SHOWDOWN
Karen has teamed up with film and TV producer Chrissy Metge to write an exciting new children’s book series, that brings fun and science together in a child-friendly way that will engage young imaginations.
​
Queen Gold has requested help from the world leaders to stop the unrest that is happening in Elemental Land. Twins Sophie and Joey are chosen for this mission that will take them into the dangerous world where the elements, such as gold, iron, neon and sulphur, live. Hydro, the leader of the hydrogens, wants to invade the human world to blow things up. The hydrogens love to blow themselves up in Elemental Land, and they can do this over and over. Can Sophie and Joey stop Hydro’s dastardly plans for humanity? Joey has the knowledge, Sophie has impressive powers of deduction, and their sword-fighting skills are exceptional. But will this be enough against exploding hydrogens? An action-packed, imaginative read that brings the world of everyday elements wonderfully to life! Perfect for children 7 to 12 years.
FICTION
Karen writes historical and contemporary novels, set in New Zealand and around the world. Her most recent novel is Turbulent Threads, a passionate novel of freedom and love in Victorian New Zealand, a page-turning saga set in extraordinary times.
​
Spanning the last decade of the 19th century, this page-turning saga explores the healing power of friendship while celebrating the pivotal role women played in one of New Zealand’s most turbulent eras.
Dunedin, 1890: Suddenly orphaned at the tender age of twenty, Greer Gillies is reduced to working as a humble servant at Larnach Castle, a far cry from the dreams she held before. As she struggles with the stark reality of grief, she finds her journey has only just begun as the decade proves transformative for women’s progress.
As she grapples with affairs of the heart, betrayal, the threat of lost love and social upheavals, Greer’s resilience shines through. She becomes a symbol of courage, daring to pursue her dreams, follow her heart and find her place in a world that promises a better future.
​
NON-FICTION
Karen writes non-fiction books that encourage and inspire, including Everyday Strength: nourishing recipes and wellbeing tips for people facing cancer that will help make everyday a little brighter.
Everyday Strength is an invaluable resource for families facing cancer. Going through treatments for cancer is undoubtedly challenging, which authors Sam Mannering and Karen McMillan well know from personal experience. But this book is packed with practical, everyday things you can do to make each day a little brighter during this difficult time. ​Sam has created nourishing, easy-to-prepare, family-friendly recipes that are designed specifically for people who may be feeling unwell. Karen has sought advice from experts, so there are practical suggestions that may help with common symptoms such as exhaustion, changes in weight, nausea, pain and discomfort, and the various symptoms you might not want to talk about. There are sections on hair and skin care, as well as emotional wellbeing. There is also a special section of recipes especially designed to tempt young children, along with practical tips for parents.
WHERE TO BUY KAREN'S BOOKS:
​
NEW ZEALAND
Any good bookstore in New Zealand (distributed by LZR & Associates)
Direct from the author shop and she can personalise your books.
Direct from Duckling Publishing
Direct from Kiwi Kids Read Kiwi Books
Use your Air NZ Airpoints! for her children's books
​
INTERNATIONAL
Purchase books here
Audiobooks from www.audiobooksnz.com
and more than 40 international platforms