Karen Schutte

Wyoming author Karen Schutte will conduct a virtual discussion of her latest novel on Thursday, Nov. 12 in collaboration with the Park County Libraries.

Schutte, who was born and raised on a ranch in the Big Horn Basin, is currently working on her sixth book, A Far Place. It’s about the settlement and homesteading of Emblem, where her grandparents put down roots 120 years ago.

The upcoming Zoom event will run from 6-7:30 p.m., featuring information about the book, an excerpt and a Q&A session.

After retiring from her chosen career of design, Schutte felt compelled to record her family’s history of German immigration. As the oldest grandchild and great-grandchild on her mother’s side, Schutte dove into the historical research with the intent of documenting her family information. The unexpected result was her first novel, The Ticket.

Since then, Shutte has gone on to write four other novels based on the lives of her ancestors. Her books offer a glimpse into the lives of Wyoming settlers and the history of Wyoming and she’s won multiple awards — including the John E. Weaver Excellent Reads Award for a Historical Series and first in Historical Fiction by the Wyoming State Historical Society. Her book Flesh on the Bone was an Award-Winning Finalist in both the Fiction-Historical and Cover Design categories of the 2014 USA Best Book Awards.

“Writing to me is an unintended, emotional release, a journey of discovery, and a cherished gift that I have discovered at this late date in my life,” Schutte said. “I hope I have enough years left to accomplish all that I have planned.”

To participate in the Zoom sessions, sign up at the front desk of the Powell Library or call the library at 307-754-8828 for more information.