Bestselling NZ Author, NZ Booklovers Founder & Resilience Voice

Karen McMillan is one of New Zealand's most prolific authors — with 25 books published across eleven countries — and a much-loved speaker on resilience, storytelling and finding hope through hard seasons. A breast cancer survivor herself, she brings warmth, perspective and craft to every room she walks into.

Who is Karen McMillan?

Auckland-based Karen has written historical fiction, contemporary novels, children's adventures and acclaimed non-fiction. Alongside her writing, she founded NZ Booklovers — a hub for readers and writers across Aotearoa — runs the annual NZ Booklovers Awards and serves as Books Editor for the NZ Herald.

Career Highlights

• Author of 25 books, published in 11 countries

• Bestselling historical novels including The Paris of the East and The Paris of the West

• Everyday Strength (with chef Sam Mannering), NZ finalist in the 2018 Gourmand World Awards

• Founder of NZ Booklovers and the annual NZ Booklovers Awards

• NZ Herald Books Editor and regular media commentator on books

• Author of the children's Elastic Island Adventures series, in development for screen

• Long-time volunteer writer for North Shore Hospice (2001–2013)

• Breast cancer survivor and trusted voice in the NZ cancer community

Key Speaking Themes

• Resilience and finding hope through illness

• The power of storytelling in personal recovery

• Writing, publishing and pursuing a creative life

• Supporting friends and whānau through cancer

• Literacy, books and the love of reading

What Your Audience Will Gain

A thoughtful, generous session from someone who's spent her career telling other people's stories — and lived through some of the toughest ones herself. Karen blends author insight with the lived experience of cancer, hospice work and reinvention, leaving audiences with perspective and a stronger sense of what really matters.

Ideal For

• Cancer organisations, hospice events and health audiences

• Women's networks and leadership groups

• Libraries, writers' festivals and book clubs

• Schools, universities and literacy programmes

• Rotary, community and not-for-profit events

Frequently Asked Questions about Karen McMillan

What does Karen McMillan speak about? Resilience, the cancer journey, storytelling, writing and the power of books to support people through life's hardest seasons.

What is Karen McMillan best known for? Her bestselling historical novels The Paris of the East and The Paris of the West, and her non-fiction cancer titles Unbreakable Spirit and Everyday Strength.

Is Karen McMillan a cancer survivor? Yes — Karen is a breast cancer survivor and has spent many years supporting others through writing, hospice volunteering and her cancer-focused books.

What is NZ Booklovers? A hub Karen founded for people who are passionate about books, with a team of reviewers and the annual NZ Booklovers Awards celebrating Aotearoa NZ authors.

Has Karen McMillan written for children? Yes — the popular Elastic Island Adventures series and Elemental Heroes (co-written with TV/film producer Chrissy Metge).

Is Karen McMillan available for events around New Zealand? Yes. Karen is a regular speaker at cancer organisations, libraries, women's groups, book festivals, schools and corporate audiences.