A HARLEM RENAISSANCE WOMAN IN PHILLY
At first glance, she’s your favorite Auntie. But underneath that wholesome exterior is one of the most prolific authors of our generation. Her influence is far-reaching and widely admired. She inspires many to want to either work with her or work for her. Karen E. Quinones Miller is an American journalist, historian, author, innovator, mentor, friend, mother, sister daughter, and renaissance woman.
Her first venture into publishing happened in 1999 when she self-published the award winning novel “Satin Doll” which reached sales of over 3,000 books during a span of almost 2 months. It was then that she realized she had a purpose and with a plan of action was able to sell almost 30,000 in almost nine months.
With determination in her heart, she was able to sign an agent and draw the attention to major publishing houses landing her first publishing deal with Simon & Shuster for her novel. That deal would earn her six figures and give them the rights to a second novel as well. Years later, Ms. Quinones would be diagnosed with a brain tumor that was removed in 2005. Despite that near fatal diagnosis, she was able to write and publish three novels in the following years Satin Nights (2006, Grand Central Publishing), Passin’ (2008, Grand Central Publishing) and Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (2008, Oshun Publishing Company) which was co-authored with Mayme H. Johnson. That same year she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
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“It's so good to have the opportunity to help others who have helped you. It's not about "tit for tat," it's about "I love you, too.”
― Karen E. Quinones Miller
