John Carenen is an accomplished author and educator with a diverse literary career spanning fiction, poetry, and journalism. A graduate of the University of Iowa Writers Workshop, he has published novels such as "Son-up, Son-down," sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, and the critically acclaimed "Signs of Struggle," the first in a series followed by "A Far Gone Night" and "The Face on the Other Side." His work has appeared in prominent publications like Reader’s Digest, where he earned a First Person Award, as well as McCall’s and regional literary magazines.
Carenen’s background reflects a lifelong dedication to both writing and education. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he pursued a career as an English professor at Newberry College while simultaneously working with emotionally disturbed adolescents. His writing often explores themes of human struggle and resilience, blending mainstream commercial appeal with literary depth. Beyond his novels, he has contributed columns to newspapers in North and South Carolina and continues to craft new stories, including a standalone novel set in the mountains of North Carolina.
A devoted family man, Carenen resides with his wife, Elisabeth, and their rescue pets. His daughters, Caitlin and Rowe, have followed in his creative footsteps as a professor and published poet, respectively. An avid traveler who has visited 23 countries, he enjoys hiking, reading widely, and cheering for his favorite sports teams in his spare time.