Kacey Carpenter

My first book was inspired by my journey with Bernie Sanders, traveling across the country, helping get out the vote, and learning about the challenges and opportunities for a better future. At the same time, I built a career in Silicon Valley high-tech, where digital engagement and storytelling were central.

Both experiences shaped me as a writer. They taught me to bring passion, purpose, and storytelling into everything I create, whether nonfiction or fiction. Even in my national park mystery thrillers, that thread runs through the work. What began as a love of nature now has added meaning, especially as public lands have become more politically charged. My background gives me a deep well of experiences and people’s stories to draw from, fueling my writing and inspiring me to keep sharing.

My Journey with Bernie shares my personal story and the lessons I learned from the people I met on the campaign trail, at caucuses and primaries, and at conventions. It was a front-row view of a new political movement, full of inspiring stories of grassroots progressives bringing hope and energy to democracy. Bernie’s words at the Reno Rally in December 2015 still stick with me: “It’s not about me, it’s about us, and when we stand together we can do anything.” At that moment, I felt the Bern, and soon I was co-leading 300 volunteers from 30 states to Iowa for the first caucus, diving headfirst into a journey across the country.

The book reads like a roller coaster ride, full of highs, lows, and the uplifting stories of people who brought enthusiasm and led a new political revolution. I wanted readers to see how ordinary people, when organized and motivated, can make a real difference.

Ready, Set, Go! grew from that experience. The title comes from a plan a campaign leader shared during our first Iowa caucus trip. The book became a versatile playbook for anyone eager to make an impact—students, retirees, novices, or experienced organizers. It guides readers step by step, offers practical tips, real-world success stories, and exercises to help build skills, plan campaigns, run for office, or advance causes.

Both books reflect my belief that writing can be creative and political. They show how ordinary people, working together, can protect democracy, strengthen communities, and create meaningful change. The billionaires may have the money, but we have the people.

I published my first National Park Mystery-Thriller, Do Not Die Today: Use Caution! The Desert Can Be Deadly, set in Joshua Tree National Park. The idea came during a family vacation—the landscape was breathtaking, and I even saw a sign in the desert that read “Do Not Die Today,” which sparked both the title and the story.

As I hiked the trails and climbed boulders, I began imagining the characters and the events that could bring the park to life. The story follows three childhood friends—Mitch, a cautious software engineer haunted by past tragedy; Alex, a confident businessman seeking thrills; and Ben, a steady and resourceful former Scout—whose camping trip turns into a terrifying fight for survival. They uncover a series of mysterious events and realize their lives are in danger. Will their bond be enough to outwit a cunning killer and escape with their lives?

It took about six months to write the book, and it was thrilling to combine my love for national parks with mystery and suspense. The second book, Murder in Vacationland, takes Ben, Mitch, and Alex to Acadia National Park in Maine, and the third is planned for Oregon. I love creating mysteries in national parks, not just for the plot, but to let readers experience these incredible landscapes through my characters’ eyes.

I love both, but each has unique challenges. Nonfiction is research-driven, and I must ensure facts, sources, and locations are accurate. Fiction is not easier; it is just different. In my thrillers, settings and experiences still need to feel authentic so readers can imagine exploring Joshua Tree, Acadia, or other national parks.

Writing a novel is slower and unpredictable. I often do not know where characters will take me until I am deep into the story. In Do Not Die Today, key character connections emerged only during editing. Fiction allows discovery and creativity, while nonfiction requires strict adherence to facts. Both are rewarding, but fiction gives me the thrill of letting the characters lead me on a journey..

The next book, Murder in Vacationland, reunites my three childhood friends in Acadia National Park. Alex arranges a private charter along the Maine coast, but their trip takes a dark turn in Chapter One when a body is found in the water. Alex dives in to try to save the man, nearly drowning, and the friends quickly become entangled in a murder investigation and a national security conspiracy.

The story introduces Captain Dell, a gruff and sharp-witted lobster fisherman whose role is mysterious—he could be a victim or part of a spy network. Each of the friends brings their own skills and personal challenges as they navigate encrypted data, shadowy federal agents, and increasingly dangerous situations along the coast.

These books bring national parks to life, blending scenic trails and rugged landscapes with suspense, high-stakes adventure, and the enduring bond of friendship. Readers experience both the beauty of Acadia and the thrill of being on the edge alongside Ben, Mitch, and Alex.

I write Life is a Journey to connect with people and build a community of writers, travelers, and curious readers. After leaving the Sierra Club, I wanted a way to share stories that inspire, inform, and connect.

I publish weekly, without missing an issue in two years. Inspiration often strikes in bursts, and I plan multiple articles ahead. One of the most rewarding parts is that it is not just about me. I feature others, celebrating travel, milestones, and personal journeys. Some weeks it is national parks, others politics or community engagement, or family moments like welcoming my granddaughter or our dog, Wilbur. Ultimately, it is about connection, purpose, and sharing life’s joys and challenges with readers.

Community, activism, and engagement are central to my life, so they naturally appear in my fiction. For example, in Do Not Die Today, Alex suggests a development project near a protected area, and Ben and Mitch push back, highlighting conservation. In my second book, climate change becomes key, and future books explore threats to wildlife, habitats, and public lands.

I aim to weave these themes subtly. Readers can enjoy the adventure and suspense while also seeing why these places and the issues around them matter. Fiction lets readers experience these stakes personally, rather than through policy debates.

I love speaking in person and connecting with readers, whether about nonfiction or my mystery thrillers. For My Journey with Bernie, I shared experiences from the 2016–2018 election cycles. With my thrillers, I bring stories to life with images, photos, and sometimes art. For instance, one friend painted the cover of Do Not Die Today, and at a retirement center screening, I displayed images from the book to immerse the audience.

Ultimately, I love to tour libraries, indie bookstores, and National Parks, following my characters’ journeys from childhood to retirement and sharing them with readers everywhere.

Political campaigns and nonprofit consulting shaped how I write and think. On My Journey with Bernie, I traveled the country, knocking on doors and connecting with people, which taught me to listen, tell stories, and communicate complex ideas.

That work led to DNC training, running for city council, serving on the California Democratic Party, and supporting other candidates. At the Sierra Club, I trained volunteers across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Writing became essential for storytelling and inspiring action.

These experiences shaped my worldview. Growing up in Silicon Valley, I was privileged and sheltered. Discovering Bernie Sanders opened my eyes to societal change and the stakes for future generations. Life is nuanced, and listening helps me find common ground and write persuasively, helping readers understand why protecting communities and democracy matters.

The outdoors is central to my creativity. Experiences outside often spark stories for Life is a Journey. If I am stuck at the computer, I walk in the forest, along a river, or on the coast, dictating ideas on my phone and letting nature open my imagination.

Even in political work, being out—knocking on doors, attending rallies, traveling—gives perspective and authenticity. Getting outside is not just refreshing; it is essential to how I think, create, and connect with the stories I want to tell.

Balancing writing with coaching, teaching, and volunteering comes down to purpose, what the Japanese call ikigai: what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what gives you meaning.

It is about choices, not just what I do but what I do not. During writing phases, I often set aside other commitments to focus on my stories. I feel fortunate to be in the middle of life, active, creative, and engaged, bringing energy to writing, democracy, and family. It is a purposeful balance that keeps me grounded and inspired.

There have been many. Publishing My Journey with Bernie and sharing it with Bernie Sanders, Jane Sanders, and others was incredible.

With my National Park Mystery thrillers, it is rewarding to see readers’ love for parks and know my stories connect with people’s memories or dreams of these places. Milestones like seeing the first box of books, attending a book event, and hearing readers’ reactions are thrilling. Bringing happiness through storytelling and honing my craft is deeply rewarding.

Many authors have inspired me. As a child, I loved Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web, The Littles, and The Hardy Boys. Later, I enjoyed Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and John Grisham, books you could finish in a weekend.

During the 2020 pandemic, my partner gave me World War II mysteries by James Benn, which inspired my own thrillers with three central characters. Today, I read widely, including classic mysteries, contemporary thrillers like Jack Reacher, and other genres. For each book I write, I read at least 25 books to understand pacing, character development, and storytelling. There is not a single author who shaped me; I draw inspiration from many.

I love spending time with my family, partner Kathy, and our dog Wilbur. We paddle rivers, walk in the woods, explore the coast, wander downtown Portland, enjoy food trucks, or visit gardens. Oregon’s forests, trails, and gardens inspire a full, joyful life that I share with the people I love most.

I discovered AllAuthor through a book cover competition while beginning my writing journey. I entered Do Not Die Today, mainly to support my friend Kate, who designed the cover. We were thrilled to be finalists. The experience encouraged me to engage friends, family, and readers. AllAuthor is engaging and supportive, and I am excited to continue publishing my books here and participating in opportunities like this interview.