The M.K. Davenport Story
It all started with the passing of pages across the kitchen table and swapping plot twists, then grew into a shared writing life as they discovered that they truly brought out the best in each other—and in the work. Under the name M.K. Davenport, Merle and Karen weave decades of teaching, research, editing, and storytelling into something uniquely their own. Together, they channel different strengths into one creative voice.
Merle
Merle Davenport discovered his love of storytelling in the mid-90s, when his children insisted on nightly tales made up on the spot—especially their favorites featuring a princess and a bear. When they eventually asked him to write the stories down, he agreed… not realizing it would spark a lifelong passion for writing.
Today, Merle serves as President of the Tulsa NightWriters, where writers help writers become better writers. He writes across multiple genres, enjoys speaking at conferences, and especially loves collaborating with his wife on historical romance novels—a creative extension of their own love story.
Merle is also an unapologetic fan of Dad Jokes—the groan-worthy, eye-roll-inducing kind. While he doesn't write them himself, he welcomes clean submissions from fellow fans. His one rule? If he can’t tell it in church, he won’t post it online.
Karen
A lover of romance, humor, and history, Karen found it only natural to join her history-buff husband, creative partner, and lifelong love in bringing words to life through heartwarming stories set in the past.
She grew up in northern Pennsylvania and Michigan, where she met Merle. Her German/Pennsylvania Dutch parents raised four children with a deep respect for hard work, perseverance, heritage, and the joy of a close-knit family. Karen’s love for antiques, quilting, and gardening first took root with them and grew right along with her.
Through writing, Karen and Merle journey together through the tapestry of time—woven with historical events, emotional depth, and unforgettable adventure.
