E.K. Barnes is a young adult and urban fantasy author. Her stories are geared toward young adults who not only enjoy reading about characters grappling with real-world issues but also revel in stories with a super-powered edge. Her debut novel, When the Divine Are Dead, was a semi-finalist in the 2021 Kindle Book Awards’ young adult category. For a brief time, E.K. was the owner and operator of Scribe Stash—a personalized subscription box service for readers and writers. She has a passion for awareness and advocacy work, particularly in areas of social issues and mental health. She can sometimes be seen at comic conventions and other bookish events in the Midwest.

E.K. comes from a family of creatives. Her brother is a musician with dreams of becoming a film composer. Her sister is a graphic designer and illustrator. Her parents both hold music degrees.

E.K. is a member of the Independent Author Network. She is a graduate of Olathe Northwest High School and Johnson County Community College, both in Kansas. She also attended MidAmerica Nazarene University and Southern New Hampshire University.

For several years, E.K. was also part of the leadership team at Drexel Church of the Nazarene in Missouri and was the last worship leader at the church prior to its doors closing in 2018. She converted to Unitarian Universalism in 2021.

E.K. currently resides in Kansas.