About Me

I’m Seth Karnes – author, storyteller, and dog lover for as long as I can remember. The heart of my work comes from the belief that our pets teach us some of life’s most important lessons: how to love deeply, how to say goodbye, and how to find healing when the world feels heavy. My first children’s book, Here Comes Bella, was born from my own experiences with loss and the dogs who shaped my life. Writing it helped me heal, and now I hope it helps kids and families do the same.

I’ve been married to my wife, Crystal, since 2013, and a proud dad to my son, Seth Jr. since 1999. They’re my greatest supporters and the steady foundation behind everything I create.

My path to writing hasn’t been a straight line; far from it. Right after high school and throughout my twenties, I served in the United States Navy where I deployed to the Middle East and later became a Naval Test Parachutist and completing more than 500 jumps (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like). That experience taught me discipline, courage, humility, and the importance of showing up for the people around you. It also sparked the creation of Savage Sailor Apparel – a way for me to honor the resilience, grit, discipline, and hardearned lessons from those years of service.

Professionally, I’ve spent almost 20 years working in safety and security, helping people feel supported and protected during some of their toughest moments. Along the way, I also became a relationship coach and a certified personal trainer, two roles that let me walk alongside people as they grow – emotionally, physically, and personally. Whether I’m helping someone strengthen their communication, their body, or their sense of self, I’ve always been drawn to work that helps others discover the best version of themselves.

These days, you can usually find me on a quiet trail, thinking about the dogs who once ran beside me, or noticing the small moments that turn into new stories. I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma with Crystal and Bella, and together we make space for adventure, peace, laughter, and love in all its forms.

When I speak with children and families about pet loss, resilience, and the emotional bonds we share with our animals, my goal is simple: emotions are good, stories matter, and healing can begin in its own time. If my journey or book resonates with you, or if you'd like me to speak at an upcoming engagement like a conference, school, community event, or even an interview, I’d love to connect.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my story, it’s this: grief doesn’t mean the end of love – and every heart, no matter how broken, has room to grow again.