About
Karl Cordes

Karl Cordes writes the kind of stories that remind readers why they fell in love with novels in the first place. His fiction blends heartfelt romance, unforgettable friendships, humor, nostalgia, and personal redemption into emotionally rich stories that stay with readers long after the final chapter.

His debut novel, The Road to Athens, follows Ethan Brooks and Jessica McCormick as they navigate college life, first love, unexpected hardship, and the relationships that ultimately shape their futures. Set in the late 1980s, the novel captures a uniquely American moment—before smartphones and social media—when conversations happened face-to-face, friendships were forged in residence halls and coffee shops, and every road trip held the promise of becoming an unforgettable adventure.

Karl’s ability to create authentic dialogue and memorable characters is rooted in a career built around people and their stories. From 1986 through 2003, he spent seventeen years in the radio industry, working as an on-air personality and sales manager in Illinois, Ohio, Arkansas, and North Carolina. Those years gave him a front-row seat to the rich diversity of American life—from the energy of larger cities to the warmth of small towns, and from the traditions of the Midwest to the distinct culture of the Deep South. Along the way, he discovered that while every community has its own personality, the hopes, dreams, and struggles that define people are remarkably universal.

Following his broadcasting career, Karl spent more than two decades in the technology industry, specializing in leadership, customer success, and strategic relationships. That experience reinforced a lesson he first learned behind a radio microphone: everyone has a story worth telling. Today, those experiences shape the emotional authenticity, humor, and humanity that define his fiction.

“The best stories don’t simply entertain us—they remind us who we are, where we’ve been, and why the people we meet along the way make every mile worthwhile.”

— Karl Cordes

At the heart of Karl’s writing is a simple belief: the best stories aren’t about perfect people—they’re about imperfect people choosing courage, kindness, forgiveness, and hope when life becomes difficult. His characters laugh together, struggle together, fall in love, make mistakes, and discover that life’s greatest victories are often found in perseverance, loyalty, and grace.

Family has always been the foundation of Karl’s life. He and his wife, Michelle, have been married for more than three decades and are the proud parents of two adult children. Their love of family, travel, meaningful conversations, and shared adventures continues to inspire many of the themes woven throughout his novels.

When he isn’t writing, Karl enjoys golfing, staying active, exploring America’s back roads, and visiting the places that inspire future stories. His appreciation for history, regional culture, and the people who call those places home continues to influence every book he writes.

With The Road to Athens, Karl introduces readers to a world filled with unforgettable characters, enduring friendships, and the belief that love, integrity, faith, and hope still matter. It is the first novel in a continuing series that follows the lives of Ethan, Jessica, and the people who become their chosen family—inviting readers to return again and again to a place that feels like home.

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