Karen Dybis
Karen is a Metro Detroit reporter with more than 25 years of writing experience. She has worked for The Daily Telegram (Adrian, Mich.), The Oakland Press, The Detroit News and Corp! magazine. Her freelance clients include Time magazine, U.S. News and World Report, The Hollywood Reporter, TBD and more.
She is now a contributing editor to JCK, the jewelry trade industry magazine. She writes Monday through Friday for its newsletter and creates articles for its website and print magazine. (And she’s always looking for new stories!)
Karen is the author of five local history books: "The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In," "Better Made in Michigan," "The Witch of Delray" and "Secret Detroit." She recently finished work on a book about the history of Detroit Style Pizza, which came out in May 2023.
Karen is available for writing assignments, book development and public speaking on a variety of topics. She has done presentations for groups of 20 to 200. Her topics focus on Detroit history and its innovative residents.
"Great read. Dybis shares with her readers the story of corrupt politicians, scandal, and overzealous prosecution of an immigrant, Rose Veres, and her son who are charged and convicted in the death of a boarder in their Delray Rooming house. Well-researched and well-written."
— Amazon reviewer
“Excellent read.”
My husband was delighted in getting this book as his great uncle was Mr. Dancey. He actually learned a few things that he didn't already know! Thank you so much.
— L.M. regarding "Better Made in Michigan"
“WOW!”
How did I not know about this place?
— Amy Elliott Bragg regarding "Secret Detroit"
“Save your local drive-in!”
If you've ever thrilled to the "10 minutes 'til Showtime!" concession stand countdown that used to play at the drive-in (and begged your parents to spring for ICE COLD! drinks and HOT! french fries), you'll definitely feel the pangs of childhood nostalgia while reading this book. I instantly recalled movies I saw not just at the Ford-Wyoming (Blue Thunder comes immediately to mind), but at many outdoor screens across Metro Detroit. The car trunks full of people getting caught, the playground below the big screen, the speakers, the "canoodling"-- it's all in author Karen Dybis' tale of a beloved, iconic family business.
— Jason Carr regarding "The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In"