Carlén had two older brothers: Johan Gabriel and Richard, both became involved in literary circles.

Through her father's friend and vicar, J. Stalin, Carlén developed an interest in historical productions.

Carlén wrote for several publications such as Freja, Linnea, Norden, Svea, Vinterblommor, and Violblomman.

Other examples include Gotland and its monuments, the Ulriksdal, Stockholm, and Tullgarn palaces, and a portrait collection from Gripsholm.

Carlén was also known to collaborate with other contemporary writers such as Marie Sophie Schwartz and Carl Anton Wetterbergh [sv].