What’s New With Katrina Kittle

March 2025

We did it! We survived February!

My Highlights

Took twelve University of Dayton students on a weekend creative writing retreat with my amazing colleague and fellow author Meredith Doench. It was magical, and one student wrote to me later, “This experience was amazing! It was one of my favorite activities at UD, and the community of writers that I met will carry on even after I graduate. I believe that this writing journey helped shape the way that I view writing and gave me friends and supporters to help me on my way to publication.”

Met with two book clubs that chose Morning in This Broken World for discussion.

Kept my New Year’s resolution to learn to make crème brulee. So far I’ve made two flavors—the classic and the salted caramel. I plan to make one new flavor each month.

Received notes from my agent on what is the last (hopefully? for now?) revision on my current manuscript, which I had hoped would be going out on submission by the time you receive April’s newsletter—send that mojo into the world, please!—but that might be slowed down by the next bullet point.

Dealt with a lot of my poor dad’s medical drama. All of you with aging parents can relate to how overwhelming and exhausting this can be. I just wish this wonderful guy could get a break from the universe.

Raged daily at the dumbfuckery being enacted by our current “government.”

Committed daily to taking action to help resist this dumbfuckery.

Committed daily to seeking joy and finding delight to keep my soul from being destroyed by current events.

Happy 25 years to
Traveling Light!

It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around it, but my first novel was published in 2000. Six books later, I’m so grateful for my writing life and my publishing life (which are two very different things). And I’m grateful to all of you who have been on this crazy journey with me, supporting and encouraging me. Hearing from readers means so much and makes all the hard, disheartening days worth it. I couldn’t do it without you!

Need revision inspiration?

In-person class coming in April!

Have you reached the celebratory goal of completing a manuscript? Are you wondering, “What next?” I’m teaching a three-week class for Word’s Worth Writing Connections that could be just what you need. Class runs Thursdays April 3, 10, and 17 at the Wilmington-Stroop Library. I’ll offer easy, practical guidelines and checklists for approaching changes—big and small—in your own work. NOTE: You do NOT have to have a completed manuscript to take or benefit from this class. Class size is limited to 10. Get more info and register here.

UNTETHERED, by Angela Jackson-Brown 

Angela is one of my favorite authors and humans. And I think her work just keeps getting better and better. I’ve genuinely loved all of her books, and Untethered is her best one yet. Set in 1967 in Troy, Alabama, this novel follows Katia Daniels, whose life is “steeped in responsibility.” As the director of Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, as well as the caregiver for her mother and twin brothers, Katia has obligations that stretch her thin. I love stories of people—especially women—who learn how to honor the responsibilities of their own joy and self-care, along with their duties to others. Unforgettable characters.

THE GUNCLE ABROAD, by Steven Rowley 

As you know, I’ve been on quite the Steven Rowley kick lately. I intentionally saved The Guncle Abroad for Inauguration Day. I knew I’d need something uplifting and kind to be an escape, and—as I knew it would—this book delivered balm for my battered soul. The story takes place five years after the events of The Guncle, with Patrick taking his niece and nephew through Europe so that his brother Greg can concentrate on his upcoming marriage—a marriage the kids aren’t ready for. In The Guncle, Patrick helps his niece and nephew navigate grief. In this utterly charming follow-up, Patrick helps them learn about love (and re-evaluates his own worthiness for it). This is a kind, big-hearted, funny, and moving book that will help heal you from these brutal days we’re in.

I had the pleasure of meeting Steven Rowley last October at the Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in Cincinnati. He’s as lovely and delightful as his books. I am thrilled that he has a new book coming in October 2025. You can preorder The Dogs of Venice now, from Amazon or from your favorite indie bookstore. Steven graciously agreed to answer some questions.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO WRITING SNACK?

This time of year I'm partial to goat cheese spread on Raisin Rosemary Crisps from Trader Joe's. Also, the trail mix from Trader Joe's that has raisins and little chocolate candies. If you would ask me outright, I would tell you I hate raisins. But I guess that's not true! It's similar to how I would be revolted if you offered me Thousand Island dressing for my salad. But I would slather it on a burger and devour it. I'm complicated. 

WHEN/WHERE IS YOUR IDEAL WRITING TIME/SPACE?

Lately, I've been going back to work late at night. Sleep is challenging when the world is falling apart, but I like the quiet of night when there are no distractions and no one is trying to reach me. It's been my most productive time. For the first time in my life I have a dedicated home office and have treated myself to a proper desk alongside built-in cabinets and bookshelves. I love being able to have my computer, my notes, and my research all in one place and not cluttering the rest of the house! 

IF YOU ARE PROCRASTINATING/AVOIDING WRITING, WHAT WOULD WE MOST LIKELY FIND YOU DOING?

Not doom-scrolling! Last year I left Twitter, and I recently closed my author Facebook page. I'm still active on Instagram, which is less likely to set me off and has a wonderful community of readers. I would like to say exercising, but the honest answer? My husband and I are obsessed with Wingspan, a competitive board game where you build your own bird sanctuary across three habitats and learn about birds. It's a very popular game among writers. Roll your eyes if you must, but I'm over here feeding my imaginary birds, laying eggs, and racking up points. 

ARE YOU DOING ANYTHING SPECIAL TO KEEP YOURSELF SANE AND HEALTHY DURING THESE TUMULTUOUS TIMES?

Here, I will say exercise. Walking a lot, outdoors as much as I can, on my own and with the dogs. Writing is a sedentary occupation, and so I like to get up and move. It's also a solitary occupation, so when I go to the gym I love to work out with a trainer just to have someone to talk to! And this may be obvious, but reading. Especially fiction. I'm devouring books this year like never before.  

Ready for a
manuscript evaluation?

Postmodern Jukebox (I especially love their remakes of Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar On Me” and Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters.”)

National Park Rangers—representing the resistance yet again (I’m loving following Alt National Park Service.)

That sizzle when you put meat or veggies into perfectly heated oil in a pan (kinda like applause)

Listening to people talk about things they’re passionate about

Reading good fiction and being able to escape reality for a little while

Remember: In times like these, pursuing happiness is an act of rebellion! I know it can be easy to dismiss the idea of focusing on your own happiness when there’s so much turmoil and chaos, but happiness is part of self-care, and you need to take care of yourself when times are tough. Being an awake and aware person in this world and being happy are not mutually exclusive. Don’t let them steal your joy!

Thank you all so much for being on this crazy journey with me!

I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. Hang in there!

Check out my website to read about 
and purchase my books.