Writing to Give Back

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt, M.Ed., seeks to support community initiatives and non-profits while promoting writing as an art. From her D.C. metro home, she pens award-winning poems, articles, flash fiction and books published independently and traditionally. Read more about this prolific author and her work.

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Support Community Giving

Sponsor book printing and shipping and inspiring workshops for disadvantaged, underserved and at-risk communities. Non-profit Give Back Prince William has partnered with Katherine to bring poetry and creative writing to local schools and organizations.

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Thirty Years of Cardinal Calling

FROM SAN FRANCISCO BAY PRESS! The cardinal has long been a spiritual symbol, one of messages sent by divine power, and much lore surrounds this iconic, vibrant bird whose colors and voice evoke emotion, memories and meaning. Thirty Years of Cardinals Calling represents all the cardinal embodies, alongside Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt’s past thirty years of publishing poetry. Proceeds benefit community give-back initiatives.

Get Happy, Dammit & Get Happier, Dammit

AWARD WINNER!  A handbook for creating greater happiness by building inspiration and motivation. Each short chapter includes an essay, exercises and poetry designed for creatives, caregivers and anyone who wants to increase quality of life. Get Happy, Dammit and Get Happier, Dammit have won the hearts and minds of readers seeking something different. Proceeds benefit non-profits and community initiatives.

A Crane Named Steve

AMAZON BEST SELLER! An illustrated, epic children's poem featuring a young child who is told the family needs to move and who finds comfort from an unusual friend - a crane who holds a real-life backstory. With full color illustrations and a coloring book version, this story delights all audiences. Proceeds from A Crane Named Steve benefit charities in the greater Prince William, Virginia area.

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Award-Winning Writer & Educator John Dutton

Get Happier, Dammit

Katherine Gotthardt is a spark plug in a world of sluggish engines. She tells you how to thrive in a fast-paced world where there is no time for yourself. This book is a must for teachers and parents!

United Nations Award Winning Poet Brian Donnel James

Thirty Years of Cardinals Calling

Katherine Gotthardt’s literary art can best be described as heart moving, lovely…it is both warm and friendly. She instantly connects to the soul and leaves you inspired.

PWC Poet Laureate Emerita Kim B. Miller

Thirty Years of Cardinals Calling

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt’s poems are like a symphony of imagery. She takes you on a poetic journey. Her pen envelops wisdom and strength.

Author & Poet Author Nancy Wyatt

Late April

Whether it’s about technology, health, loss of a mother, nature’s seasons, or aging, Katherine has a unique way of expressing the joy, complexity, irony, grief, and humor of living life in the modern age. Her work is sprinkled with literary, historical, and religious references, giving depth and texture to her creative imagery. She can sting and soothe with equal facility and usually has a surprise in store for her avid readers. A must read.

Reviewer Jennifer El-Shewihy

A Crane Named Steve

Such a cute story with an equally wonderful backstory...(found at the back of the book). Not only did Steve the Crane give joy through rough traffic and accidents on a daily basis, for a short amount of time, but it's a terrific story for kids whose family talks about moving (Steve moves a lot too).

Author & Educator Garrett Carlson

Bury Me Under a Lilac

Katherine has an incredible ability to harness and expose the emotions that all of us might be too afraid to share. She's soon going to be everyone's next favorite poet.

The Latest

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News
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Forthcoming Poetry - “Quantum” will be published in Utah Tech University’s literary journal, The Southern Quill. "Hike of a Lifetime" will be published in Haiku Society of America's 2023 anthology, and "Post Winter Mortem" will be published in The Journal of the Virginia Writers Club.

30 for 30 Contest - Katherine's poem "Expedition" took second place in poet Mike Maggio's 30 for 30 poetry contest during National Poetry Month.

Haikuniverse - Katherine's haiku "bumblebee" was published on this popular site that has shared a daily haiku since 2015.

Manassas 150th Anniversary - Katherine's poem "Now Entering Manassas" was the winner of the adult "time capsule" poetry contest. Katherine read her poem April 1 at the 150th anniversary celebration, and the translated version by Jorge de Villasante was read by Bianca Menendez. Her poem appeared in Neighbors of Historic Manassas magazine and was included in the city's time capsule.

 
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Projects and Events

April 1, 2023 - Katherine will read her winning poem at the Manassas 150th anniversary celebration. The Spanish translation will also be read. 

April 12, 2023 - Northern Virginia Writing Project will host a "Wednesday Night Writes" online workshop. Katherine will facilitate a session on writing haiku. All are welcome.

Where Else to Go

Poets & Writers Directory - You can now find Katherine in the Poets & Writers international database.

Virginia Poets Database - Read more about Katherine's extensive publishing history and creative work here in this literary and educational database launched by Virginia's 20th Poet Laureate, Louisa A. Igloria.

Substack - Subscribe to Katherine's blog on Substack.

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