Katherine M. Gotthardt, Award-Winning Author and Poet

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 Central Virginia home, she pens award-winning poems, articles, flash fiction and books published independently and traditionally. Read more about this prolific author and her work.

Support Community Giving

An avid volunteer and believer in giving back, Katherine Gotthardt uses proceeds from her book sales and creative workshops to support nonprofits and community giving initiatives. Sponsors and partners are also encouraged to participate. There are many ways to sponsor and/or partner. Business owners, consider buying books at wholesale prices or carrying Katherine's books on consignment. Reach out for details: poet @ katherinegotthardt.com

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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

We All Might Be Witches

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

News Corner

Press: Prince William Poet Laureate Emerita Kathy Smaltz interviewed Katherine for an InsideNova and Haymarket-Gainesville Lifestyle magazine article.

Publications:

Crisis of Faith New Edition is now available for purchase
"I Found a Poem I Forgot I'd Written in Winter" has been accepted for publication in The Gently Mad Literary Magazine
"Reminders, 2025" has been published in North of Oxford's Streur Nature Anthology.
"Trajectory" has been published in The Zest of the Lemon second anthology.
Katherine's articles are being published regularly in The Central Virginian and Prince William Living.
Lake Anna Connections published Katherine's article featuring Louisa's Betty Queen Intergenerational Center.

Projects and Events

Reading at Louisa County Fair - Friday, August 1 at 10:30 a.m. Katherine will read her Amazon bestseller A Crane Named Steve. A limited number of books and coloring books will be distributed, courtesy of the Louisa Forward Foundation and Clark Technologies.

Write In Louisa - The Louisa Arts Center has graciously sponsored a writers group serving Louisa County, Virginia, and beyond. Founded in November 2024 by Katherine, Write In Louisa meets the first Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Purcell Gallery. Register for the next meeting, and follow Write In Louisa on Facebook to stay current on events.

Richmond Writers - Katherine will will be one of three poets on a panel September 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Goochland Public Library.

Where Else to Go

Poets & Writers Directory - 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 email updates or follow her work on Substack.

Writing to Give Back

Support Community Giving

Award-Winning Writer & Educator John Dutton