Katherine M. Gotthardt

Award-Winning Poet and Author

Writing to Give Back

Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt, M.Ed., seeks to support community initiatives and non-profits and elevate the status of writers while promoting writing as an art. From her D.C. metro home, she pens 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 youth. 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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Books

Thirty Years of Cardinal Calling

NEW 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. 

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 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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Now Available! A new, extended edition of Get Happy, Dammit, entitled Get Happier, Dammit, features insights and wisdom from readers on what it means to be happy and how to get happier. Enjoy short essays, exercises and poetry while building inspiration and motivation. Proceeds benefit non-profits and giving-back initiatives that support the community.

NEW! Check out Katherine's interview with podcaster Rose Cushing!

 
 
 
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Poetry Samples

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Projects and Events

Summer-Winter 2022 Katherine will be conducting no-cost readings and facilitating poetry workshops for students in local schools and participants in programs serving the underserved. For more information on this project, email Katherine.

September 11, 2022 Katherine will be with Write by the Rails at Arts Alive!

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