Katherine is the author of the critically-acclaimed YA contemporary novels, HOW TO BE BRAVE (2015) and THE BEST POSSIBLE ANSWER (2016), both from St. Martin’s Press/Griffin Teen, as well as an Associate Professor of English at Pasadena City College. She proud of her work as a middle, high school, and community college teacher for over two decades. Katherine holds an M.A. in English from the University of California, Irvine as well as an M.S. in Kinesiology, with a focus on Integrative Wellness, from Point Loma Nazarene University. Having completed multiple certifications, including to become a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200, 2011), an ACE-certified personal trainer (2019), and an ACE-certified health coach (2021), while also living with multiple invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, she is passionate about bodily self-determination and health equity. She believes in holistic and inclusive approaches to healing and growth should be accessible to all. Katherine has served as a board member for the Children's Literature Council of Southern California, and she is a proud team member of We Need Diverse Books. As the queer daughter of an immigrant, she was especially humbled to be honored as PCC's 2019 Ally of the Year, for her work supporting undocumented and LGBTQ students and with PCC's 2021 Above and Beyond Award for her Outstanding Service to Students. Katherine is interested in the stories we tell, the stories we are given, and the ways we can redefine our worlds by discovering which stories are true. She believes in working towards a future that is inclusive, empathetic, and full of love. |
- In addition to being an acclaimed kidlit author, I am a writing teacher, yoga teacher, and wellness and creativity coach.
- I love speaking to groups – children, teens, and adults – and I’d love to visit yours!
- For rights and all other inquiries, please contact my literary agent, Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary.
FAQS/INTERVIEWS/GUEST POSTS
FAQs
On Love and Resistance, or Why I Write Stories About Girls
Click here for a HOW TO BE BRAVE Reading Guide and YOU ARE BRAVE sign.
3 Imperfect Rules for Writing by E. Katherine Kottaras for Writer’s Digest
Dear Teen Me by E. Katherine Kottaras
On Fear and Writing by E. Katherine Kottaras for YA Buccaneers
Once Upon a Time: A Reflection on Body Image by E. Katherine Kottaras for Yoga and Body Image Coalition
PCC Courier Profile
UCLA Extension Writers’ Program Success Story
Fearless Fifteeners: 2015 Debut YA & MG Writers
The Pen and Ink Blog Interview with Hilde Garcia
QueryTracker Interview, Success Story, December 2013