Catherine Alexander
Award-Winning Author & Fiction Instructor
Acclaimed Author of "Dogs Don’t Cook" and "From the Margins"
What makes Catherine's writing unique?
Explore Catherine's Works
Catherine’s books are a celebration of resilience and humanity, offering a compassionate understanding of those who have endured trauma and hardship. Her stories honor the lives of people on the margins—individuals overcoming disabilities, the scars of war, or the pain of neglect and abuse. Through her empathetic lens, Catherine shines a light on their strength, their struggles, and their journey toward hope and healing.
What sets her work apart is the depth of her research and her genuine connection with the people whose lives she brings to light. Catherine had the privilege of speaking directly with these individuals, immersing herself in their perspectives. War veterans, including those who served in Vietnam, welcomed her into their worlds, sharing their stories with remarkable openness.
For Catherine, this journey was profoundly enlightening—being an author allowed her to walk in their shoes, seeing life through their eyes. It’s this authenticity and empathy that make her writing so impactful and unforgettable.
From the Margins (2023)
A masterful collection of short stories that highlight the lives of people living on the edges of society. From the Margins brings attention to those facing personal and societal challenges, offering a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit. This collection has earned the Literary Titan Gold Award and continues to captivate readers who appreciate insightful and empathetic storytelling.
Praise for From the Margins:
“…Through evocative prose and deeply empathetic storytelling, Alexander brings her characters to life, allowing the reader to intimately understand the varied lives portrayed.” Literary Titan
“…emotionally-charged stories with palpable tension…These moving tales traverse a spectrum of sentiments…This collection of profound narratives filled with an array of captivating personalities is a stunner.” Prairies Book Review
Dogs Don’t Cook (2021)
A heartfelt novel about art, friendship, and survival. Set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, Dogs Don’t Cook follows a young artist navigating life’s challenges while seeking redemption and understanding. This novel was a finalist for the Next Generation Indie Book Awards and continues to inspire readers with its powerful narrative.
Praise for Dogs Don’t Cook:
“…a fresh take on life well past the Vietnam War…Against all odds, belief and support are enough to turn one’s life around…eye-opening fictional account that successfully portrays…the struggle, including the failures and triggers that can cause the loosely dedicated to falter…An oddly endearing cast…heartbreaking, heartwarming, and most of all thought provoking. A tangled love story of art, friendship, and survival.” Reader Views
“This is a fine piece of literary fiction, casting a light on PTSD, trauma, alcoholism, substance abuse, familial ties, friendship, belonging while raising relevant questions about war and how it affects countries as well as people on individual level. Lovers of literary fiction won’t want to miss this richly imagined tale of human resilience, friendship, and self-discovery.” Prairies Book Review
Catherine Alexander is an acclaimed author known for her unique voice and powerful storytelling. Her novel Dogs Don’t Cook and short-story collection From the Margins have earned critical praise, including the Literary Titan Gold and Silver Awards. With nominations for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, Catherine's work has appeared in over fifty prestigious literary journals.
Catherine’s Journey from Letters to Published Works
Catherine Alexander’s path to becoming a published author wasn’t a straight line. Her love of storytelling began in childhood, writing letters to her parents filled with embellished tales. However, it wasn’t until later in life that Catherine fully embraced writing as her calling. After leaving a 20-year marriage, she enrolled in creative writing courses at the University of Washington, where she rediscovered her passion for fiction. Her professors quickly recognized her talent, encouraging her to publish her first short story in 1996.
Since then, Catherine has gone on to publish over 50 stories in literary journals, along with her novel and short-story collection.
Catherine teaches fiction and memoir classes in Seattle, offering both in-person and private writing workshops. Her courses are designed to help aspiring writers develop their voice and storytelling skills. Her writing journey is a testament to perseverance and the power of following your passion.
As of November 2024, Catherine is working hard on a third book and a novelette.
The University of Washington, where Catherine worked and studied
An inspiring journey of self-discovery and creativity, leading to the publication of heartfelt and thought-provoking literature.
Paws and Inspiration: The Heart of Catherine’s Creative Space
In the cozy writing sanctuary of Catherine Alexander, two furry companions, Tyson the Chihuahua and Tru the tuxedo cat, curl up by her desk, enhancing her creative process. These beloved pets not only provide warmth and comfort but also serve as constant muses, inspiring her during her moments of reading, crocheting, and playing the piano. Their playful spirits and unwavering companionship contribute significantly to her daily writing routine, creating a unique atmosphere of inspiration and creativity.
Catherine adopted Tru, her tuxedo kitty, in December 2019 when he was eight years old from an animal shelter in Everett, Washington. While browsing through younger cats, she discovered Tru striking a charming pose among the older felines. Rescued as a stray just a month prior, Tru quickly captured Catherine's heart. Named after Truman Capote, his name reflects Catherine’s literary inspirations.
Tru: The Tuxedo Muse
Tyson: The Gentle Ambassador
Tyson, Catherine’s spirited Chihuahua, joined the family in March 2022 at the age of seven. Arriving on a big red bus from Ventura, California, he quickly established himself as an ambassador of love. Unlike typical Chihuahuas, Tyson greets everyone with enthusiasm, offering licks and wagging his tail in friendly acknowledgment.
Celebrating Life Through Literature
In Catherine’s literary works, themes of friendship, resilience, and the complexity of relationships often mirror the unconditional love and loyalty exemplified by Tru and Tyson. Together, Tru and Tyson enrich Catherine’s life with joy, companionship, and inspiration. They serve as constant reminders of the beauty of pet ownership and the creative energy that thrives in a loving home. Their presence not only enhances her writing experience but also fosters a deeper connection to the themes of friendship and resilience found in her literary works.
Get in Touch with Catherine Alexander
Whether you’re looking to learn more about Catherine’s books, inquire about her writing workshops, or explore potential speaking engagements, you can reach out using the form below or Or, you can email Catherine directly at catalexander@yahoo.com.
Catherine loves connecting with readers, writers, and fellow creatives, and she’d love to hear from you.
