Kathryn’s published works seek to uncover the obvious and hidden portrayals of women in the public space. She brings women to the focal point of stories as protagonists and antagonists, and is driven to promote fellow women writers within the community.
‘Darkness and Grace’ by Kathryn Schleich
2022 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite in the Suspense Category
Even the strongest of families aren’t immune to malice, betrayal, and deceit. Supportive, loving, and affluent, the Pierson family is delighted to celebrate the marriage of sensitive middle son Paul Pierson and his wife, Pamela. Everyone rejoices that Paul has finally recovered from the tragic loss of his beloved first wife and looks forward to Paul and Pamela’s new life together. But just as family members are celebrating his happiness, they start noticing that his beautiful bride may not be what she seems.
As the strain between siblings and spouses worsens, the Piersons discover that neither their money nor their considerable influence can keep the family safe from one woman’s malicious intent. When the true nature of this family member is revealed, each of the Piersons is confronted with the quandary of human conduct and moral responsibility.
“Darkness and Grace” is a compelling story of the classic struggle between good and evil, as well as the violent undercurrent running beneath the illusory serenity of a close-knit Midwestern family.
‘Salvation Station’ by Kathryn Schleich
2021 American Fiction Award Winner in the Mystery/Suspense Category
2021 National Indie Excellence Award Finalist in Midwest and Suspense Categories
Despite her years of experience investigating homicides for the force, Captain Linda Turner is haunted by the murders of the Hansen family. The two small children, clothed in tattered Disney pajamas, were buried with their father, a pastor, in the flower garden behind a church parsonage in Lincoln, Nebraska. But Mrs. Hansen is nowhere to be found—and neither is the killer.
In St. Louis, the televangelist Ray Williams is about to lose his show—until one of his regular attendees approaches him with an idea that will help him save it. Despite his initial misgivings, Ray agrees to give it a try. He can’t deny his attraction to this woman, and besides, she’d assured him the plan is just—God gave her the instructions in a dream.
Multiple story lines entwine throughout this compelling mystery, delving into the topics of murder, religious faith, and the inherent dangers in blindly accepting faith as truth. While Reverend Williams is swept up in his newfound success and plans for his wedding, Captain Turner can only hope that she and her team will catch the Hansens’ cunning killer—before more bodies surface.
‘Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers and Other Images’ by Kathryn Schleich
For years, actresses have been commenting on the lack of interesting movie roles for women. Virgins or vamps, but few women of depth, few complicated women with conflicting emotions or moral uncertainty. Author Kathryn Schleich wondered why women in Hollywood have so few choices.
As an adult convert to Catholicism, Schleich was introduced to the equally patriarchal hierarchy of the Catholic Church. Seeing the reality of Catholic women being barred from full participation in so many of the important, meaningful practices of the Church, Schleich again asked, “Why?”
So, in the same way someone put peanut butter and chocolate together in one bite-sized package, “Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images” was born.
Why should a group of nuns who have escaped East Germany need the help of a wandering handyman to build a chapel? How is it that the brutal murder of a whore can trigger the redemption of an ambitious priest?
And why can’t Ingrid Bergman and Bing Crosby live the religious life, side by side, happily ever after? Both entertaining and insightful, Hollywood and Catholic Women addresses important questions about women in the Church and women in Hollywood and should spark lively debate.
‘After Effects: A Zimbell House Anthology’ by Various Authors
“After Effects” is a collection of 28 short stories that dig into the downfall of a person, community, or society as a whole; and what the after effects of that ruin entail. Some are humorous, some are touching, but all make us pause and reflect.
Kathryn’s essay Reckless Acts is featured in the “After Effects” Anthology August 2017 edition.
Finding Hope in No-Man’s Land
Kathryn’s essay, Finding Hope in No-Man’s Land, was an Award Winner in the 89th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition in 2020.
Grand Slam
Kathryn’s short story, Grand Slam, was published in the Acentos Review, a quarterly literary and arts journal that promotes and publishes Latinx work.
Dispose of the Evidence
Kathryn’s flash fiction piece Dispose of the Evidence won an Honorary Mention in a WOW! Women On Writing flash fiction contest.
Snap Judgment
This humorous story from Kathryn is about something we’re all guilty of—making judgments about people based solely on their appearance and without knowing their full story.