Twelve years ago, Patricia Fry asked if I would take over as president of this organization. She was busy writing cozy mysteries and having far more fun than attending board meetings. Somehow, those twelve years have flown by. I have thought long and hard about this decision, but as of the end of June, I will be stepping down as president and handing the reins to Jay Hartman". 

The good news is that I’m not going anywhere. 

I’ll be serving as treasurer, managing our LA Times Festival of Books booth, continuing to write for WPNews, and remaining active in the community I care so much about. But it is time to make more room for my own writing, finish my next novel that has patiently waited far too many years for my attention, and pursue a few other literary adventures, including my new Substack, Glimpses of a Life. 

One of the greatest gifts of these past twelve years has been getting to know so many of you. Helping writers navigate the publishing process, answer questions, solve problems, and move their dreams forward has been deeply rewarding. I have always believed in helping others because so many people helped me when I was starting out. That generosity changed my life, and I’ve tried to pass it along whenever I could. 

You can still reach me with questions. I’ll continue doing book marketing for a handful of clients each year, co-hosting the Talking Book Publishing podcast, and working with Adanna Moriarty on an exciting new book marketing app for authors. 

Over the years, I discovered something important about myself. I always knew I would spend my later years writing. I never expected to become a book marketer, conference producer, or nonprofit president. Yet every one of those turns led me to a place I love: a community of people who read, write, create, and believe that stories matter. 

So this isn't really a goodbye. It's simply a small turn in the very winding road of life. 

Thank you for your friendship, your support, your creativity, and the privilege of being part of your journeys. I look forward to seeing many of you on Zoom, in the Members Green Room, at the Festival of Books, and wherever our literary paths cross next. 

You are my people. 

Keep writing. Keep dreaming. And most of all, keep making those dreams come true. 

With the deepest of gratitude, 

Kathleen Kaiser