About Me

Hi! I’m so glad you are here!

My name is Keri! I’m a wife, mom, and author, K.T. James. I spent my childhood scribbling stories mostly when I ran out of books to read. Since college, I have collected a pile of half-novels, loads of short stories, and a couple of (somewhat) decent completed ones that I’m revising to publish.

Hard-of-hearing since the age of three, I knew nothing of the Deaf world until I was heading to college. I began learning sign language, which changed my life…from having better access to communication, to falling in love with the Deaf community, and gaining best friends and acceptance.

Growing up, I struggled to find books with Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing characters, so I decided to write my own.

Interestingly, I have found more books in recent years and I have curated a Book List, so while you wait for mine, you can read and relate to other deaf characters!

Additionally, I co-host DEAFinitely Readers Book Club, an online ASL Book Club that is focused on reading books that have Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing characters and/or sign language representation OR books that are written by Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing authors.

Today, I live and work in Alabama with a happy-go-lucky kindergartner, and a tiny toddler girl, a rambunctious canine, and a husband who is more patient than I have ever dreamed I would marry.

I am currently editing my first novel, and finishing two others. I mainly focus on writing YA and NA fantasy but I also love to reimagine traditional stories and fairy tales with deaf and hard-of-hearing characters and am working on a “Deaf Tales” anthology (editing).

The Heritage Series (book 1: Water’s Grasp in editing; books 2 drafting, books 3 and 4 outlining)
Once Upon a Deaf Time Anthology (12 short stories available; in editing

In case it wasn’t obvious, I love reading and create bookish content – including ASL book reviews. In my limited downtime, I like to cross-stitch and draw illustrations that go on my shop Signs & Stories. Any purchase goes to my costs for editing and publishing!

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Q&A

What type of books do you write?

I write YA (young adult) and NA (new adult) fantasy. I also am working on an anthology of fairy tales reimagined with deaf and hard-of-hearing characters.

Why are most of your stories about deafness or adoption?

I am Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing and use both ASL and English at home. Additionally, I have twin nephews who were adopted. Since I can connect with these subjects, I like to write about them.

Where can I find other books that have Deaf representation?

I have curated a list of books that I’ve read, or have received suggestions for reading. I’m constantly updating the list as well.

Click Here

What are some of your go-to authors?

I can always read: Ilona Andrews, Madeleine L’Engle, Kate MortonTate James, Seanan McGuire, Keri Arthur, Sadie Moss, Jennifer Estep, Brandon Sanderson, and more.

What are some of your favorite series?