The Passing of Author Katherine D. Jones

In March of 2005 at the tenth annual Romance Slam Jam I had the honor of meeting author Katherine D. Jones for the first time. I don’t think she knew it at the time and I’m not sure I even realized what the impact of that meeting would be for me. She offered a newly signed author she had never met before kindness and spoke with genuine sincerity about the business and showed me such a warm and open spirit. Her giving nature, the way she opened herself up to offer advice and inspiration during my interactions with her then and since then have shown me a model of how we should all treat one another. Katherine passed away suddenly on May 17, 2007. And while my heart is breaking for her family, friends and readers, I know that we all have had such a gift to have been able to connect with this dynamic woman. I feel honored to have known her, humbled by her truly giving and open nature, and inspired to spread the kindness she showed me as a new author with people I come in contact with. I can honestly say, I have not met a more real and sincere person and she will be missed. I can hardly finish typing this through my tears. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband and sons at this very sad time.