Introduction: Katherine Hernandez

Hello! So excited to write with you all this summer.


Do you have a nickname?

I've had a few, but lately if I don't go by Katherine then I go by Kat.

What do you like to read?

I'm open to anything, especially if it appeals to my sense of adventure and mystery. Magic realism is what I'm digging the most right now. Unfortunately, I'm finding it hard to find time in between school, work, and other things to truly expand my library . That being said, some of my favorites are Paulo Coehlo, Tea Obreht,  M. Atwood, M. Crichton, J.R.R. Tolkien (of course), and solid shelf ful of the classics. I'm in the middle of Neil Gaiman's "American Gods" and "The Complete Sherlock Holmes".

What kind of stories do you write?

Dark, sometimes whimsical, often including animals magic realism. I have a low-fantasy story on the back-burner right now, and a sci-fi story that I'd like to write after my current project(s). But for right now, it's all about that quirky, laughing in the grave kind of feeling.

How would you describe your personality?

I can be pretty quiet and normal at first, but on the inside, I am the energizer bunny on crack. Pretty darn extroverted, though I have my limits. If there are such things as old and young souls, then mine is an eccentric almost-senile woman, bouncing back and forth between wise and childish.

What would you do this summer if you hadn't been accepted to Clarion?

Either involved with some small mammal research in Oregon--if I got accepted, but we'll never know and it doesn't matter, because I'm here :). Otherwise, I would have continued working at UCSD, taken a summer class, and volunteering at a lab, or the zoo, or something ecology-related.

Who will miss you most while you're in San Diego (cats, kids, partner, boss, coworkers)?

My family--I live in SD while going to school but they don't--and my friends who are all going home for the summer.

Have you participated in an intensive writing workshop before?

No, no I have not.

What scares you most about Clarion?

Not being able to keep up, not reaching my writing goals, coming out the same way I came in.

What do you do to relax or for recreation?

I like to hike, box, read and drink tea/coffee, play board games, etc.. 

What 1-2 essential things will you bring to Clarion besides your laptop, watergun, and espresso maker?

I CAN BRING A WATERGUN?!?!

Just kidding. My kettle and all of my teas, probably some sweets, and my foam roller.

What is your ideal career?

A conservation ecologist and published author, because why not do both. I study ecology at UCSD, and am minoring in Lit/Writing, so I'm on my way! 

What else do you want us to know about you?

My other passion is the outdoors, and so if you have any questions about ecosystems, evolution, and outdoor survival, let me know! I am an undergrad at UCSD, to be here is a real honor. All of this is incredibly new to me, from workshopping to the industry in general any tips you can give me would be great! I don't get the luxury of having a daily routine, but a weekly thing I like to do is go to a cafe in north park and work, right after I go to church which is also in the area.

I also like museums and cats, and highly recommend Balboa Park and the cat cafe in downtown, respectively. And the San Diego Zoo/Safari Park.