The Hidden Power of Gratitude: How Writing Thank-You Notes Can Transform Your Life

My desk with boxes of notecards and stationary. Plus this cute little note from Kathy with a dachshund.

November always feels coded for gratitude to me. Maybe it’s because of Thanksgiving, but as the year winds down, I also find myself reflecting on all that 2025 has given me. It’s been a year of both highs and lows—which, I think, is perfectly normal.

I’ve always believed that the smallest gestures create the biggest ripple. If you ever happen to walk past me, I’ll probably smile at you. Generally, I’m a happy or content person, but even on days when I’m feeling low, smiling lifts my spirits—and maybe, just maybe, it brightens someone else’s day too.

As a writer, I’ve discovered that gratitude isn’t just about manners—it’s about mindfulness, creativity, and connection. I love sending handwritten notes, partly because I’m a stationery hoarder. Boxes of notecards—personalized or not—always make my wish list. But those cards aren’t meant to sit in a drawer; they’re meant to be shared with friends, family, and yes, you, dear readers. I try to include a note with every book I send out.

From my experience, gratitude sparks creativity. When we focus on what we’re thankful for, our minds shift from scarcity to abundance. Some of my best ideas come after journaling about gratitude—even a simple note about a favorite memory or an inspiring moment can unlock fresh story ideas.

Gratitude also builds connection. Writing a thank-you note or a message of appreciation strengthens relationships. I’ve sent notes to readers, mentors, and especially strangers who have inspired me. The warmth that comes back is incredible.

My daily gratitude practice is simple. Each evening, I write down three things I’m grateful for. Doing this before bed clears my mind and makes space for a better night’s sleep, no matter what’s happening in the world.

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a practice that nourishes your heart and your creativity. Try it today, and watch the ripple effect it creates.

I’d love to hear what you’re grateful for this week! Do you send thank-you notes? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s start a chain of gratitude together.

100 Harlequin Books, 1 Heart Full of Stories

When I sat down to write my very first book, I had no idea where the journey would lead. I only knew I loved stories — stories where people find hope, redemption, and love even when the odds are against them.

This week, I’m celebrating a milestone that still feels surreal: my 100th book with Harlequin.

✍️ How It Started

I still remember the thrill of selling my first book to Harlequin(then Silhouette Books).  It was March 6, 1996.  I can still remember it was a Thursday and I’d stayed home from work because my agent said that she had news and would call me at 10 a.m.  Instead of my agent it was an editor from Harlequin calling to offer me a contract for my first book.  The conversation is a blur, but she said if I had any questions I could call her.  I called back a few hours later with a vague question just to make sure I hadn’t imagined the entire episode!

Back then, I wrote on my lunch hour in my car on a borrowed computer.  Cramming in writing whenever I could.  My dream to connect with readers who believed in love as fiercely as I did.

Fast-forward through countless deadlines, edits, plot twists (on and off the page), and I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute of it — even the hard ones. Because every book taught me something new about writing, about love, and about myself.

💕 What I’ve Learned Along the Way

I’ve learned that stories can heal. That romance isn’t “just” escapism — it’s courage, hope, and joy in written form. And most importantly, I’ve learned that readers like you are at the heart of every story I tell. Your messages, reviews, and enthusiasm keep me inspired — especially on the days when the words come slowly. You’ve stayed with me through cowboys, CEOs, billionaires, and now... a ghost who might just have a second chance at love.

👻 The New Chapter: Ghost of a Chance

My newest release, Ghost of a Chance, feels both fresh and familiar — a love story about connection that endures beyond time itself. Writing it reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place: because love, no matter how it looks, always finds a way.

💬 Let’s Talk Romance

I’d love to know:
✨ Which of my books was your first?
❤️ Which story or character has stayed with you the longest?

You can comment below or just hit reply — I read every message.

Here’s to love, laughter, and a hundred more stories to come.

With love,
Katherine

A Ghostly Good Week

Me holding the two Maggie certificates with my mouth open because I'm still in awe over winning the Maggie Medallion!

I can’t believe it’s already been a week since Ghost of a Chance came out! I was lucky enough to be in the U.S. to celebrate the release and do some fun book events. Thank you to everyone who came out to see me — I loved meeting readers and chatting about my whimsy-goth heroine, cinnamon-roll hero, and Judge Judy–loving ghost!

I kicked off my trip in Atlanta, where I gave a workshop on how to keep sparks alive throughout an entire book. There was a brief moment of hijinks when the microphone stopped working — and I was so tempted to pretend a ghost was to blame, but I wasn’t quite brave enough to pull it off!

Dinner at Dominicks with Susan Sands, Teri Wilson, Bryn Donovan, myself, Roe Valentine and Sasha Summers

While in Atlanta I got to hang out with some of my favorite author friends over a truly gigantic serving of lasagna, plenty of wine, and endless laughter. I also met so many wonderful new-to-me authors who are now friends. To top off an already perfect weekend, I was honored (and totally stunned!) to win the Maggie Medallion for The Bookbinder’s Guide to Love.

After that, my daughter and I road-tripped back to Chicago, where she lives — and along the way, I got to experience Buc-ee’s for the very first time. (We stopped at two, of course.) The first one was nearly empty since we were up so early, so I shopped to my heart’s content and picked up the cutest little ghost mug — plus the most delicious sausage biscuit. I really miss biscuits living in the UK! Over there, they call cookies “biscuits,” and they just don’t compare to a proper Southern buttermilk biscuit.

Coco & I at Oktoberfest...I'm drinking wine.

Coco and I spent the week shopping, laughing, and indulging in our shared silly sense of humor. She treated me to the Russian Tea Room as a belated Mother’s Day gift, and we had a perfect fall day wandering through Chicago’s Oktoberfest. Then she surprised me with tickets to Drunk Dracula— a hilarious show where one of the actors performs very drunk. (Normally, it’s Drunk Shakespeare, which she’d already seen.) It was such a riot — highly recommend if you’re ever in Chicago!

Myself, Molly Harper, Mollie & Arianna from Love's Sweet Arrow.

On Saturday, I visited the indie romance bookstore Love’s Sweet Arrow for a Ghost of a Chance launch event with the amazing Molly Harper. She’s every bit as delightful as her books — we had so much fun talking ghosts, witches, and writing. Thank you to everyone who came out to see us. It was lovely to meet you all!

Then, just like that, my time in the U.S. was over. I’m a chronic overpacker who insists on bringing a pillow and blanket on every flight, so I looked like a hobbit leaving the Shire for the first time. 😆 With only twenty minutes to make my connecting flight in Atlanta, you can picture me sprinting through the terminal — pillow, blanket, and ghost mug in tow!

Now I’m back home in the UK, happily writing my next novel, but the adventure (and all the laughter) is still with me. 💜