Author Review: Jewel Kats

One of the reasons I love to read is the experience of meeting new people. Reading allows me the chance to not only meet fictional characters that I love admire and enjoy getting to know, but it also introduces me to other authors. One of the great gifts an author can use to invite his/her audience into a story is when the author releases his/her own emotions and experiences into the telling of the tale. I have enjoyed many peripheral relationships with author's who have let me as the reader into their world.
In author Jewel Kats collection of comic strips "Ditzabled Princess" this author uses her sense of humor and lack of inhibition to welcome her reader into the sometimes awkward and uncomfortable realities of a disability.
Making jokes about needing her make-up to keep up her reputation with ambulance drivers everywhere, lessened the sting of the life threatening side effects of her disability. Laughing at herself and those around her allowed her readers to see her as a regular person, not a side-show or an anomaly.
I greatly admire Jewels for her courage and talent and bringing her story to the public without filters.
My sighted readers tell me the artwork is fun and interesting too. you can find Jewel and more about her work below.
Once a teen runaway, Jewel Kats is now a self-made Diva. Her closet is stuffed with fashion and beauty accessories. You’ll catch her frolicking about with a hot pink elbow crutch. She’s overcome sexual abuse, disabilities, you name it… On top of that, Jewel’s authored seven books! Think: Loving Healing Press (USA.) Think: Marvelous Spirit Press (USA.) Think: Kube Publishing For six years.
 she penned a syndicated teen advice column for Scripps Howard News Service (USA) and TorStar Syndication service. . She’s won $20,000 in scholarships from Global Television Network and women’s book publisher, Harlequin Enterprises. Jewel also interned in the TV studio of Entertainment Tonight Canada. Her books have been featured in Ability Magazine twice. She recently made a guest appearance on Accessibility in Action.

Jewel appeared in a documentary series by the Oprah Winfrey Network (Canada) in September of 2012.

Website: www.jewelkats.com

PAGE 68 DITZABLED PRINCESS

ARTIST
Katarina has made art her life’s passion. Her beginnings started with a crayon in her hand, and resulted in a Graphic Design diploma from Durham College. Along the way, she’s been honored with various awards, including: “Most Vision” by the Durham College’s design faculty and had her portfolio featured at the Design Exchange )in Toronto. She also interned as a Graphic Designer and Illustrator at Intellectual Design studio in Toronto, Canada after which she went to work as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator. Her past clients include: The Shopping Channel, Botanico Creative Decor and various specialized boutiques. She’s always ready to conquer new creative challenges, and hopes to take the art industry by storm!

Website: www.katarinasportfolio.com

Katarina

Andriopoulos

*See more at www.ditzabledprincess.com*