ABOUT K.A. GRITZ
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, captivated by stories that transport us to extraordinary worlds and introduce us to unforgettable characters. From early favorites like Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High to epic fantasy series such as Harry Potter, Outlander, Lord of the Rings, and The Wheel of Time, I’ve always been drawn to stories that span multiple books, where rich worlds, enduring friendships, and unforgettable journeys take shape one book at a time.
I graduated from Valencia College, and Guardians of Aeloria is my debut epic fantasy series. When I’m not writing, I work as a Project Manager, where clear communication and thoughtful storytelling remain an important part of my work. Those experiences, combined with a lifelong passion for fantasy, continue to shape the world of Aeloria and the stories waiting to be told.
Outside of writing, I’ve spent the past twenty years sharing life and adventures with my husband. Together, we’ve built a life around some of the things we love most: traveling to new places, cooking good food, and opening our home to animals in need of one. Over the years, that has grown into a much-loved menagerie of rescued and adopted companions, each with a personality all their own.
Home is in rural Tennessee, in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains, where crisp mornings are often spent out on the deck with a cup of tea and a few of our four-legged companions nearby. Finley and Ainsley, pictured here with me, are my frequent companions on those quiet mornings. It’s one of my favorite places to slow down, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and, more often than not, let my thoughts wander back to Aeloria.
TRAVELING
Exploring new places has always been one of my greatest joys, and I'm fortunate to share that love of adventure with my husband. Some of my favorite experiences include taking cooking classes in Italy, scuba diving on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, exploring the charming English countryside, and glamping with Under Canvas at several U.S. national park locations.
GARDENING
Gardening is one of the simplest and most rewarding joys in my life. There is something almost magical about planting a tiny seed, giving it a little water, and watching it grow into something vibrant and delicious. I love growing organically in my raised garden beds and fruit barrels, where each season brings fresh harvests that my family and I enjoy throughout the year.
COOKING
COOKING
COOKING
For me, cooking is about more than preparing a meal. It's a way to create comfort and connection. I love making rustic, hearty meals layered with rich flavors, and thanks to my husband introducing me to black pepper and onions, I can hardly imagine cooking without them now. I still make a few childhood favorites with my own twist, from hotdishes and stroganoffs to dishes inspired by our travels like Sausage Rolls and Chicken and Leek Pie.
Holiday meals are especially dear to me, though somehow, even with a small family, I always seem to cook as if twenty-five people are about to walk through the door.
GAMING
COOKING
COOKING
Action role-playing games (ARPGs) are one of my favorite ways to unwind and experience immersive storytelling from a different perspective. My husband and I love gathering snacks on the weekend, settling in together, and disappearing into another world for a few hours. We're especially fond of couch co-op adventures like Path of Exile II, Baldur's Gate III, Diablo IV, and the LEGO games, while Outward and Hogwarts Legacy are among my favorite solo experiences.
Even as gaming becomes increasingly online, I still believe there's something special about sitting side by side and sharing the adventure together.
