Episode 13
Kerri Schlottman has written/published several novels, with the two most recent collecting lots of accolades. Well deserved. Kerri writes literary fiction that is quite accessible and in that way, her storytelling reminds me of an all-time favorite author of mine, Raymond Carver. Stylistically, both authors write 'gritty reality' with a literary flair that compels readers to turn the page.
Kerri Schlottman’s novel, Tell Me One Thing, first published in 2014, has earned literary awards, including a two-time PenCraft Fiction Award win. When she got her rights back, she republished it with a new press and shares part of that story here. Her latest, DayTime Moon, her novel that debuted in May 2026, Parade Magazine called ‘Poetic’ and Electric Lit wrote this:
Daytime Moon is a moving and heartfelt exploration of the bonds between siblings, the power of both chosen family and blood family, and the ties of trauma.
Kerri also discusses her two creative loves, storytelling and art that includes photography. She writes novels and she’s a professor at N.Y.U. teaching Arts Administration to graduate students. I didn’t ask her, but I do wonder if she has considered writing a graphic novel?
I met Kerri at a recent writers' conference where she keynoted. A young writer with lots of experience in 21st-century publishing, she was willing to share some experiences she's had that include cautionary tales regarding this time in publishing's history. Those listeners in the process of paving their own roads to publication may want to take notes. Topics we discussed: novels with a literary fiction-bent and how they sell, literary agents and the good advice they may give, the utility of self-publishing and the autobiographical roots in our storytelling.
Two well-respected authors were brought into our conversation: #AnnPatchett, a literary-bent author who reaches many MANY readers and whose bookstore, Parnassus Books, in Nashville, Tennessee, is on my must-visit list!
During our conversation, I also mentioned bestselling and MULTI-published novelist/playright/film director Adriana Trigiani, whose support of writers is demonstrated in many forums out here, including her ‘YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ’ podcast.
When I heard what Kerri Schlottman had to say in her keynote address about 21st-century publishing as she’s experienced it, (as have many) I knew I wanted to talk to her and do hope now that we have, it won’t be the only conversation about this writing life we love. Except for those times when we don’t but that can make for good conversation too! .
Thank you Kerri Schlottman. I had fun chatting with you on MARLA MILLER Talks to Authors and Content Creators. My goal on this platform is to have fun with authors and content creators I feature here. We tend to be a fun group.
And yes, I took notes, too.
