​​​Kathryn Craft author & developmental editor

All Penny ever wanted to do was dance—and when that chance is taken from her, it pushes her to the brink of despair, from which she might never return. When she wakes up after a traumatic fall, bruised and battered but miraculously alive, Penny must confront the memories that have haunted her for years, using her love of movement to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.

Praise for The Art of Falling:

"Craft's debut novel lovingly traces the aesthetics of movement and gently explores the shattering pain of despair. A sensitive study of a woman choreographing her own recovery."
—Kirkus 

"In The Art of Falling, Craft weaves an eloquent story about an unhinged dancer, body image, true friendship, and finding the lost moments, which make us whole."
—Priscille Sibley, author of The Promise of Stardust

"In her engrossing debut, The Art of Falling, Kathryn Craft takes her long-damaged heroine on a quest for healing and truth—true self, true family, and true friendship. Craft's sharp and refreshing narrative will leave you pining for more."
—Julie Kibler, author of Calling Me Home

"Craft, a former dancer and choreographer, captures the entanglement of pain and despair and beauty and hope that often knits our lives and, through the character of Penny, illustrates how self-acceptance is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself."
—Booklist

"Beautifully written and strongly emotional, The Art of Falling will move readers deeply. Kathryn Craft has penned a winner!"
—Jane Porter, national bestselling author

"Strikes universal chords in all of us who yearn, who love, who fail and fall, and struggle to find our way back home. "
—Elizabeth Benedict, bestselling author of Almost, Slow Dancing, and The Practice of Deceit

"Craft shows readers a vicious cycle prevalent in all artistic careers, not just dance. At the same time, her ability to capture the glory of human motion exemplified in modern dance imbues Penny's voice with a joy that keeps the reader cheering her on in her fight to find her path."
—Shelf Awareness

 "Unfolds with grace and truth...refreshing and piercingly honest."  
—Kelly Simmons, author of Standing Still and The Bird House

"Craft, a former dance teacher, choreographer, and critic, delivers an enjoyable portrait of the hidden world of dance and the mind of the dancer."
—Publisher's Weekly

"Kathryn Craft is deeply knowledgeable about the demands of dance, but her 
story transcends the art form's insular world. The Art of Falling is a story of friendship and personal growth, and a helluva good read."
—Elizabeth Zimmer, dance critic, Metro New York

Related essays:

How Dance Has Impacted My Life

Margaret MacArthur and Misunderstood Critics

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