Hello! I’m award-winning historical author and writing educator Courtney McKinney-Whitaker.

The Hourglass House is my online home. I love to share what I’m reading, writing, teaching, and learning. Grab a cup of something delicious, pull up a comfortable chair, and join me!

---

More About Courtney McKinney-Whitaker

DISCLOSURE: This page may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on a link to a product or service and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. I choose affiliates with care and appreciate your supporting my work in this way. See Disclaimers and Affiliates for more information.

My unique combination of academic training and personal and professional experience gives me the tools to offer real value to readers and writers. For nearly two decades, I’ve used my degrees in history, English, and library science to teach and write for audiences of all ages.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a children’s librarian, a curriculum writer, and a college writing instructor. I’ve written for clients such as Shmoop! and Reading is Fundamental, and I’ve been published multiple times in the Highlights group of magazines and in Chicken Soup for the Soul, among other smaller publications. My historical novel, The Last Sister, won the IPPY Silver Medal for Historical Fiction and earned a Kirkus Starred Review.

Apart from books, travel and continuing education are my greatest interests. My love of travel and education greatly influence my work at The Hourglass House.

When I’m not reading, writing, traveling, or teaching, I’m drinking copious amounts of hot tea to fuel me through busy days managing a household of four people and a very sweet and very chatty tuxedo cat. Most nights, I unwind with a bowl of seasonal fruit and either a half-hour comedy or an episode of the latest BBC/PBS costume drama or cozy mystery.

---

Get in Touch

Have a question, thought, or book recommendation to share? Just want to talk about reading, writing, and/or history? Let’s chat!