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Hello Fort Atkinson, WI |
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This Tuesday, September 19th, Kathleen will be at the Dwight Foster Public Library in 'Fort' presenting a pair of her popular public programs: American Girl Fans from 4-5 PM, and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries from 7-8 PM (with the first overview of the next book). Both events are free, thanks to the wonderful folks at the library. more>> Posted September 17, 2017. |
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Gone Rosemaling at Vesterheim |
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This week Kathleen is taking a Rosemaling in the Valdres Style class taught by Gold Medalist rosemaler (rose painter) Pam Rucinski. Kathleen has been taking Scandinavian folk art classes at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA for ten years. Much of what she has learned has shown up in her Chloe mysteries. more>> Posted September 13, 2017. |
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400 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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The final mystery in the bestselling, award-winning Caroline American Girl series, The Smuggler's Secrets, has now been ranked in Top 1% of US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for four hundred days (Source: Nielsen BookScan). more>> Posted September 13, 2017. |
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ALERT - Early Launch Events |
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The newest Chloe Ellefson mystery is almost here! While the official release date is October 8th . . . there will be three exciting early launch events this month! Hear Kathleen reveal 'the stories behind the story' (no spoilers) and acquire the book, early! more>> Posted September 12, 2017. |
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125 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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The American Girl Felicity 3-Book Boxed Set, which includes Kathleen's Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity book, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for one hundred twenty-five days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted September 6, 2017. |
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Please Thank Jim Fleming & WPR Chapter A Day |
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If you enjoyed Jim Fleming's abridged version of Kathleen's A Memory of Muskets, please let him know. Perhaps someday he might broadcast another Chloe mystery! JimFleming@wpr.org Chapter A Day Facebook WPR Listener Feedback Posted September 1, 2017. |
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And Now The Exciting Conclusion |
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Today is the 20th and final broadcast of Jim Fleming's abridged version of Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson mystery A Memory of Muskets. Listen midday at 12:30 PM (repeated at 11 PM) on the Wisconsin Public Radio IDEAS Network or streaming over the internet from the Chapter A Day webpage—where this week's episodes can still be heard. Yesterday's ended with Roelke quietly ripping Ralph Petty a new one! more>> Posted September 1, 2017. |
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Lookin' for Barn Quilts |
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This week Kathleen and her sister Barbara will be up in Shawno County, Wisconsin, driving around looking for barn quilts. These are large pieces of wood (typically 8 foot square), painted to look like quilt squares, and mounted on the side of a barn. There are said to be over 300 different quilts decorating barns in Shawno County. more>> Posted August 28, 2017. |
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Final Week - Aug. 28 to Sept. 1 |
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This Monday the Wisconsin Public Radio Chapter A Day program begins broadcasting the fourth and final week of its' abridged version of the Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets. Hear host Jim Fleming's half-hour readings weekdays midday at 12:30 PM (repeated at 11 PM) on the WPR IDEAS Network and streaming from the WPR website. If you miss any of the 20 episodes, each can be heard on the WPR Archives for one week after its broadcast. Posted August 26, 2017. |
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The Eagle Diamond - The Story Behind the Story |
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The plot of the second Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Heirloom Murders, includes details about the legendary Eagle Diamond. This real, 16 carat gemstone was stolen during a high-profile crime in 1964—and never recovered. To read, print, or download a detailed article about it by Mara Kent, in the Wisconsin Historical Society magazine, click HERE. Posted August 25, 2017. |
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Week Three - August 21-25 |
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This Monday Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter A Day program starts broadcasting week three its' abridged version of the Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets. Hear host Jim Fleming's half-hour readings weekdays midday at 12:30 PM (repeated at 11 PM) on the WPR IDEAS Network and streaming from the WPR website. If you miss any of the 20 episodes, each can be heard on the WPR Archives for a week after its broadcast. Posted August 20, 2017. |
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Good Times in Vernon County |
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Yesterday Kathleen spent the afternoon and evening in Viroqua, Wisconsin, talking with readers of her twenty American Girl and soon-to-be right Chloe Ellefson books. Her visit was sponsored by the county's public libraries as part of their Vernon County Reads! program. Kathleen had "a fantastic time" with the many "lovely readers" who attended. Posted August 18, 2017. |
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Vernon County Tomorrow - Change |
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Kathleen will be away presenting her American Girl Fans program from 3-4 PM and her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program from 7-8 PM, this Thursday, August 17th. NOTE: these programs will now be held at the Viroqua Middle School/High School Commons, 100 Blackhawk Avenue, in Viroqua. Both are free and open to the public, thanks to the Vernon County libraries. Posted August 16, 2017 |
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Week Two - August 14-18 |
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This Monday Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter A Day program starts broadcasting week two of its' abridged version of the Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets. Hear host Jim Fleming's half-hour readings weekdays midday at 12:30 PM (repeated at 11 PM) on the WPR IDEAS Network and streaming from the WPR website. If you miss any of the 20 episodes, each can be heard on the WPR Archives for a week after its broadcast. Posted August 13, 2017. |
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35 Days in Top 1% - Pre-Release |
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The official release date for the 8th Chloe mystery is October 8th, almost two months away. And yet orders of Mining For Justice have already lifted it into the Top 1% of all US print book sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for thirty-five days! (Nielsen BookScan.) Posted August 12, 2017. |
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Week One - Last Chance to Listen |
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Episodes 1-5 of Jim Fleming's delightful abridged version of Kathleen's adult mystery book, A Memory of Muskets, have now aired on Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter A Day program. If you haven't yet heard them, there's still time. Episodes can be streamed over the internet from the WPR CAD Archives for one week after each has aired. Act now! Posted August 12, 2017. |
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125 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Kathleen's seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of one hundred twenty-five days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted August 12, 2017. |
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Hardanger Fiddle & Drum Concert |
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“Travel” through sound to the 1800s to hear the peasant weddings of Hardanger, Norway, with master musicians and historians Håkon Høgemo and Kjell Tore Innervik! This entertaining free informance by scholar-performers from the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo, Norway, is August 11th, 12:30-1:15 PM in the Vesterheim museum’s Bethania Church on Mill Street, in Decorah, Iowa. more>> Posted August 10, 2017. |
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Advance Notice - Rosemaling Class |
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Kathleen will be heading to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum next month to take a class, Rosemaling in the Valdres Style, taught by Gold Medalist rosemaler (rose painter) Pam Rucinski. Kathleen has been taking Scandinavian folk art classes at Vesterheim for about ten years, and highly recommends them. more>> Posted August 9, 2017. |
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Vernon County Reads - Kathleen Programs |
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The Vernon County Public Libraries have been holding a summer program called “Vernon County Reads”—and Kathleen is its' 2017 honored author. On August 17th she will present her popular American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries programs, at 3 PM and 7 PM respectively, in the Viroqua Elementary School Cafetorium, 115 North Education Ave., Viroqua, WI. Both one-hour programs are free and open to the public. |
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Week One - Broadcasts Begin Today |
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Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter A Day program begins broadcasting an abridged version of Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, today. You can hear host Jim Fleming's half-hour readings weekdays midday at 12:30 PM (repeated at 11 PM) on the WPR IDEAS Network and streaming from the CAD website. If you miss any of the 20 episodes, each can be heard on the WPR Archives for a week after its broadcast. Posted August 7, 2017. |
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Chapter A Day - What's That? |
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Glad you asked! It so happens Kathleen just posted an article about Chapter A Day on her blog. Did you know that CAD is one of the very longest running radio programs in America—having first aired in 1931! Read why host Jim Fleming selected A Memory of Muskets, and what it takes him to prepare an abridged version for broadcast, click HERE. Posted August 5, 2017. |
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Chloe 8 ARC Giveaway - 8 Winners Named |
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In about a week each will receive a free, signed, Advance Review Copy (ARC) of the eighth Chloe Ellefson mystery book, Mining For Justice: Joanne Buchweitz; Rosemary Grant Dorfmeister, Bev Harris, Helen Martinez, Vickie Miller, Larry F. Sommers, Kathleen Talmadge, and Mary Esler Zeineh. (The official PubDate is October 8, 2017.) Posted August 4, 2017. |
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More Liking |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has just reached a new milestone, and she thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends who made it happen! more>>
Posted August 2, 2017. |
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Chloe Gets Serialized - Sample |
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Host Jim Fleming of Wisconsin Public Radio's Chapter A Day program has created an abridged version of Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, which he begins reading this Monday, August 7th. Listen below to Jim's narrating the opening lines. Posted August 2, 2017. |
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Giveaway - Advance Reader Copies |
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Want to read Mining For Justice before it officially ships this October? Post a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author Page or her blog before Midnight, Thursday, August 3rd. Eight lucky winners will each receive their very own signed ARC of the 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery! Their names will be posted the next day—here and on those pages. Posted August 2, 2017.
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Volksfest Celebration - This Weekend |
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This small town music festival celebrates Swiss Independence Day and the area's Swiss heritage. It's this Sunday, August 6th, from 1-3:30 PM at the Tell Shooting Park just north of the lovely town of New Glarus, WI. Kathleen attended Volksfest while researching her Swiss-themed second Chloe Ellefson mystery book—The Heirloom Murders—and loved it. |
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Chloe Audiobooks - The Winning Libraries |
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Thanks to the 256 people from 46 states who nominated their favorite public library to receive one of three sets of Chloe Ellefson audiobooks. The randomly selected winners are: |
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German Fest - This Weekend |
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One of Milwaukee's oldest ethnic festivals, German Fest is one of the settings for Kathleen's A Memory of Muskets, her seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery. German Fest is this Friday-Sunday, July 28-30, at Milwaukee's Summerfest grounds on the Lake Michigan shoreline. more>> Posted July 27, 2017. |
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Chloe Audiobooks - 3 Sets for 3 Libraries |
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Kathleen is giving away three sets of her Chloe Ellefson audiobooks, one set each to three deserving public libraries! You can nominate your favorite library by leaving a comment on her Sites And Stories blog or Facebook Author page prior to midnight, Wednesday, July 26th. The three winning libraries will be announced July 27th. Enter now! Posted July 25, 2017. |
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Here Comes the Judge |
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Old World Wisconsin is holding a special event celebrating the 150th birthday of beloved children's author Laura Ingalls Wilder (the subject of Kathleen's Death On The Prairie mystery). Kathleen will be there Saturday, July 22nd to judge the finalists in Old World's Little House Big Story essay contest. Winners will be announced at 1 PM. more>> Posted July 20, 2017 |
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100 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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The American Girl Felicity 3-Book Boxed Set, which includes Kathleen's Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity book, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for one hundred days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted July 16, 2017. |
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Room With a View |
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Kathleen is away this week at an undisclosed location, busy working on the manuscript for her ninth Chloe Ellefson mystery. This photo shows the view from the desk where she is working on this as-of-yet unnamed story, which she is under contract to deliver for release next year. (The eighth Chloe mystery, Mining For Justice, comes out this October 8th.) Posted July 12, 2017. |
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Advance Notice |
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Wisconsin Public Radio's popular Chapter A Day program has selected Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, for serialization. Host Jim Fleming has created a special abridged version—which you can hear him reading on air and over the internet for four weeks starting August 7th. CAD has an audience of some 300,000 listeners and is WPR's longest-running program, having started in 1931. Stay tuned for details. Posted July 10, 2017. |
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Fly Fingers, Fly |
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Kathleen is away this week at an undisclosed location, working on the manuscript for her ninth Chloe Ellefson mystery book. She is under contract to deliver this as-yet-untitled work for publication in 2018 (not to be confused with Chloe 8, Mining For Justice, which is set for release this October 8th). Mr. Ernst and Sophie the feline Super Muse are staying behind to keep the home office humming.
Posted July 10, 2017. |
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Chloe 8 - Off to the Printer! |
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Kathleen finished the final tweaks to her 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining for Justice, and has sent it off to the printer today! The official publication date is October 8, 2017. Demand has already propelled it into the Top 1% of US print book sales for thirty days. Order it now in trade paperback and multiple ebook formats! more>> Posted July 9, 2017. |
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Colonial Williamsburg - Felicity Article |
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The American Girl Felicity character is the subject of an article in the Summer 2017 issue of Trend & Tradition, the magazine of the Colonial Williamsburg historic site in Virginia. Felicity's stories, including Kathleen's newest book, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Adventure With Felicity, are set at Williamsburg during the American Revolution. Kathleen was interviewed for the article earlier this year. Posted July 8, 2017. |
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Happy July 4th Everyone! |
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Americans are said to be divided about many things, but we should all be able to celebrate today—the 241st anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence—when in 1776 the thirteen American colonies declared themselves to be a new country, and no longer part of the British Empire. Today let us honor those who signed the Declaration, and all who suffered, fought, and died during the 8 year war to secure our independence. Posted July 4, 2017. |
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Memory of Muskets Review |
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The following excerpt is from the At The Library column in the Green Bay Press-Gazette, June 30, 2017. "This is the seventh mystery in Ernst’s series about Chloe, but this title could stand alone. Ernst worked at Old World Wisconsin and her knowledge of the area adds authenticity. With the local setting and a relatable protagonist, this murder mystery is one that history buffs and Wisconsinites won’t want to miss." more>> Posted July 3, 2017 |
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More Books Available |
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The initial 3 Chloe Ellefson mysteries are available now from Audible—and selling well. Altogether, Old World Murder, The Heirloom Murders, and The Light Keeper's Legacy provide over 30 hours of listening enjoyment. But did you know Audible also offers two of Kathleen's American Girl stories? Check out her award-nominated Betrayal at Cross Creek and Trouble at Fort La Pointe books. more>> Posted June 30, 2017. |
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75 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's newest American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for seventy-five days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted June 30, 2017. |
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Gone Researching |
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Kathleen just left on a 4-day research trip—digging into historical records and interviewing subject matter experts—for the 9th Chloe Ellefson book, due out in 2018. (Not to be confused with Chloe 8, Mining For Justice, which is set for release this October 8th.) Sophie the Feline Super Muse and Mr. Ernst remain behind, keeping the home office open.
Posted June 28, 2017. |
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Deep Discounts |
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The American Girl website store is offering deeply discounted prices on their remaining stock of these Caroline children's historical fiction books: Captain of the Ship; Facing the Enemy; and Catch the Wind. Be advised that supplies are limited. more>> Posted June 27, 2017. |
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100 Lucky Librarians |
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That's how many got a free Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining For Justice, during Kathleen's hour-long signing at the American Library Association Conference in Chicago today. The rest of us can pre-order one now as an ebook or trade paperback; the official publication date is October 8th. more>>
Posted June 24, 2017. |
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Signing Mining For Justice ARCs |
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Kathleen is signing free Advance Reader Copies of her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining For Justice, the 8th book in this Wisconsin-based award-winning series for adults and mature teens. Visit the Llewellyn booth (3943) in the Exhibitor area between 1:30 and 2:15 PM tomorrow. Come early; supplies are limited! (The book arrives October 8th.)
Posted June 23, 2017. |
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Vernon County Libraries - Chloe Vesterheim Tour |
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From the June 22, 2017 La Crosse Tribune: "Our summer 2017 “Vernon County Reads” author, Kathleen Ernst, used Vesterheim as the inspiration for her book, “Heritage of Darkness.” Vesterheim plans to mold our tour around the plot of this mystery novel, featuring amateur sleuth Chloe Ellefson’s adventures at the museum." For more details about the tour—which is open to the general public—and how to register, click HERE. Posted June 22, 2017. |
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Midsummer's Day Newsletter |
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Kathleen's latest newsletter went out today, chock full of news of the current and upcoming Chloe Ellefson mysteries, plus suggestions for Summer Getaways. Read it by clicking HERE. Posted June 21, 2017. |
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5 Years Running |
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Kathleen just received a 2016 All Star Award for email effectiveness from Constant Contact, which provides email marketing serves to some 5,000,000 small businesses and non-profits. This is the fifth consecutive year Kathleen has earned this honor. Less than six percent of Constant Contact customers are multi-year All Star Award recipients. Posted June 19, 2017. |
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Distinguished Company |
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Kathleen's eighth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining For Justice, arrives early this October, and pre-orders for it have already exceeded those of any of the previous seven Chloe books. Yesterday on the Amazon.com MFJ page it said that customers who bought it also ordered the next books by Sue Grafton, William Kent Krueger, and Louise Penny. Posted June 15, 2017. |
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Third Chloe Audiobook - Now Shipping
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The unabridged audiobook of The Light Keeper's Legacy is now available as a download or as Audio and MP3 CD sets. To see a list of vendors providing these formats, click HERE. Listen to a short sample below. Posted June 24, 2017. |
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Flag Day - Born in Wisconsin |
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The tradition of flying the American flag on June 14th was begun in 1885 by school teacher Bernard J. Cigrand in his Stony Hill School classroom in Fredonia, Wisconsin! more>> Posted June 14, 2017. |
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Hello North Lake, WI |
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This Sunday, June 11th, Kathleen will be at the Town Hall Library in North Lake, presenting a pair of hour-long presentations: her American Girl Fans program starting at 12:30 PM, and her Wisconsin Pioneer Life program beginning at 2:30 PM. Both are free and open to the public, but space is limited for the American Girl event, so a ticket is required. more>> Posted June 10, 2017. |
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Author & Muse - Home Again |
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| Kathleen and Sophie are back from their week-long writing retreat, reporting that they made good progress on Chloe 9. Kathleen says having a block of quiet time is incredibly helpful when she is still figuring out the story. Sophie adds that it also helps to have a talented feline ghostwriter! Posted June 9, 2017. |
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300 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's American Girl Caroline 3-Book Boxed Set has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a running total of 300 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted June 2, 2017. |
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Away Writing Chloe 9 |
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Kathleen just left with Sophie the Feline Super Muse for a week of dedicated writing at a remote, undisclosed location, where they'll be working on the 9th Chloe Ellefson mystery. (Chloe 8, Mining for Justice, comes out in October and can be pre-ordered now in print and ebook formats.) Posted June 2, 2017. |
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Memorial Day |
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What we now know as Memorial Day was begun in 1866 by women in Columbus, Mississippi, who laid flowers on the graves of Civil War soldiers (both Confederate and Union) buried in the local cemetery. The custom spread throughout the Southern states, and was adopted (some say co-opted) by veterans of the Northern Army. Now the day is dedicated to remembering all of America's military veterans. Posted May 29, 2017. |
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Second Chloe Audiobook - Now Shipping |
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The unabridged audiobook of the second Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Heirloom Murders, is now shipping! Listen below to a 3 minute 30 second sample. Posted May 23, 2017. |
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It's Syttende Mai |
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In Norway, Syttende Mai (May 17), is celebrated as Constitution Day and as Children's Day. On this day in 1814 Norway adopted its Constitution, which led in time to its independence. In 1870 Norwegian school children began celebrating the day by marching to the Royal Palace in Oslo where, for over 100 years, the Royal family has reviewed the parade. Posted May 17, 2017. |
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Tours Start in Two Weeks |
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For the past 8 years, starting Memorial Day weekend, Kathleen and "Mr. Ernst" have served as docents at the beautifully restored 1854 Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, at the tip of Door County, WI. They won't be there this year (sadly), but the lighthouse will be open and free tours given from 10 AM to 4 PM daily starting May 27th. The lighthouse and island are key settings for The Light Keeper's legacy, the third Chloe mystery. more>> Posted May 13, 2017. |
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Weary Traveler Returns |
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After two weeks away on her 'Family, Friends, and Sharpsburg' road trip, Kathleen is safely back home. Mr. Ernst and Sophie the Feline Super Muse rejoice! All is as it should be, again. Posted May 12, 2017. |
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Wonderful Day in Sharpsburg |
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Kathleen is back among friends on familiar ground, the historic town of Sharpsburg, MD. Decades ago she spent considerable time there researching her non-fiction American Civil War history book: Too Afraid to Cry: Maryland Civilians in the Antietam Campaign. Yesterday she did a school program, then spent the evening at the public library talking about her book. She says it was wonderful reconnecting with so many dear friends. Posted May 10, 2017. |
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Chloe Audiobook in Two Weeks |
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The unabridged audiobook of the second Chloe Ellefson mystery will be released May 23rd. Order it now from independent bookstores or Amazon, audible, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and others. The Heirloom Murders has been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales for 165 days (Source: Nielsen BookScan). more>> Posted May 9, 2017. |
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Too Afraid to Cry - Sharpsburg MD |
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Kathleen will be at the Sharpsburg Public Library to present her richly illustrated program about the experiences of civilians before, during and after the 1862 Civil War Battle of Antietam—"the bloodiest day in American History." The presentation is based on her non-fiction history book, Too Afraid to Cry: Maryland Civilians in the Antietam Campaign. It begins at 7 PM, Tuesday, May 9th, and is free and open to the public. more>> Posted May 7, 2017. |
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Old World Murder - Now on Audible |
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The unabridged audiobook of the first Chloe Ellefson mystery, Old World Murder, is now available for download from Audible, "the world's largest library of audiobooks." more>> Poasted May 2, 2017. |
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On the Road, Again |
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Kathleen's away for the next two weeks, visiting family 'Out East' and doing a program at Sharpsburg, Maryland (for details see her Calendar). 'Mr. Ernst' and Sophie the Feline Super Muse are remaining behind, keeping the home office humming. Drive safe, Kathleen! Posted April 30, 2017. |
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Rising Up |
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The "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page have just reached a brand new total. Kathleen thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends! more>>
Posted April 29, 2017. |
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Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day! |
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According to their website, the Independent Bookstore Day organizers says it's "a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. Indies are not just stores, they’re community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers. They are entire universes of ideas that contain the possibility of real serendipity." This Saturday, join the celebration at your local indie bookstore! more>> Posted April 28, 2017. |
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Enjoying Spring, Dreaming of Summer |
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Kathleen's latest newsletter went out today, with news that the first of three Chloe Ellefson audiobooks is now shipping, plus an article about the American Girl Felicity Generation, suggestions for Summer Getaways—and more. Read it by clicking HERE. Posted April 26, 2017. |
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Premier Chloe Audiobook - Now Shipping |
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The unabridged audiobook of the first Chloe Ellefson mystery, Old World Murder, is now shipping! Listen below to the 3-minute scene in which Chloe and Roelke first meet. Posted April 25, 2017. |
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Hello Decorah |
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Kathleen will be doing her A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons program this Monday, April 24th, at the Decorah Iowa Public Library. This free, public event begins with a reception at 6:30 PM followed at 7 PM by Kathleen's hour-long program. Afterwards she will answer questions, give away door prizes, and sign books (copies of which will be available for purchase). The event is sponsored by the library's Friends group. more>> Posted April 22, 2017. |
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50 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's new American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for fifty days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted April 17, 2017. |
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25 Days in Top 1% - Based on Pre-Orders |
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Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining for Justice, has been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—based on pre-orders (source: Nielsen BookScan). The story is set for release in trade paperback and ebook formats on October 8, 2017. To pre-order now, Click HERE.
Posted April 15, 2017. |
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Celebrate Libraries |
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First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and promote library use and support. All types of libraries—school, public, academic and special—participate. more>> Posted April 11, 2017. |
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350 Days in Top 1% |
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The third and final mystery in the bestselling, award-winning Caroline American Girl series, The Smuggler's Secrets, has now been ranked in Top 1% of US Print Book Sales—out of over 8M books tracked—for three hundred fifty days (Nielsen BookScan). more>> Posted April 10, 2017. |
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Great Time in Oregon (WI) |
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What a delightful way to spend a Saturday. At 1 PM Kathleen gave her American Girl Fans program at a tea party sponsored by the Oregon Public Library. Nothing like a room full of girls, their dolls, and adult caregivers—all excited about reading and writing—to bring joy to an author's heart! And at 3 PM Kathleen was rewarded by an avid group of adult readers—including many Roelke fans—who attended her Chloe Ellefson mysteries program. Posted April 9, 2017. |
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Chloe Audiobook Sample |
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An unabridged audiobook of the first Chloe Ellefson mystery, Old World Murder, comes out April 25th. Listen below to the 3-minute scene in which Chloe and Roelke first meet. Posted April 7, 2017. |
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American Girl Fans & Chloe Ellefson Programs |
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Kathleen will be presenting a pair of free, public programs this Saturday afternoon, April 8th, at the Oregon Wisconsin Public Library. From 1-2 PM it will be her American Girl Fans program for a girls tea party at the Oregon Senior Center (contact library for a reservation). From 3-4 PM she'll be doing a new version of her Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program. more>> Posted April 6, 2017. |
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15 Days in Top 1% - Based on Pre-Orders |
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Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining for Justice, has been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of fifthteen days since it became available for pre-order. Source: Nielsen BookScan.
Posted March 25, 2017. |
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Audio Version - 30 Days to Release |
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Audiobook CD and MP3 CD versions of the first Chloe Ellefson mystery book are set for release on April 25th. They are available for pre-order now from independent bookstores as well as from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and many other booksellers. Old World Murder has been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales for 280 days. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted March 25, 2017. |
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Varm Velkomst |
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Kathleen received a warm Norwegian-American welcome Tuesday night in Green Bay, WI. She was there to present a special 'All Things Norske' Chloe Ellefson mysteries program to the Sons of Norway lodge. In the course of the evening Kathleen was treated to a wonderful dinner, given a lovely bouquet of flowers, and offered a plate of delightful treats. The Green Bay Lodge sure knows how to fete an author! Posted March 22, 2017. |
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35 Days in Top 1% |
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The new American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity, written by Kathleen has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for thirty-five days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted March 21, 2017. |
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Titletown Trip |
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This Tuesday, April 21st, Kathleen will be giving the special 'All Things Norwegian-American' version of her Chloe Ellefson mysteries program for the SON Lodge 632 in Green Bay, WI. The program begins at 6:30 PM in the Trinity Lutheran Church at 330 South Broadway, and is free and open to the public. Posted March 20, 2017. |
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Published 2004 - Top 1% Again |
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Kathleen's multiple award-winning American Girl historical fiction 'History Mystery' book, Betrayal at Cross Creek, has just been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked— for three days running (source: Nielsen BookScan). This tale of Scottish immigrants in the American Revolution was released thirteen years ago! Posted March 17, 2017 |
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EPD Ride Along |
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Kathleen is away today visiting the Wisconsin Village of Eagle Police Department. Readers of her popular Chloe Ellefson mystery series are well acquainted with the EPD, including Officer Roelke McKenna. Perhaps less known is the key role the real life EPD officers have generously played—from the first book forward—in helping her accurately portray the fictional EPD and the law enforcement plot points in the series. Thank you EPD! Posted March 17, 2017. |
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A Memory of Muskets Evening |
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A dedicated group of American Civil War history enthusiasts took an hour-long journey through some of the 'history behind the mystery' in Kathleen's seventh and newest Chloe Ellefson novel, A Memory of Muskets, during the March 14th meeting of the Rock County Civil War Roundtable at the Rock County Historical Society in Janesville, Wisconsin. Posted March 15, 2017. |
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Rock County Civil War Roundtable |
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Kathleen's seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, is rooted in actual events during the American Civil War, and the modern understanding and reenactment of it. These roots are the subject of Kathleen's illustrated program for the Rock County Wisconsin Civil War Roundtable. It begins at 7 PM, Tuesday, March 14th, at the Janesville Historical Society and is free and open to the public. Posted March 13, 2017. |
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And The Winners Are... |
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The lucky winners of Kathleen's American Girl Revolutionary War Mysteries Giveaway are: Dawn Alexander, Alisha Allen, Cheryl Callies, Susan Macdonald, Chera Stories, Chris Swoboda, and Rebecca Vance. Congratulations! Posted March 9, 2017. |
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25 Days in Top 1% |
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The new American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity, written by Kathleen has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for twenty-five days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted March 8, 2017. |
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Revolutionary Giveaway |
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Two of Kathleen's American Girl books are set during the American Revolution era, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes and Betrayal at Cross Creek, and she is celebrating them with a giveaway! Seven lucky people will receive a signed and personalized copy of each. Enter before Midnight (Central US time), Wednesday, March 8th by posting a comment on either her Facebook Author page or Sites And Stories blog. Act now! Posted March 7, 2017. |
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Advance Notice |
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Attention Librarians! Kathleen will appear at the American Library Association Annual Conference and Exhibition in Chicago on June 24, 2017. Details TBA. more>> Posted March 4, 2017. |
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Growing Likes |
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The "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page have just reached a new milestone. Kathleen thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends! more>>
Posted March 2, 2017. |
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Thus Begins Chloe Mystery #9 |
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When Kathleen starts creating a new book, she always begins with a new blank notebook. This becomes the repository of all her ideas, questions, research notes, references, etc., about the new story. Based on these, and lots of creative thinking, writing and re-writing (plus a little luck), a finished book will be released some twenty months later. Posted February 21, 2017. |
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10 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's new American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cake: My Journey With Felicity, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for ten days to date. (Source: Nielsen BookScan.) Posted February 20, 2017. |
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A Week Away + A Workshop |
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Kathleen leaves tomorrow for a week-long writing retreat at Write On, Door County. While there she'll begin working on Chloe 9 (for release in 2018). She'll also be teaching a writing class for aspiring novelists, Start Your Novel Sure and Strong, on February 25th. Posted February 18, 2017. |
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Likes Still Climbing |
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Kathleen is delighted that the number of Likes of her Facebook Author page have risen by 100 in the last week. Thanks everyone! more>> Posted February 17, 2017. |
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Felicity is Back! |
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American Girl has today re-released its' Felicity Merriman Revolutionary War character! To celebrate her return, the company asked Kathleen to write a new Felicity adventure story—the first about her in six years! To discover 'behind the scenes' details from Kathleen about Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey With Felicity, click HERE. Posted February 16, 2017. |
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10 Days in Top 1% - Based on Pre-Orders |
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For ten of the twelve days since it became available for pre-order, Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery, Mining for Justice, has been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan.
Posted February 14, 2017. |
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New Feliticy Book - Now Shipping |
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Kathleen's American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey With Felicity, has begun shipping to readers! This is the first new Felicity book in years (and Kathleen's 20th book for American Girl and her 35th published book overall). It is shipping now from Amazon, Books-A-Million (BAM), and your favorite independent bookstore. Posted February 13, 2017. |
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Giveaway Winners |
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Here are the winners of Kathleen's Laura Ingalls Wilder 150th Birthday Gratitude Giveaway: Sherry Byers, Kristen Bonner, Susanne Hantwerker Brown, Debbie Hicks Cantrell, Leslie Carter, Sheila O'Brien Glass, Candy Albright Kennedy, Teresa Mccleave, Amy Tamburro Melino, Jennifer Motl, Wendy Nix, Christine L. Peterson, Alice Reynolds, Cynthia Shores-Dobson, Kathy Snyder, and Kathy Temple. Congratulations! Posted February 9, 2017. |
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Milestone Reached |
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Kathleen is delighted with the jump in the number of Likes of her Facebook Author page in response to her Laura Ingalls Wilder 150th Birthday Gratitude Giveaway. (The deadline for entering is this evening at Midnight Central US Time.) more>> Posted February 8, 2017. |
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Little House Big Story Contest |
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Old World Wisconsin is holding a "Little House Big Story" contest—and Kathleen will be one of the judges selecting the winners. Children and adults are invited to "write a story or a poem, paint a picture, dance or even put on a play [about] how Laura Ingalls Wilder inspired them to learn more about Wisconsin, history, or their own family stories." more>> Posted February 8, 2017. |
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Yet More Likes |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page just reached this milestone, and Kathleen thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends for their support! more>>
Posted February 7, 2017. |
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Laura Ingalls Wilder 150th Bday Giveaway |
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Laura Ingalls Wilder—the revered author of the beloved 'Little House' books about her pioneer childhood—was born 150 years ago today in a log cabin in the 'big woods' near Pepin WI. Laura's stories were some of the earliest that Kathleen read growing up, and influenced her writing career. In gratitude, she is giving away 15 copies of her Laura-related Chloe mystery, Death on the Prarie. Visit her Facebook Author page or Sites & Stories blog to enter. Posted February 7, 2017. |
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Chloe Audiobooks Narrator |
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Elise Arsenault is the classically trained actor, singer, and voice-over artist who will be narrating unabridged audiobook versions of the initial three books in Kathleen's award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery series: Old World Murder, The Heirloom Murders, and The Light Keeper's Legacy. They will be released by Tantor Media in April, May, and June, respectively, and can be pre-ordered now. Posted February 3, 2017. |
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Advance Notice |
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After reading about Mining for Justice in Kathleen's newsletter, The Larry Meiller Show contacted her yesterday to schedule a live, 45-minute, on-air interview about the book. Larry's popular midday program on Wisconsin Public Radio has a statewide audience of some 100,000 listeners. Kathleen's appearance will be on September 28th. Posted February 2, 2017. |
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First Day in Top 1% |
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Yesterday Kathleen publicly revealed the cover and story description of Mining for Justice, her eighth Chloe Ellefson adult mystery. Even though trade paperback and ebook copies will not ship until October, pre-orders by eager fans immediately rocketed MFJ into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted February 2, 2017. |
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First Day in Top 1% |
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Yesterday Kathleen publicly revealed the story description of Gunpowder and Tea Cakes, which will be her first Felicity, 20th American Girl, and 35th published book. The resulting pre-orders by Felicity fans immediately rocketed GTC into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted February 2, 2017. |
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Winter Newsletter - 2 New Books & More |
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"Some writers I know prefer to work in windowless rooms. Not me! I like feeling connected to the outside world. Glimpses of changing weather and birds aren't distractions. I think books are windows too, giving readers a peek into another time, another place, another circumstance. I hope that the books I write can provide you with that experience. With that in mind, I'm excited to share my latest news!" more>> Posted February 1, 2017. |
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Chloe 8 - Big Day |
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As of today, the manuscript of Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery is in the hands of publisher Midnight Ink! And the book cover and story description have been posted online!! And the first bookseller is now offering print and ebook copies for pre-order!!! more>> Posted January 30, 2017. |
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Audiobook Narrators |
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Yesterday Kathleen spent time listening to possible narrators for the upcoming unabridged audiobook versions of the first three Chloe Ellefson mysteries: Old World Murder, The Heirloom Murders, and The Light Keeper's Legacy. They will be recorded and released over the next few months by Tantor Media, a subsidiary of Recorded Books. Details TBA. Posted January 17, 2017. |
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Gunpowder and Tea Cakes |
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For three days in a row Kathleen's American Girl Felicity book has been the #1 New Release in the Amazon Children's Colonial American Fiction History category. Posted January 12, 2017. |
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Liking Those Likes |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page have just reached a new milestone. Kathleen thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends! more>>
Posted January 10, 2017. |
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Final Chloe 8 Retreat |
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Kathleen is at an undisclosed location, editing the manuscript of her eighth Chloe Ellefson mystery. The deadline for submitting it to publisher Midnight Ink is January 31st; the book is to be released this fall. Kathleen will be out of communication until late Friday, January 13th. Mr. Ernst will be keeping the home office open until then. Posted January 9, 2017. |
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Revealed - Kathleen's 35th Book |
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Here is the cover of Kathleen's upcoming American Girl book, Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey With Felicity. It's her first ever Felicity story, and the first new Felicity book in years! It will also be Kathleen's twentieth for AG and the thirty-fifth published book in her career. Pre-order one now from your favorite local independent bookstore or from a wide variety of national booksellers—including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million and Amazon. Posted January 7, 2017. |
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Over 100 Days in Top 1% of US Book Sales |
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Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson adult mystery, A Memory of Muskets, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a running total of over one hundred days. Source: Nielsen BookScan.
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