AUTHOR'S NOTE
I love connecting with readers! One of the best ways you can stay in touch is through my emails. They share information about new releases, provide updates on events, and sometime offer special opportunities - like the chance to win free books or tickets to a program. Check back often for updates. Better yet, sign up below for my email list.
News
The following contains updates about and email by Kathleen. The latter were sent to people on her email list, based on their expressed interest(s) and/or location. If you'd like to receive email messages like these from Kathleen, click HERE.
A Very Busy Year |
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Update. This year Kathleen released two new books, wrote two book manuscripts and all but finished a third, while writing 30 blog posts and doing 34 programs and signings—alll of which took her away from home for over one hundred days! Posted December 31, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
750 Days in Top 1% |
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Update. Meet Caroline, Kathleen's first Caroline Abbott book from American Girl, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales for an astounding 750 days based on Neilsen BookScan data, a sales tracking service widely used by the publishing industry. Posted December 28, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
One's A Review |
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Update. Kathleen's latest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, shows up three places in the newest issue (#137) of Mystery Scene Magazine. Can you find them? Here's a hint: one's in the review section. Posted December 15, 2014 to Kathleen News page. |
Schaum Torte Finale |
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Update. The Tradition of Deceit launch tour (dubbed the "Polar Vortex Tour" for the bitterly cold weather in which it began) has just finished up. After the last of the 'baker's dozen' signings and programs, Kathleen and Mr Ernst celebrated at the Nite Cap Inn, located in Palmyra, WI where Roelke lives. Kathleen enjoyed the Inn's signature dessert, Schaum Torte, a favorite of Chloe's. Posted December 14, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Hello Old World Wisconsin |
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Update. This Saturday afternoon Kathleen will be signing her Chloe Ellefson mysteries at Old World Wisconsin, where Chloe works as a Curator. The signing runs from Noon to 5 PM in the museum store during the Old World Christmas event. Enjoy the festivities, meet Kathleen, get her newest Chloe book, Tradition of Deceit, and have it signed. more>> Posted December 11, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Going, Going... |
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Alert. American Girl released re-branded Caroline books in August. Captain of the Ship contains the first three stories in the series (Meet Caroline, Caroline's Secret Message, and A Surprise for Caroline); Facing the Enemy contains the fourth, fifth, and sixth (Caroline Takes a Chance, Caroline's Battle, and Changes for Caroline). American Girl is now selling its last remaining copies of the six original Caroline books—at deep discount. Posted December 10, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Q&A With Kathleen Ernst |
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Update. Kathleen talks about how she got started writing, which writers influenced her writing, and answers a number of other personal and professional questions in an interview on the Under Cover of Midnight blog. Read her answers. more>> Posted December 9, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
All 5 Stars |
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 Posted December 8, 2014. |
Top 1% for 75 Days |
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Update. According to Neilsen BookScan, a sales tracking service widely used by the publishing industry, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed books sales for 75 days. Posted December 5, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Hello Decorah |
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Alert. This Saturday the 6th from 1 PM to 5 PM Kathleen will be signing her newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, at the Vesterheim Museum store during the annual Norwegian Christmas celebration. Heritage of Darkness, the previous book about this Norwegian-American sleuth, was set at Vesterheim during the same event. more>> Posted December 4, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Chloe 6 Writing Retreat |
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Update. Kathleen is away this week working on her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, which is set for release in fall 2015. Kathleen's feline companion and muse, Sophie, has stayed behind to help 'Mr. Ernst' keep the home office purring. Posted December 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Trifecta |
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Update. Demand for Kathleen's American Girl Caroline books boosted three of them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan! Catch The Wind: My Journey With Caroline (Book 8) Traitor In The Shipyard: A Caroline Mystery (Book 7) Meet Caroline (Book 1) Posted November 23, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Quinfecta |
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Update. All 5 Chloe Ellefson mysteries are ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales! Tradition of Deceit (Book 5) Heritage of Darkness (Book 4) The Light Keeper's Legacy (Book 3) The Heirloom Murders (Book 2) Old World Murder (Book 1) Posted November 23, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Hello Spring Green |
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Alert. This Sunday the 23rd at Arcadia Books in lovely Spring Green WI Kathleen will be signing her Caroline American Girl books from 2-3 PM, followed from 4-5 PM by a signing of the newest book in her Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites Mystery series. Both events are free and open to the public. more>> Posted November 21, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Hello Oconomowoc |
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Alert. Kathleen will be signing her Chloe Ellefson mystery books in Oconomowoc WI this Saturday, November 22nd, at Books & Company from 2:00-3:00 PM. Part of her newest Chloe mystery, Tradition of Deceit, is set in Milwaukee's Old South Side. more>> Posted November 21, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Hello Middleton |
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Alert. This Thursday the 20th at the Middleton WI Public Library Kathleen will be doing an American Girl Fans program from 4-5 PM, followed by a Chloe Ellefson: The Stories Behind the Stories program from 7-8 PM. Both events are free to the public, but require registration (click on the program links above). Posted November 19, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Mitch Interviews Kathleen About Chloe |
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Alert. Kathleen will be talking with Co-Host Mitch Teich about Tradition of Deceit, her new Chloe Ellefson mystery, on Lake Effect, the popular Milwaukee Public Radio program. Listen on 89.7 FM or online, Wednesday, November 19th, during its 10-11 AM time slot. more>>
Posted November 18, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Hello Milwaukee |
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Alert. Kathleen will be signing her Chloe Ellefson mystery books in Milwaukee this Wednesday, November 19th, at Boswell Books beginning at 7:00 PM. Part of her newest Chloe mystery, Tradition of Deceit, is set in Milwaukee's Old South Side. more>> Posted November 18, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Larry Interviews Kathleen About Chloe |
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Alert. Kathleen will be talking with radio host Larry Meiller and his listeners about her new Chloe mystery on Larry's popular statewide radio program this Tuesday, November 18th, from 11:05 to 11:45 AM. Listen on WPR's Idea Network, over the air or online. more>>
Posted November 18, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Hello Madison |
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Alert. Kathleen is holding the Launch Party for her newest Chloe Ellefson mystery in Madison this Tuesday, November 18th, at Mystery To Me Bookstore beginning at 6:30 PM. Tradition of Deceit is set in Milwaukee's Old South Side and the Minneapolis Mill District. This event is free and open to the public -- and there will be cake and prizes! more>> Posted November 17, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
MN Public Radio Sponsor |
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Update. This month and next Kathleen is sponsoring MPR's The Daily Circuit on Friday mornings from 9:00 AM to Noon. To hear her sponsorship message, click on the right-facing triangle below. Posted November 16, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Laura and Me |
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Update. Kathleen penned November's Writers on Readers guest column in the digital edition of Mystery Scene Magazine. In her article reflects she relects on the pivitol role that the Little House on the Prairie books by Laura Ingalls Wilder had on her development, as a person and as a writer. more>> Posted November 15, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Hello Minneapolis |
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Alert. Kathleen will be signing her Chloe Ellefson mystery books in Minneapolis this Thursday, November 13th, at the Once Upon A Crime Bookstore beginning at 7:00 PM. Part of her newest Chloe mystery, Tradition of Deceit, is set in the Minneapolis Mill District. This will be Kathleen's first-ever Chloe event in the Twin Cities. more>> Posted November 11, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Civil War Story for Veterans' Day |
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Update. Kathleen has written a half dozen Americn Civil War books, including 5 for young readers. One of the latter, Ghosts of Vicksburg, is about a young Wisconsin soldier traumatized by his experiences during the Union Army's 1863 campaign to capture Vicksburg, Mississippi. Winner of the Arthur Tofte Juvenile Fiction Award. more>> Posted November 11, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Chloe Mysteries in Top 1% of Book Sales |
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Update. Demand for the first and most recent Chloe Ellefson mysteries boosted them into the Top 1% of US printed book sales out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan! Tradition of Deceit (Book 5) Old World Murder (Book 1) Posted November 10, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Deck The Tables Charity Event |
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Update. This evening Kathleen attended this wonderful, annual fundraising event for the fourth-grade Pioneer Immersion Program run by Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. One of the tables was decorated in honor of Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson mysteries, including the fourth book, Heritage of Darkness, which is set at Vesterheim. more>> Posted November 8, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Tradition of Deceit Now Shipping |
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Alert. Books-A-Million is now shipping trade paperback copies of Tradition of Deceit, the fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery. BAM is the second largest book retailer in the US, with over 250 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. more>> Posted November 8, 2014 to Kathleen's News Page. |
Official Release Date Arrives |
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Alert. After two years of research, writing, and revisions, the fifth book in the Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series has now been officially released. Tradition of Deceit features two cities (Minneapolis and Milwaukee), two mysteries, and two ways to die. Published as a trade paperback and eBook, it is available from a wide variety of local independent bookstores and national chains. more>> Posted November 8, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Historical Fiction Panelist |
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Update. Kathleen spoke today on researching and writing historical fiction for adults and young readers, together with fellow author Eva Augustin Rumpf. Their hour-long discussion, which included answering audience questions, was followed by a book signing. The festival is an annual event held by the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha. more>> Posted November 7, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
45 Days in Top 1% - Pre-Release |
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Update. Prior to its release this week, sustained demand for the new Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, propelled it into the Top 1% of US printed book sales for 45 days, according to Nielsen BookScan, a tracking service widely used by the publishing industry. Thank you Chloe fans!
Posted November 6, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradition of Deceit Now Shipping |
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Alert. Amazon is now shipping printed copies of Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit. Readers who pre-ordered trade paperbacks should be receiving them in the next few days. Kindle ebook copies became available in mid-October. more>>
Posted November 5, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradition of Deceit Now Shipping |
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Alert. Barnes & Noble is now shipping printed copies of Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit. Readers who pre-ordered trade paperbacks should be receiving them in the next few days. Nook copies became available in October. more>>
Posted November 5, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Caroline Books in Top 1% of Sales |
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Update. Demand for three of Kathleen's American Girl Caroline books boosted them into the Top 1% of all US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked by Nielsen BookScan! Catch The Wind: My Journey With Caroline (Book 8) Traitor In The Shipyard: A Caroline Mystery (Book 7) Meet Caroline (Book 1) Posted November 2, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
WPR Sponsorship |
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Update. This month and next Kathleen is sponsoring two WPR programs: Simply Folk, on Sundays from 5-8 PM, and The Larry Meiller Show, weekdays 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. To hear her sponsorship message, click on the right-facing triangle below. Posted November 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Arriving in Stores |
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Update. Several independent bookstores are reporting that boxes of Tradition of Deceit arrived today from the publisher, one week in advance of the official release date!
Posted October 31, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Chloe 6 Writing Retreat |
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Update. Kathleen and her ever-faithful muse Sophie left today for a week-long 'nothing but writing' retreat at an undisclosed location. There they will be working on the manuscript for the sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, which Kathleen is under contract for release in fall 2015. 'Mr. Ernst' remains behind, keeping the home office open. Posted October 28, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Caroline & Chloe - Flash Giveaway |
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Update. Kathleen held another "Flash Giveaway" on her Facebook Author page and the three lucky winners are Julie Rothamer Cruz, Kari Gordon, and Kathy Scott. Each will receive their choice of a signed and personalized Caroine Abbott American Girl OR a Chloe Ellefson adult mystery book. More giveaways are coming in November! more>> Posted October 26, 2014 to Kathleen's News page (updated October 27, 2014). |
Fall Events Roadmap |
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Update. Kathleen has added a custom Google map to her website, showing the locations of her November and December public events. Clicking on a map pin reveals the date, program, and other details of that event. It's free and fun, and you can use it by clicking HERE. Posted October 21, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Chloe Mysteries Available on Google Play |
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Update. All five Chloe Ellefson mysteries, including Tradition of Deceit, are now available on the world's largest online eBooks store, Google Play Books. According to Wikipedia, "...purchased books are stored in the cloud and are available for online viewing through a web browser and for both online and offline viewing via the Play Books app for Google Chrome on PCs and through the official mobile apps for Android and iOS." Posted October 17, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradition of Deceit - Now Available for Kindle |
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Update. We have just discovered that Tradition of Deceit, the fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, is now available as an eBook for reading on the Amazon Kindle apps and e-readers. Posted October 16, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradition of Deceit - Now Available for Nook |
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Update. We have also discovered that Tradition of Deceit, the fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, is now available as an eBook for reading with the Barnes & Noble Nook apps and e-readers. Posted October 16, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradition of Deceit - Now Available for Kobo |
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Update. And we have discovered that Tradition of Deceit, the fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, is now available as an eBook for reading with the Kobo apps and e-readers. Posted October 16, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Research Trip |
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Update. Kathleen is traveling this week, wrapping up field research on her sixth (and as yet untitled) Chloe Ellefson mystery, which she is under contract for release in the fall of 2015. "Mr. Ernst" is manning the home office while she is away. Posted October 15, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
One Month to Go |
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Update. The new Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Tradition of Deceit, will be officially released on November 8, 2014. Pre-release orders have already pushed it into the Top 1% of US printed book sales for 24 days running, according to Nielsen BookScan, a respected publishing industry tracking service. more>> Posted October 8, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
EPD Ride Along |
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Update. Today Kathleen is visiting the Village of Eagle Police Department to learn more about police work by riding on patrol with an officer. Roelke McKenna, a main character in Kathleen's award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery series, works for the EPD. Posted October 8, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Ranked in Top 1% |
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Update. Kathleen's newest American Girl book, Catch the Wind: My Journey With Caroline, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales for 43 days, according to Nielsen BookScan, a respected publishing industry tracking service. more>> Posted October 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradtion of Deceit - First Signing! |
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Update. Kathleen signed her fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, yesterday at the Heartland Fall Forum. It was the first time she held a copy of her 30th published book! The forum, a Midwest trade show attended by some 350 independent booksellers, was held in the former Milwaukee Road railroad station in Minneapolis, where a scene in the book takes place! Posted October 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Early Review - Tradition of Deceit |
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Update. Library Journal says this about Kathleen's latest Chloe mystery: "VERDICT: Ernst keeps getting better with each entry in this fascinating series. The engrossing and twisty plot offers plenty of challenges for her intelligent protagonist." Posted October 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Caroline GIVEAWAY |
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Update. Kathleen held a Giveaway this week on her Facebook Author page and 3 lucky winners -- Gabriela Casas, Laura Horsley, and MaryEllen Schemel -- have each won a free, signed, personalized Caroline book (old or new format) of their choosing. more>> Posted October 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page (updated October 3, 2014). |
Early Review - Tradition of Deceit |
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Update. "Action filled" is what Publisher's Weekly calls Kathleen's new mystery, adding: "In Ernst’s exciting fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery... Everybody has secrets." Posted September 22, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Undisclosed Location |
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Update. Kathleen and Sophie the talking Torby left today for a one week writing retreat at a cabin in Michigan's Upper Penninsula. Author and muse will be busy writing the Chloe 6 manuscript for release next year (not to be confused with Chloe 5, Tradition of Deceit, coming out this fall). Mr. Ernst will keep the home office open while they are away. Posted September 22, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Early Review - Tradition of Deceit |
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Update. Kirkus Reviews has this to say about Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson Mystery: "The latest case for Chloe (Heritage of Darkness, 2013, etc.) provides informative historical facts, two good mysteries, and the trials and tribulations of a difficult relationship." Posted September 16, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Fall Newsletter |
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Update. News about Kathleen's new Caroline American Girl books, her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, the extensive new online information for readers about the stories behind the stories of all five Chloe novels, and a sneak peak at Kathleen's upcoming events are all covered in her Fall 2014 Newsletter. To read it, cick HERE.
Posted September 7, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Books-A-Million |
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Alert. The Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series novels are now available for purchase as trade paperbacks from Books-A-Million stores and website. BAM is the second largest book retailer in the US, with over 250 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Posted September 2, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
New Caroline Books Now Shipping |
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Alert. American Girl has just released three Caroline books. One is a brand new time-travel, multiple ending story called Catch the Wind: My Journey With Caroline. The other two are compilations of the initial six individual Caroline books into a two volume set entitled Captain of the Ship and Facing the Enemy. Posted to Kathleen's News page August 28, 2014. |
Chloe 5 to Printer |
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Update. Today Kathleen mailed off the final manuscript for the fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery! The official release date for Tradition of Deceit is November 8, 2014. more>> Posted to Kathleen's News page August 14, 2014. |
International Quilt Museum |
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Update. This weekend Kathleen will be doing research at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The museum houses a collection of some 4,000 quilts. "Mr. Ernst" will be keeping the office open. more>> Posted to Kathleen's News page August 11, 2014 |
900 Likes Book Giveaway |
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Alert. In appreciation of her Facebook Author page topping 900 Likes, Kathleen held a one-day Gratitude Giveaway. The three winners, Stephanie Calkins, Betty Holty, and Leslie Vollnogle, will each receive a Kathleen written, signed and personalized book of their choice. Watch for additional giveaways on Kathleen's FB Author page. more>> Posted to Kathleen's News page August 5, 2014 (updated August 6th). |
New Books Unveiled |
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Update. Three Caroline books are being released August 28th. Read previews and more on Kathleen's website. The first is new and very exciting -- a Caroline time-travel story called Catch the Wind: My Journey With Caroline. The others are compilations of the initial six Caroline books into a two volume set entitled Captain of the Ship and Facing the Enemy. Posted on Kathleen's News page August 1, 2014. |
Kansas City Signing |
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Update. Kathleen will be at the American Girl Store in the Overland Park KS on Saturday, August 2nd. Girls age 8 and up can meet and get their picture taken with Kathleen, and have her personalize and sign any of her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, or Molly books. These activites run from Noon to 2:00 PM and are free and open to the public. more>>
Posted on Kathleen's News page July 30, 2014. |
Signing in Minneapolis |
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Update. Kathleen will be at the American Girl Store in the Mall of America on Saturday, August 2nd. Girls age 8 and up can meet and get their picture taken with Kathleen, and have her personalize and sign any of her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, or Molly books. These activites run from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and are free and open to the public. more>>
Posted on Kathleen's News page July 30, 2014. |
Chicago Signing |
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Update. Kathleen will be at the American Girl Store in Water Tower Place on Friday, August 1st. Girls age 8 and up can meet and get their picture taken with Kathleen, and have her personalize and sign any of her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, or Molly books. These activites run from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and are free and open to the public. more>>
Posted on Kathleen's News page July 30, 2014. |
Signing in St. Louis |
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Update. Kathleen will be at the American Girl Store in Chesterfield on Thursday, July 31st. Girls age 8 and up can meet and get their picture taken with Kathleen, and have her personalize and sign any of her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, or Molly books. These activites run from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM and are free and open to the public. more>>
Posted on Kathleen's News page July 30, 2014. |
Nordic Fest |
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Update. Kathleen, her husband and daughter spent Friday and Saturday having fun at the annual Nordic Fest celebration in Decorah, IA. There was lots of music and dancing, and way too much consumption of 'flash-frozen' liggonberry ice cream and freshly-made lefse (warm, spread with butter and brown sugar). Highly recommended. more>> Posted July 27, 2014 on Kathleen's News page. |
Rosemaling Class |
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Update. Kathleen just finished a 4-day Hallingdal Rosemaling class taught by Donna Benson at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. Kathleen painted this wooden box. Vesterheim offers a wide range of Scandinavian folk art classes. more>> Posted July 24, 2014 on Kathleen's News page. |
900 Likes |
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Update. A new milestone: Kathleen's Facebook author page has just reached 900 "Likes." Thanks goes to all her loyal readers on Facebook! If you're not one of them, then come visit her there. more>> Posted July 23, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Flash Giveaway Winners |
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Update. Kathleen announced a "Flash Giveaway" yesterday on her Facebook Author page. The 3 lucky winners are Kathleen E. Belongia, Kim Bitto, and Jenny Pardee Buttke. Each has won her choice of a free, signed and personalized copy of any one of Kathleen's 26 (soon to be 30) published books. Stay tuned for news of the next giveaway! more>> Posted July 10, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Writing Retreat |
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Update. Even as preparations continue for the fall release of the fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, Kathleen is off on a week-long writing retreat at an undisclosed, out-of-state location to work on the sixth (and as yet unnamed) Chloe mystery. Kathleen will be accompanied by Sophie, her feline muse. Mr. Ernst will be keeping the home office open.
Posted June 20, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
New Caroline Book |
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Update. American Girl Company has just announced Kathleen's eighth Caroline Abbott book, Catch the Wind: My Journey With Caroline, which will be released August 28th. For a synopsis of the story and details on how to pre-order the book, click HERE.
Posted June 15, 2014 to Kathleen's News page.
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Chloe Totes Now Available |
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Update. A long-time popular prize at Chloe Ellefson programs and giveaways, these attractive canvas totes cane now be acquired through Kathleen's new online store. more>>
Posted June 15, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Summer Newsletter |
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Update. News about Kathleen's upcoming Caroline American Girl and Chloe Ellefson books, a map of where she is doing public programs this summer, and details about her new online store are the subject of Summer 2014 Newsletter, which went out to her email list today. To read it, cick HERE.
Posted June 15, 2014 to Kathleen's News page.
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Baltimore Bound |
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Update. Kathleen continues her travels, this week heading to the Baltimore/Washington area to do two Caroline programs for American Girl fans. On Flag Day, Saturday, June 14th, she will be at historic Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where a famous War of 1812 battle inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem. On Sunday, June 15th, she will be at the Riversdale House Museum in Riverdale MD. Posted June 9, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Return to Sackets Harbor |
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Update. This weekend American Girl author Kathleen Ernst returned to the lovely Village of Sackets Harbor, NY, home of Caroline Abbott, the War of 1812 historical character she created and has written seven (soon to be nine) books about. Kathleen was feted at an evening reception at the Sacket Harbor State Historic Site, where she also taught a class for aspiring writers. Additional details can be found on Kathleen's Facebook author page. Posted June 7, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Tradition of Deceit |
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Update. Kathleen's husband got a sneak peek at the latest version of the Tradition of Deceit manuscript while they served as docents at the Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island. The manuscript is now in the hands of Kathleen's copy editor at publisher Midnight Ink. This, the fifth book in the Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series, is set for release this fall. Posted June 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Off To The Lighthouse |
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Update. Kathleen and her husband will be spending a week serving as volunteer docents, giving public tours at the historic 1858 Pottawatomie Lighthouse on Rock Island, WI. The lighthouse, Rock, and nearby Washington Island are the settings for Kathleen's third Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy, which was written in part during previous stays at the lighthouse. To learn about touring the lighthouse... more>> Added May 19, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
NYC American Girl Store Visit |
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Update. Kathleen will be at American Girl Place Store New York on Tuesday, June 6th. Girls age 8 and up can meet Kathleen, get their picture taken with her, and have Kathleen personalize and sign any of her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, or Molly books. These activites run from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and are free and open to the public. more>>
Posted on Kathleen's News page May 15, 2014. |
Flash Giveaway! |
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Alert. The winner of Kathleen's 'Flash Giveaway' is Lynn Tellock. She will get her choice of a Caroline Abbott six-book box set OR a set of all four Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mysteries (with each book signed and personalized by Kathleen). The entry deadlne was Midnight US Central time, May 14, 2014. To be notified of future giveaways, 'Like' Kathleen on her Facebook author page! more>> Posted on Kathleen's News page May 13, 2014 (updated May 15, 2014). |
American Girl Columbus Visit |
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Update. This Tuesday, May 6th, Kathleen will be meeting readers and signing her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, and Molly books at the American Girl Store in Columbus Ohio. The event runs from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and is free and open to the public. Added May 4, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Malice Domestic - Day 2 - Tea With Valerie |
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Update. This afternoon Kathleen had tea with Valerie Tripp, author of thirty-one American Girl children's books, including historical characters Felicity, Josefina, Kit, Molly, and Samantha, and "Best Friends" Elizabeth, Emily, Nellie, and Ruthie. Added May 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Malice Domestic - Day 2 - Nominee Certificate |
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Update. Today Kathleen received her official Traitor in the Shipyard Agatha nominee certificate from Malice Domestic, and a lovely bouquet of flowers in honor of the nomination from the book's publisher, American Girl. Added May 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Malice Domestic - Day 2 - Nominees Panel |
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Update. This morning Kathleen was on the convention's "Kids Love A Mystery: Our Agatha Best Children's/YA Novel Nominees" panel, consisting of (L to R) Amanda Flower, Penny Warner, Kathleen, moderator Leslie Blatt, and Joelle Charbonneau. Added May 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Malice Domestic - Day 1 - Midnight Ink |
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Update. This evening Kathleen joined a gathering of fellow Midnight Ink authors in the company-sponsored hospitality room. Kathleen is seen here with Terri Bischoff (L), her Acquiring Editor for the Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery series. Added May 2, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Malice Domestic - Day 1 - American Girl |
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Update. This weekend Kathleen is attending Malice Domestic, the big traditional mystery fans convention held in Bethesda, MD. Malice attendees nominated her American Girl Caroline mystery, Traitor In The Shipyard, for their Agatha Award for Best Children's / Young Adult Mystery Novel. Kathleen is attending the convention with her sister Barbara (L) and American Girl editor, Peg Ross (R).
Added May 2, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Chloe 5 Pre-Order |
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Update. Barnes & Noble has joined Amazon and independent bookstores as places where you can now pre-order trade paperback copies of Tradition of Deceit, Kathleen's fifth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery. The 360-page book will be released by publisher Midnight Ink in Fall 2014. more>> Added May 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
American Girl Summer Program |
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Update. American Girl will be donating $1 to Save the Children's U.S. Literacy Program for every one of their printed books -- including all of Kathleen's Caroline books and her Josefina, Kirsten, Kit and Molly mysteries -- purchased directly from American Girl by phone, on their website, or in one of their stores. The program runs through August 27, 2014 or until $100,000 has been donated. more>> Added May 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Apple Downloads |
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Update. Many of Kathleen's books are now available as e-books from iTunes, including her Caroline, Josefina, Kirsten, Kit, and Molly American Girl books, her Chloe Ellefson adult mysteries from Midnight Ink, and her highly regarded Hearts of Stone Civil War novel from Dutton. Audiobooks of her Edgar-nominated Trouble at Fort La Pointe and Agatha-nominated Betrayal at Cross Creek children's books are also available. more>> Added April 29, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
WHS Press WIP |
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Update. Kathleen reports that "steady progress" is being made on her work in progress (WIP) for the Wisconsin Historical Society (WHS) Press. This non-fiction book focuses on early immigrant life in Wisconsin, and is slated for publication in the fall of 2015.
Added April 23, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Fox Cities Book Festival |
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Update. Kathleen did an American Girl Fans program at the Appleton Public Library, where a lucky little girl won a free doll and book about Caroline Abbott, the historical character Kathleen created and has written seven books about. That was followed by a Chloe Ellefson Stories Behind the Stories program at the Menasha Public Library. Thank to all the wonderful readers who attended one or both of these well attended programs. more>> Added April 8, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Blizzard and Tornadoes |
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Update, Kathleen has just retured from doing on-site research for the sixth book in her Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mysteries. In addition to finding some prime source material, the trip included one day that started with tornado warnings and ended with a blizzard. Added April 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Next Chloe Book Unveiled |
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Update. In what is now a yearly event, Kathleen returned to the Village of Eagle, Wisconsin to provide the first public 'sneak peek' of her next Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery. This year's book is Tradition of Deceit, which will be published this fall. The Chloe series is rooted in Eagle and the nearby Old World Wisconsin museum. Kathleen also put on her popular American Girl Fans program. more>> Added March 27, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Caroline Mystery Draft |
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Update. Kathleen just turned in the first draft of her next Caroline mystery to American Girl. Kathleen posted the following on her Facebook author's page: "I wrote three different versions of the story before I felt like I was on the right track. There were so many interesting tidbits from the historical record it was hard to choose what to use!" Added March 20, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Marketing Award Winner |
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Update. Constant Contact, a marketing company serving small businesses and non-profits, has given a 2013 All Star Award to Kathleen Ernst LLC for ranking in the top 10% of their half million customers in terms of email marketing effectiveness. The is the second consecutive year we've received this award.
Added March 11, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Malice Domestic Panelist |
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Update. Malice Domestic is a three-day annual "fun fan" convention in Washington, D.C., saluting the traditional mystery—best typified as having no explicit sex or excessive gore or violence. This year Malice has honored Kathleen's Caroline American Girl mystery, Traitor in the Shipyard, with an Agatha Award nomination. Kathleen will join moderator Leslie Blatt and fellow authors Joelle Charbonneau, Amanda Flower, and Penny Warner on the convention's "Kids Love A Mystery: Our Agatha Best Children's/YA Novel Nominees" panel on Saturday, May 3rd. more>>
Added March 5, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Passion for the Past Interview |
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Update. Kathleen's writing career is the subject of a delightfully written article by Doug Moe, popular columnist for the Wisconsin State Journal. Doug's article appears in today's issue of the newspaper, which can be read in print or online. more>> Posted March 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Caroline Mystery Writing Retreat |
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Update. Kathleen is off writing at an undisclosed location, where she is working on her next Caroline mystery for American Girl (due out next year). Assisting is her feline muse Sophie, whose 'laying on of paws' has been known to help with difficult passages. Kathleen's husband and business partner is at home keeping the office open. Posted February 23, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Gratitude Giveaway |
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Update. Kathleen no sooner announced that Tradition of Deceit, her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, was available for pre-sale, than it shot up into the Top 1% of printed book sales in the US! As Roelke would say, Holy toboggans! In response, Kathleen held a Gratitude Giveaway to thank Chloe's loyal fans. The winner was Jane Irish Nelson. more>> Posted February 16, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Next Chloe Mystery Sneak Peek |
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Update. Details about Kathleen's fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery have been posted on her Facebook Author page and sent to her Chloe email list. Tradition of Deceit is set to be released this fall in print and electronic formats. Be amongst the first to read it by pre-ordering a copy from your favorite independent bookseller or Amazon... more>> Posted February 9, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Agatha Nomination |
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Update. Kathleen's American Girl mystery, Traitor In The Shipyard, has just been nominated for the Agatha Award for Best Children's/Young Reader book. Named after the famous crime novelist, Agatha Christie, the award honors the previous year's best traditional mysteries, (i.e., those without gratuitous violence, excessive gore, or explicit sex). Winners will be chosen by the attendees at Malice Domestic, an annual gathering of mystery fans. Kathleen will be there; wish her luck! Posted January 29, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Meet Caroline in People Magazine |
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Update. Television actress Busy Philips is shown with Kathleen's Meet Caroiine book in the "What We're Reading to Our Kids" feature in the January 15, 2014 issue of People Magazine. Philips (currently in the TBS hit Cougar Town) tells readers "I was judgemental about American Girl dolls before I had a 5-year old. She's into the history of the books. So cute." Posted January 21, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Family Food Traditions Class |
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Update. Join Kathleen for a workshop designed to help you recall, records, and celebrate your family and community food traditions. Tattered recipe cards can lead to reminiscences, poetry, scrapbook pages, family cookbooks... more>> Posted January 13, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Caroline Books in Top 1% |
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Update. These results are based on US sales tracking data for over 8 million printed books, provided by Nielsen BookScan, a service used by the publishing industry. Thanks AG fans! Meet Caroline (Book 1) Caroline's Secret Message (Book 2) Six Book Caroline Abbott Box Set With Game (Books 1-6) Posted January 3, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Milwaukee Public Radio Interview |
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Update. Kathleen speaks about Heritage of Darkness, her latest Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, with host Mitch Teich on Lake Effect, the popular MPR program. You can listen to this 12 minute interview by clicking on the right-facing triangle below. Posted January 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Award Brings Writer's Residency |
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Update. The first book in Kathleen's Caroline Abbott American Girl children's historical fiction series, Meet Caroline, received the 2013 Tofte/Wright Children's Literature Award from the Council for Wisconsin Writers. The award included a weeklong writer's residency in January at the historic village of Mineral Point, WI. Kathleen plans to use her time there to begin writing the sixth Chloe book, to be released in 2015.
Posted January 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
Chloe 5 Manuscript In |
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Update. Kathleen has just submitted the manuscript of her fifth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery to her publisher, Midnight Ink, for release in fall 2014. More information about the book will be made available over the next few months. Posted January 1, 2014 to Kathleen's News page. |
