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AUTHOR'S NOTE
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Season's Greetings, and Thanks |
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Kathleen sent a message today to those on her email list. It opens with: "In the window of my beloved local indie bookstore is a glowing neon sign. It tells when the store is open, and alerts passers-by that opening a book is an invitation to another world." more>> Posted December 22, 2016. |
Children's Mysteries Added |
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Kathleen's first American Girl books, Trouble at Fort La Pointe, an Edgar Award Nominee for Best Children's Mystery, and Whister in the Dark, an Agatha Award Nominee for Best Children’s/Young Adult Mystery, are now available via the Kindle Unlimited program. Posted December 19, 2016. |
100 Days in Top 1% |
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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 one hundred days, based on pre-orders and ten weeks of post-release purchases. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted December 18, 2016. |
Chloe Audiobooks |
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Worldwide English language audiobook rights for the initial three Chloe Ellefson mysteries, Old World Murder, The Heirloom Murders, and The Light Keeper's Legacy, have just been purchased by Tantor, a subsidiary of Recorded Books, the largest independent publisher of unabridged audiobooks with operations in the US, the UK, and Australia. Posted December 17, 2016. |
Large Print Released |
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The large print version of A Memory of Muskets is now shipping—in time for the Holidays! It's the first Chloe Ellefson mystery printed in large print, and hopefully the first of many. Order it now from Amazon. Posted December 16, 2016. |
Fly Fingers, Fly |
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She may be on retreat, but Kathleen is moving forward. From her undisclosed location Kathleen reports having finished a full 'hand edit' of a printout of the Chloe 8 manuscript rough draft, and is now busy entering the changes into her laptop. Posted December 12, 2016. |
95 Days in Top 1% |
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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 ninety-five days, based on pre-orders and nine weeks of post-release purchases. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted December 11, 2016. |
A Week Away |
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Having completed the initial draft of the Chloe 8 manuscript, Kathleen is heading off today to an undisclosed location to begin the editing process. She will be out of communication until December 14th. Mr. Ernst will be keeping the home office open until then. Posted December 8, 2016. |
Pioneer Foodways |
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Thanks to the Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin (CHEW) of Madison, Wisconsin for inviting Kathleen to present her new "Asparagus and Barley-Groats: Pioneer Foodways" program at their meeting last night. Members and their guests gave her a warm welcome on a cold night, and were graciously patient with the balky slide projector. Posted December 8, 2016. |
90 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 ninety days, based on pre-orders and eight weeks of post-release purchases. Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted December 5, 2016. |
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Something to CHEW On |
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The Culinary History Enthusiasts of Wisconsin (CHEW) has invited Kathleen to present her new “Asparagus and Barley Groats: Pioneer Wisconsin Foodways” illustrated program at 7:15 PM this Wednesday, December 7th, at the Goodman Community Center, 149 Waubesa Street, in Madison, WI. This free public presentation provides an overview of the challenges and satisfactions inherent in feeding a family on the Wisconsin frontier. more>> Posted December 4, 2016. |
Saturday Signing Success |
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An hour-long line of Chloe Ellefson fans greeted Kathleen during the Norwegian Christmas event yesterday at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa. Chloe readers came from all over—even from San Diego—to meet Kathleen and get signed Chloe books. Norwegian-Americans are some of the nicest people around! Posted December 4, 2016. |
Chloe 8 Rough Draft Finished |
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Today Kathleen finished her rough draft of the 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery. Now the editing phase begins. The story's target length is 85,000 words; the rough draft is over 100,000. Plenty of work to do before the January 31st deadline to deliver the manuscript to publisher Midnight Ink Books. The final version is to be released in fall 2017. Posted December 2, 2016. |
85 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 eighty-five days, based on pre-orders and seven weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted November 29, 2016. |
Norwegian Christmas Signing |
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This Saturday, December 3rd, Kathleen will take part in the Norwegian Christmas event at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. She will be at the museum store from 1-4 PM signing copies of her seven Chloe Ellefson mystery books—including Heritage of Darkness, which is set at Vesterheim. The Christmas program is a delight for persons of all ages—with good things to see, do, buy, and eat! more>> Posted November 28, 2016. |
Intriguing First Lines |
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Mystery Scene Magazine has a regular feature called The Hook, which lists intriguing first lines from recently published mysteries. The first line from Kathleen's seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, is included in the magazine's newly released Issue #147. "I want a fight," Ralph Petty said. Chloe started to protest, but remembered just in time that this was not her meeting, not her show. She closed her mouth and tried to look thoughtful. Posted November 23, 2016. |
80 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 eighty days, based on pre-orders and six weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted November 23, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets |
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And the seven winners of the A Memory of Muskets 75 Days in Top 1% Gratitude Giveaway are: Rita Aguilar, Gloriasue Arrza, Susan Carozza, Kathi O'Brien Hackett, Angela-Scott Holland, Melissa Keith, and Lois Scorgie. Each will receive a free trade paperback Chloe Ellefson mystery book of their choice, signed and personalized by the author. Kathleen thanks all who entered! Posted November 21, 2016. |
250 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's third Chloe Ellefson adult mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy, 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 two hundred fifty days to date! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted November 21, 2016. |
Feelin' the Likes |
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Over the last month the number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has reached a new milestone. Kathleen thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends! more>>
Posted November 20, 2016. |
Signed Books, Watched Parade |
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Today Kathleen and Mr. Ernst were in Waukesha at Martha Merrell's where she met readers and signed books, and then they caught the Waukesha Christmas Parade! Posted November 20, 2016. |
300 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's American Girl Caroline mystery The Smuggler's Secrets has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a running total of three hundred days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted November 20, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets |
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In honor of A Memory of Muskets ranking in the Top 1% of all US Book Sales for 75 days, seven lucky people will be chosen to receive a trade paperback copy of one of Kathleen's seven Chloe Ellefson mysteries—selected by the winners—to be signed and personalized by the author. To enter, leave a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author page or her Sites and Stories blog before Midnight US Central time this Sunday, November 20th. Posted November 18, 2016. |
75 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 seventy-five days, based on pre-orders and six weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted November 18, 2016. |
Come for the Signing, Stay for the Parade |
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In the new Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, Chloe and Roelke visit Waukesha to aid detectives with an investigation. This Sunday, November 20th, Kathleen and Mr. Ernst be in Waukesha at Martha Merrell's where she'll be meeting readers and signing her books. Stop by between 1-4 PM during the Holiday Stroll of the historic downtown, then catch the Waukesha Christmas Parade starting at 4 PM—just a block away! Posted November 17, 2016. |
Plotter and Pantser |
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Last night at Milwaukee's Boswell Book Company readers were treated to a convivial conversation between two popular mystery authors who write stories set in Wisconsin. Kathleen and Patricia Skalka talked about the craft of writing, including plotting out stories in advance v. making up stories as one writes them (AKA writing by the seat of the pants). Thanks to Boswell and Crimespree Magazine for sponsoring the evening. Posted November 17, 2016. |
250 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 250 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted November 15, 2016. |
Ernst & Skalka This Wednesday - Milwaukee WI |
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Kathleen and fellow mystery author Patricia Skalka will be meeting readers, talking about their respective Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson and Dave Cubiak mysteries, and signing copies from 7-8 PM this Wednesday, November 16th, at Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee. This free, public "Night of Wisconsin Women Whodunits" event is co-sponsored by Boswell and Crimespree Magazine. more>> Posted November 14, 2016. |
70 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 seventy days, based on pre-orders and five weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted November 13, 2016. |
Hear Kathleen on MPR Lake Effect Show |
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You can listen to an interview with Kathleen about her Chloe Ellefson and American Girl books that was recently broadcast on Milwaukee Public Radio's Lake Effect show. Posted November 13, 2016. |
Advance Notice - Milwaukee WI |
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Next Wednesday evening, authors Kathleen Ernst and Patricia Skalka will be meeting readers, talking about their Wisconsin-based mysteries, and signing copies from 7-8 PM at Boswell Books during the store's "Night of Wisconsin Women Whodunits." more>> Posted November 10, 2016. |
Milwaukee Public Radio Interview |
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This Friday morning there will be an interview with Kathleen on MPR's Lake Effect Show, during which she will be asked about her newly released, already in its' second printing, seventh Chloe Ellefson adult mystery, A Memory of Muskets, and her American Girl books. Hear it during the 10-11 AM broadcast on 89.7 FM or streaming live via the MPR link above. Posted November 10, 2016. |
Large Print - Just 30 Days Away |
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On December 7th—just a month from today—the large print version of A Memory of Muskets will become available. It will be the first Chloe mystery printed in large print, and hopefully the first of many. Pre-order it now from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Posted November 7, 2016. |
Chloe & Coffee This Saturday - Watertown WI |
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Kathleen's new Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, is partially set in Watertown, Wisconsin. And that's where she'll be from 10 AM to Noon this Saturday, November 12th, meeting and talking with readers, and signing her Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson adult mysteries at Tribeca Gallery Cafe & Books. This is a free, public event. more>> Posted November 7, 2016. |
65 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 sixty-five days, based on pre-orders and four weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted November 7, 2016. |
New Chloe Program This Sunday - Madison WI |
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Kathleen will be presenting her newly revised, richly illustrated, Chloe Ellefson Mysteries program at 1:30 PM this Sunday, November 6th, at Madison's Sequoya Public Library. She will be discussing the themes of this award-winning series, and the recently release seventh book, A Memory of Muskets, which is already in its second printing. Like the Chloe books, this free, public program is intended for adults and mature teens. Posted November 3, 2016. |
60 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's seventh 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 sixty days, based on pre-orders and three weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted October 31, 2016. |
Musing Mode Established |
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Kathleen sent this photo of Sophie, her silver torbie. They are away this week working on the eighth Chloe Ellefson mystery book manuscript, due out fall 2017. Sophie is shown assisting Kathleen with revisions. "That's good Mom, now lets take a look at the next paragraph." Posted October 28, 2016. |
Over 250 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's American Girl book, Facing the Enemy: A Caroline Classic Volume 2, contains the stories from her previously published Caroline Takes A Chance, Caroline's Battle, and Changes For Caroline books. Thanks to readers age 8 and up, Facing the Enemy 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 two hundred fifty days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 27, 2016. |
Notable Author Award Ceremony |
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The Wisconsin Library Association has named Kathleen as a 2016 Notable Wisconsin Author. This award recognizes an author's entire body of work, and is designed to promote greater awareness of the state's literary history. The award will be given this Thursday at the WLA conference in Milwaukee. Mr. Ernst will accept the award for Kathleen, who unfortunately is currently out-of-state, unable to attend due to a longstanding writing commitment. Posted October 26, 2016. |
New Likes Milestone |
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Over the last three weeks the number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has reached this new milestone. Kathleen thanks all her wonderful new reader-friends! more>>
Posted October 24, 2016. |
Working on Chloe 8 for Next Year |
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This week Kathleen and Sophie her faithful feline are at an undisclosed out-of-state location. They're working on the eighth Chloe Ellefson mystery, which is to be released in fall 2017. Kathleen's husband ('Mr. Ernst') remains behind to keep the home office open. Posted October 24, 2016. |
55 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's newly released 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 fifty-five days, based on pre-orders and two weeks of post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. Posted October 23, 2016. |
Kiel Library Visit |
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Friendly audiences greeted Kathleen when she presented her American Girl Fans program for young readers, and her Wisconsin Pioneers program for adults, yesterday at the invitation of the public library in Kiel, Wisconsin. Posted October 18, 2016. |
50 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's newly released 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 fifty days, based on pre-orders and initial post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 17, 2016. |
Two Programs Monday - Kiel Public Library |
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Kathleen returns to the Kiel Public Library this Monday, October 17th, to present her American Girl Fans program at 4 PM and at 7 PM her Wisconsin Pioneers program, based on her nonfiction history A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons from the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Enjoy two public programs for the price of free! Posted October 15, 2016. |
Large Print Version Available for Pre-Order |
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Kathleen is pleased to announce that Thorndike Press will be offering a large print version of A Memory of Muskets. It will be the first Chloe mystery printed in large print, and hopefully the first of many. It can be pre-ordered now from Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The official publication date is December 7th, 2016—just in time for the Holidays. Posted October 14, 2016. |
300 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's fourth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Heritage of Darkness, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US print book sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for an ongoing total of 300 days, the highest of any Chloe book. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 14, 2016. |
Signing Books Where Chloe Works |
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Kathleen will be at Old World Wisconsin, meeting visitors and signing her Chloe Ellefson adult mystery books, from Noon to 5 PM this Saturday, October 15th. Old World is perfect for this. Kathleen was an actual—and Chloe is a fictional—curator there. And the just released seventh book in the series, A Memory of Muskets, is set at Old World. Meet Kathleen, and tour the 1860s German Schultz Farm where key scenes in the new mystery take place. more>> Posted October 13, 2016. |
45 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's newly released 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 forty-five days, based on pre-orders and initial post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 12, 2016. |
Broadcast Brings Big Boost |
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Kathleen's interview on Wisconsin Public Radio's The Larry Meiller Show helped boost each of her seven Chloe Ellefson mystery books into the Top 1% of all US Print Book Sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for two days running! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 12, 2016. |
Listen to Larry and Kathleen Talk A Memory of Muskets |
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Today Kathleen was interviewed by Wisconsin Public Radio host Larry Meiller about her new Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets. Click the right facing arrow below to listen. Posted October 11, 2016. |
Larry Interviews Kathleen Tomorrow |
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This Tuesday at 11:45 AM Kathleen will join popular radio host Larry Meiller and his 100,000 listeners to discuss and answer questions about her newly released seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets. Hear it streaming live from Wisconsin Public Radio's website or listen statewide on WPR's Ideas Network. more>> Posted October 10, 2016. |
Now in Second Printing |
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Today is the official release date of A Memory of Muskets and publisher Midnight Ink just told Kathleen that—due to heavy demand—they've ordered a second printing of the book! Today is also when ebook copies become available for download (see postings below). Posted October 8, 2017. |
A Memory of Muskets - Available Now for Kindle |
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Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from Amazon for reading with Kindle apps and e-readers. Amazon also offers printed trade paperback copies. more>> Posted October 8, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - Available Now for Nook |
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Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from Barnes & Noble as an Adobe EPUB3 eBook for reading with Nook apps and e-readers. Barnes & Noble also offers printed trade paperback copies. more>> Posted October 8, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - Available Now for Kobo |
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Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from Kobo as an Adobe EPUB3 eBook for reading with Kobo apps and e-readers. more>> Posted October 8, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - Available Now from Apple |
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Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from the Apple iTunes website as an Adobe EPUB3 eBook for reading with iBooks on Mac or iOS devices and iTunes on other computers. more>> Posted October 8, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - Available Now from Google |
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Starting today, Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, can now be downloaded from Google Play as an Adobe EPUB3 eBook for reading with Barnes & Noble Nook and Sony Reader devices, and with the appropriate app on Android tablets and phones and desktops running Chrome. more>> Posted October 8, 2016. |
40 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's just released 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 forty days, based on pre-orders and initial post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 7, 2016. |
Flying Off Their Shelves |
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Yesterday Kathleen signed 50 copies of A Memory of Muskets in her publisher's booth at the Heartland Fall Forum in Minneaplois, MN. Heartland is a tradeshow for independent booksellers in the US Midwest, and many store owners said copies of Kathleen's recently released seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery are flying off their shelves. Posted October 7, 2016. |
Books, Bienenstich, and Springerle |
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Last night was Kathleen's Official Launch Party for A Memory of Muskets, held at Madison's A Mystery to Me bookstore. It was a lovely fall evening, spent with a wonderful crowd of Chloe readers. Kathleen spoke about the series, the new mystery, and that she is busy writing the 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery. Delicious German Beinenstich cake and Springerle cookies were served. Door prizes were awarded. And many, many books were signed. Posted October 5, 2016. |
More Likes Than Ever |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page. has reached a new milestone. Thanks to all the wonderful new reader-friends who have Liked her page! more>>
Posted October 3, 2016. |
Heartland Fall Forum Signing |
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This Thursday Kathleen will be signing copies of her just released seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, at the Heartland Fall Forum in Minneapolis, MN. Heartland is a tradeshow for independent booksellers in the US Midwest. more>> Posted October 3, 2016. |
35 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's just released 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 35 days, based on pre-orders and initial post-release purchases! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted October 3, 2016. |
Official Chloe 7 Launch Party |
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The Mystery To Me bookstore in Madison, WI, is hosting Kathleen's official launch party for the seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, Tuesday, October 4th, at 7 PM. She'll be talking about the story, awarding door prizes, meeting readers—and signing books. In honor of the book's focus on Wisconsin's German roots, she's bringing Bienenstich cake from Clasen's Bakery, and her homemade Springerle cookies. more>> Posted October 2, 2016. |
1,700,000 Copies Sold |
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Kathleen's publishers report that as of the end of June 2016, a total of over 1.7 million printed, e-book, and audio copies of her books have been purchased. Posted October 1, 2016. |
Fall Newsletter - Chloe Mystery Released |
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Kathleen's latest newsletter went out today, with news of the release of the newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, the name of her next American Girl book, plus details about her upcoming public signings and programs and radio interviews. Read the newsletter by clicking HERE. Posted September 29, 2016. |
25 Days in Top 1% - Based on Pre-Orders |
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Kathleen's soon to be released 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 25 days, based on pre-orders! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted September 21, 2016. |
Festival of Book and Authors - This Saturday |
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Five writers with Door County ties will be signing their newest: Kathleen (A Memory of Muskets, the seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery), Virginia Maher and Paul Burton (Selected Artists of Door County), J.F. Riordan (The Audacity of Goats, the second in her North of the Tension Line series), and Patricia Skalka (Death in Cold Water, her third Dave Cubiak mystery). September 24th, 10 AM to 5 PM, The Peninsula Bookman, Fish Creek, WI.
Posted September 22, 2016. |
They're Arriving! |
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Joanne Berg, owner of A Mystery To Me Bookstore in Madison, Wisconsin, emailed this photo to Kathleen, showing one of the boxes of A Memory of Muskets books that arrived there today from publisher Midnight Ink. Joanne's store is hosting the book's official launch party on Tuesday, October 4th starting at 7 PM. There will be books! more>> Posted September 20, 2016. |
Publisher Now Shipping |
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Huzzah! Midnight Ink Books has just begun shipping trade paperback copies of Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery to distributors and bookstores. The book's official publication date is October 8, 2016, which is when eBook versions for the Kindle and other e-reader devices and apps will be released. Posted September 19, 2016. |
1st Chloe in 6th Printing |
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The first book in the award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery series, Old World Murder, is now in its sixth printing. As of today, it has been ranked in the Top 1% of US Print Book Sales for a Total of 255 Days. (Source: Nielsen BookScan). more>> Posted September 15, 2016. |
Door County Festival of Books & Authors - Advance Notice |
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Kathleen will be spenting Saturday, September 24th talking with readers and signing copies of her books at the annual festival in the lovely resort town of Fish Creek, WI. Thanks to special arrangements made by The Peninsula Bookman and publisher Midnight Ink Books, readers should be able to acquire trade paperback copies of her seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, two weeks before its official release! Posted September 14, 2016. |
Washington Island Signing - Advance Notice |
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After the Washington Island Literary Festival, Kathleen will be visiting the island's bookstore. This will be the very first public opportunity to get a signed copy of A Memory of Muskets, the newest Chloe Ellefson mystery. Kathleen will be at Fair Isle from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, Sunday, September 18th. more>> Posted September 8, 2016. |
Riding Along Today |
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Kathleen is spending today with officers of the Village of Eagle Police. One of the main characters in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series, Roelke McKenna, is an EPD patrol cop. Kathleen has relied extensively on the Eagle police (and others) for help in making Officer McKenna, the police work he does, and the mysteries that he gets involved in, as accurate as possible. Our thanks to the men and women of the EPD! Posted September 8, 2016. |
Larry to Interview Kathleen - Advance Notice |
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Kathleen will be Larry's guest from 11:45 AM to 12:30 PM, on Tuesday, October 11th, discussing and taking questions and comments from listeners about her award-winning Wisconsin-based Chloe Ellefson mysteries, and A Memory of Muskets, the newly released seventh book in the series. The Larry Meiller Show has 100,000 listeners, and is broadcast statewide over Wisconsin Pubic Radio's Ideas Network and streamed live over the Internet. Mark it on your calendar and join her then! more>> Posted September 6, 2016. |
Washington Island Literary Festival - Advance Notice |
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Kathleen has been invited to this unique festival, which takes place September 16-18 on Washington Island, across Death's Door Passage from the northern tip of Door County, WI. The theme is Mystique & Mystery of the Midwest. Kathleen will take part in the opening reception Friday evening, the all author panel Saturday morning, and make a presentation at midday about her Chloe Ellefson mystery series. The festival will be the first chance anywhere to get a signed copy of A Memory of Muskets, the new Chloe book. more>> Posted September 5, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - eBook Available for Pre-Order |
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Kathleen's new Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, is now available from Apple iTunes for reading on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. more>> Posted September 5, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - eBook Available for Pre-Order |
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Kathleen's new Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, is now available from Google Play as an Adobe EPUB3 eBook for reading with Barnes & Noble Nook and Sony Reader devices, and with the appropriate app on Android tablets and phones and desktops running Chrome browsers. more>> Posted August 27, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets - eBook Available for Pre-Order |
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Kathleen's new Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from publisher Midnight Ink Books, is now available for pre-order from the Kobo website as an Adobe EPUB3 eBook that can be read with Kobo and Sony Reader devices, as well as with Kobo apps on Windows and OSX computers, and Android, iOS, Blackberry, and Windows smartphones. more>> Posted August 27, 2016. |
Working on Chloe 8 for Next Year |
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Kathleen is away again this week, at an undisclosed location, working on Chloe 8, for release in fall 2017. Kathleen's husband (AKA 'Mr. Ernst') is at home keeping the office open. Posted August 15, 2016. |
Ten ARC Chloe Giveaway Winners |
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Over 500 readers entered the giveaway. Congratulations to: Carol Burger, Jacki Evenson, Stephanie Lembke Flessert, Prentiss Garner, Kate Graczyk, Marge Kempf, Saralee Larson, Connie Bolick Lee, Anne Reese Marshall, and Rhonda Simatic Nall. Each has won a free trade paperback Advance Review Copy (ARC) of Kathleen's A Memory of Muskets, signed and personalized by the author. The book's official release date is this October 8th. Posted August 12, 2016. |
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Next Chloe Mystery Ten ARC Giveaway |
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Ten lucky people are about to win their very own signed Advance Review Copy of Kathleen's next Chloe Ellefson mystery! Want to read A Memory of Muskets before the book officially ships this fall? Just post a comment on either Kathleen's Facebook Author Page or her Sites And Stories blog before Midnight this Thursday, August 11th. Kathleen will pick ten winners at random and post their names the next day—here and on those pages. Posted August 10, 2016.
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Kathleen's 45 Author Giveaway Winner |
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Congratulations to Merry Lu Pasley! Her name came out the winner in Kathleen's Back To School Facebook Giveaway. Merry Lu has won a personalized copy of Death On The Prairie: A Chloe Ellefson Mystery and a Garth Williams print. Thanks to everyone who participated. There's more fun on the very near horizon, so stay tuned! Posted August 9, 2016. |
Up Again |
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Yet Another new high in the number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page. Thanks to all the wonderful new reader-friends who have Liked her page! more>> Posted August 8, 2016. |
45 Authors' Back To School Giveaway |
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Another fun giveaway for mystery fans takes place today! Kathleen is one of forty-five authors who are together giving away a total of over $1,000 in prizes. To enter, visit Kathleen's Facebook Author page. You have up to 45 chances to win! more>> Posted August 8, 2016. |
Old Friends and New |
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Kathleen had a delightful visit yesterday at Heritage Hill in Green Bay. She and 'Mr. Ernst' went early to enjoy a bit of the site, including the Belgian farm and Fort Howard buildings. Thanks to all who came to the program on such a hot and muggy evening. Kathleen made new friends—and had the wonderful surprise of seeing some old and dear friends too! Posted August 3, 2016. |
150 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US print book sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for an ongoing total of 150 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted August 2, 2016. |
A Settler's Year Program Tomorrow |
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Kathleen will present her program, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, at the Heritage Hill State Historic Park in Green Bay, WI, at 6:30 PM, Tuesday, August 2nd. She will recount the experiences of the Europeans and Yankees who settled Wisconsin during the 1800s. This popular illustrated presentation is free and open to the public. more>> Posted August 1, 2016. |
A Cool 65-Feet Down |
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Today Kathleen visited the Badger Mining Museum in historic Shullsburg, Wisconsin, where she joined a tour of the country's "only primitive lead mine open to the public." Located 65-feet below the museum building, the hand-dug tunnels date from the 1850s and are cool and damp—perfect for visiting on a hot summer day. The museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Wednesday through Sunday. more>> Posted July 31, 2016. |
Onward and Upward |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has just reached a new high. Kathleen thanks all the wonderful new reader-friends who have Liked her page! more>> Posted July 25, 2016. |
Undisclosed Location |
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Now that the seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, is at the printer, Kathleen is away again to undisclosed location, working on Chloe 8, for release in fall 2017. Kathleen's husband (AKA 'Mr. Ernst') has remained behind to keep the home office open. Posted July 24, 2016. |
"A Compelling Mystery" |
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Kirkus says Kathleen's upcoming seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, "provides a new perspective on the Civil War woven together with a compelling mystery." Release is set for October 8th; it can be pre-ordered now as a trade paperback or an ebook from independent bookstores, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. more>> Posted July 23, 2016. |
Five Printings in Five Years |
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Kathleen's first Chloe Ellefson mystery, Old World Murder, is now in its' fifth printing, having been ranked in the Top 1% of US printed book sales, out of 8 million books tracked, for over 250 days since its October 2010 release. more>> Posted July 22, 2016. |
Summer 2016 Newsletter |
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Contains a reveal about the upcoming Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, an update on Kathleen's next American Girl book, and more. To read it, cick HERE.
Posted July 21, 2015. |
150 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's fifth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Tradition of Deceit, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US print book sales—out of over 8 million books tracked—for a total of 150 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted July 14, 2016. |
Ten Book Tuesday - Winners! |
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Congratulations to: Coley Brown, Betsy Cline, Tammy Strey Hirt, Sharon Speck McCay, Emily Neilsen, Jo-ann Pendolina, Tina Roberts, Bella Kristy Stevens, Amy Borden Uhalt, and Sandy Strange Walton. Each gets a free printed copy of one of Kathleen's American Girl books (their choice which) signed and personalized by the author. Posted July 13, 2016. |
Off to the Printer |
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Kathleen's seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, is now at the printer! Trade paperback and multiple ebook copies are available for pre-order now. The official release date is October 8, 2016. more>> Posted July 12, 2016. |
Ten Book Tuesday - American Girl Giveaway |
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To celebrate submission of the final edits on what will be her 20th American Girl book, Kathleen is holding a giveaway. Ten lucky winners will each receive a signed and personalized printed copy of one of her published American Girl books—of their choice! Entry deadline is Midnight US Central time, Tuesday, July 12th. To enter, leave a comment on Kathleen's Facebook Author page or her Sites and Stories blog. Posted July 11, 2016. |
Manuscript Submitted |
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Kathleen has just turned in the final edits of what will be her twentieth American Girl book. The title, which character it's about, and details about the story remain a closely-held secret, but we can tell you that it is to be published in early 2017. Posted July 11, 2016. |
Good Place, Good People |
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Kathleen and Mr. Ernst had a marvelous time at the Norsk Museum in Norway, IL. It was fun to meet so many avid readers. The museum is a wonderful tribute to how much can be accomplished by a group of dedicated volunteers! more>> Posted July 10, 2016. |
Programs This Saturday |
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Attention Chicagoland and North Central Illinois. Kathleen will be presenting her American Girl Fans and Chloe Ellefson Mysteries programs, meeting readers, and signing books at the Norsk Museum in Sheridan, IL this Saturday, July 9th. more>> Posted July 7, 2016. |
EPD Ride Along |
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Kathleen is away today visiting the Wisconsin Village of Eagle Police Department. Readers of Kathleen's 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 Kat accurately portray the fictional EPD and the law enforcement plot points in the series. Thank you EPD! more>> Posted July 6, 2016. |
Award Finalist |
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Kathleen's history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, has just been named an INDIEFAB Award Finalist in the Adult Nonfiction Regional book category. INDIEFAB Awards recognize the best books by independent publishers, university presses, and self-published authors. The INDIEFABs are sponsored by Foreword Reviews' magazine, which has a readership of 15,000+ booksellers and librarians. more>> Posted July 1, 2016. |
Change of Perspective |
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When Kathleen is creating a story she sometimes switches from typing on a laptop to scribbling in a notebook. She claims the change in method can lead to a change in perspective. No doubt something similar drove her to switch her Chloe 8 writing venue from a friend's borrowed cabin to this nearby location, somewhere in the U.P. of Michigan. Posted June 29, 2016. |
Named Notable Wisconsin Author |
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The Wisconsin Library Association has just named Kathleen as a Notable Wisconsin Author. The WLA states that "this award recognizes an author's entire body of work, and is designed to promote greater awareness of the state's literary awareness." Kathleen writes for adult and young readers. She currently has 33 published books, including mysteries and historical fiction and non-fiction, with two more books due out in the next year. Posted June 28, 2016. |
Super Muse, Musing |
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Update from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Sophie the Super Muse is hard at work helping Kathleen with the opening chapter of what will be the eighth Chloe Ellefson mystery, for release next year. They are about half-way through their week-long writing retreat. Posted June 26, 2016. |
Yah Hey! |
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Kathleen and her super muse, Sophie the Talking Torbie, are away on a week-long writing retreat at an undisclosed location in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Before leaving they worked on a final review of the next Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, which comes out in 90 days. This week they'll start writing Chloe 8, for release next year. Posted June 23, 2016. |
More Chloe Coming |
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Kathleen's agent has just received a contract from Midnight Ink Books to write two more of her Chloe Ellefson mysteries: Chloe 8 for release in 2017 and Chloe 9 to come out in 2018. The seventh book, A Memory of Muskets, will begin shipping in about 90 days. Posted June 17, 2016. |
Write By The Lake Speakers |
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Kathleen and 'Mr. Ernst' were the keynote speakers today at the University of Wisconsin - Madison's Write By The Lake Writers Workshop and Retreat. Their talk, The Writing Life, shared lessons learned during her journey from an evenings+weekends writer to a successful full-time, self-employed author with 33 published books and 1.6 million copies sold. Scott discussed his role as a writer's spouse and business partner, and offered marketing advice.
Posted June 13, 2016. |
First Time in a Millennium |
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A recreated 105 foot-long Viking ship—the Draken Harald Harfagre— has just finished sailing from Norway over the Atlantic to North America. The ship and its crew of 32 re-traced the route Leif Erikson took to the Viking settlement uncovered in 1960 in Newfoundland, Canada. This will be the first time a Viking ship has arrived there in a 1,000 years. Chloe is delighted! The ship will be visiting ports on the Great Lakes this summer. more>>
Posted June 1, 2016. |
More Likes |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has just reached a new high. Kathleen thanks all the wonderful new reader-friends who have recently visited, left comments or shared posts, and Liked her page. more>> Posted May 22, 2016. |
Giveaway Winner |
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The winner of Kathleen's Killer Characters blog post giveaway is: Anne Berger! She will receive a free printed Chloe Ellefson mystery book of her choice, signed and personalized by Kathleen. Thanks all who entered! Watch for an American Girl-related giveaway in June. Posted May 19, 2016. |
Happy Syttende Mai |
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Today is Constitution Day (AKA "Syttende Mai" or "seventeenth of May")—when Norwegians and Norwegian-Americans celebrate Norway becoming an independent kingdom under the King of Sweden in 1814, and an independent country with its own king in 1905. The main character in Kathleen's Chloe Ellefson mystery series grew up in the Norwegian-American community of Stoughton, Wisconsin, where she marched in the annual Syttende Mai parade. Posted May 17, 2016. |
Chloe Giveaway |
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Kathleen is celebrating her first post on the Killer Characters Blog with a Giveaway! She will pick a winner on Thursday, May 19th. That lucky person will receive a signed and personalized Chloe Ellefson mystery trade paperback of their choice. To enter, leave a comment and your email address at the bottom of Kathleen's Happy Spring post. Posted May 17, 2016. |
250 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's American Girl Caroline mystery The Smuggler's Secrets 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 250 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted May 16, 2016. |
Advance Notice - Lighthouse Docents |
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Kathleen and 'Mr. Ernst' will again be volunteer docents in Door County, WI at the historic 1858 Rock Island lighthouse overlooking Lake Michigan. They will be giving free tours between 10 AM and 4 PM, Friday, May 27 through Saturday, June 4. The lighthouse is the setting for The Light Keeper's legacy, Kathleen's award-winning Chloe Ellefson mystery. (NOTE: there will be a housesitter at their home, but the office will be closed.) more>> Posted May 15, 2016. |
1,000 Days in Top 1% |
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The first book in Kathleen's Caroline American Girl children's historical fiction series has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a total of one thousand days! Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted May 3, 2016. |
A Settler's Year - Award Finalist |
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Kathleen's nonfiction history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, has been named an Award Finalist in the Coffee Table Books category by the Midwest Independent Publishers Association. This award is given to books "that meld exemplary text, design, and artwork." A Settler's Year was designed and published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, with photographs taken at Old World Wisconsin by Loyd Heath. more>> Posted April 28, 2016. |
New Details, Photos Posted |
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New information about the next Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, has just been added to Kathleen's website. Check it out! more>> Posted April 26, 2016. |
Off to Malice Domestic |
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Kathleen left today to drive out to Malice Domestic, the annual "fun fan" convention in the Washington, D.C., area that salutes traditional mystery—like Kathleen's award-winnning Chloe Ellefson novels—best typified as having no explicit sex or excessive gore or violence. This year's event runs April 29th-May 1st. 'Mr. Ernst' is keeping the office open. more>> Posted April 24, 2016. |
Second Revision to Publisher |
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Today Kathleen emailed the second draft of a manuscript to her American Girl editor. This as-of-yet untitled story is to be published early next year and will be her twentieth AG book. Posted April 21, 2016. |
250 Days on Top |
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As of yesterday Kathleen's first Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Old World Murder, has now been ranked in the Top 1% of all US printed book sales—out of 8 million books tracked—for a total of 250 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted April 20, 2016. |
A Memory of Muskets for Nook |
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In addition to being availabie for Kindle, the next Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, can now also be pre-ordered for NOOK compatible devices and apps. more>> Posted April 19, 2016. |
Mystery Guild Selection |
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Kathleen's sixth Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death on the Prairie, has been selected by the Mystery Guild book club, which has printed a hardcover edition for its members. The club bills itself as "your source for the best new mystery, thriller and suspense fiction." more>>
Posted April 18, 2016. |
Dancing in Decorah |
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Last weekend Kathleen and Mr. Ernst were in Decorah, IA, attending a reunion of those who went on last year's fabulous Norwegian Coastal Voyage tour, both of which were sponsored by the Vesterheim Norwgian-American Museum. One of the reunion's many activites was a wonderful performance by Decorah's Nordic Dancers, who make a 10-year commitment to the group starting in Third Grade. Posted April 17, 2016. |
175 Years and Going Strong |
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An enthusuastic crowd of young readers and budding writers joined Kathleen this week for her American Girl Fans afternoon program at the Beaver Dam Community Library, the oldest free library in Wisconsin—currently celebrating its' 175th anniversary. That evening Kathleen gave her A Settler's Year illustrated program about the pioneers who settled Wisconsin in the 1800s. Many thanks to the library and its patrons for their warm welcome. Posted April 15, 2016. |
Tuesday in Beaver Dam WI |
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On April 12th Kathleen will give a pair of free, public events at the Beaver Dam public library. From 4:00-5:00 PM she will give her American Girl Fans program for young readers—based on her 19 American Girl books. Then from 7:00-8:00 PM she will talking to adults and teens about the lives of the immigrants who settled in Wisconsin in the 1800s—based on her A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons—nonfiction history book. more> Post April 10, 2016. |
Fun Evening in Elkhorn |
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A gray, blustery cold day did not deter the enthusiastic crowd of history loving readers that gathered yesterday evening at the Matheson Public Library in Elkhorn, WI for Kathleen's free public program about Wisconsin's pioneer settlers. Thanks to everyone who attended! Posted April 6, 2016. |
Pioneer Tales in Elkhorn WI |
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This Tuesday Kathleen will give a free, public talk about the lives of the immigrants who settled in Wisconsin during the 1800s. She will tell their stories using original letters, diaries, and newspaper accounts—illustrated with photos taken at Old World Wisconsin—garnered from her nonfiction book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. The talk runs 6:30-7:30 PM, April 5th, at the Matheson Public Library in Elkhorn, WI. more>> Post April 4, 2016. |
Gone Nålbinding |
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After meeting her American Girl and Midnight Ink writing deadlines, Kathleen is taking a well-deserved weekend off to attend the Getting Loopy: A Gathering of Nålbinders event at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa. Nålbinding—also known as Viking knitting—has been used to make clothing for over 2,000 years. more>> Posted April 1, 206. |
First Draft to Publisher |
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Today is Kathleen's other major deadline this week. This morning she emailed the first draft of a manuscript to her American Girl editor. This as-of-yet untitled story is to be published early next year. It will be Kathleen's twentieth book for American Girl. Posted March 31, 2016. |
Final Edits to Publisher |
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Today is the deadline, and this morning Kathleen emailed the final edits of her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, to her editor at Midnight Ink. The Chloe books combine history and mystery, with a little bit of romance. They are written for adults and mature teens who enjoy stories without explicit sex, violence or gore. The official release date for 'MOM' is this October 8th. It can be pre-ordered now as a trade paperback or ebook. Posted March 30, 2016. |
Four for Four |
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Kathleen just received a 2015 All Star Award for email effectiveness from Constant Contact, which provides email marketing serves to some 650,000 small businesses and non-profits. This is the fourth consecutive year Kathleen has earned this honor. Less than six percent of Constant Contact customers are multi-year All Star Award recipients. Posted March 29, 2016. |
Back-to-Back Deadlines |
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This coming week Kathleen is facing two big writing deadlines. Midnight Ink expects the final revisions of her next Chloe Ellefson mystery, A Memory of Muskets, on Wednesday. The next day American Girl expects the first draft of what will be Kathleen's twentieth book for them! Posted March 26, 2016. |
Barnes & Noble Too |
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Chloe fans can now reserve trade paperback copies of Kathleen's seventh Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from Barnes & Noble as well as from Independent booksellers, Book-A-Million, and Amazon. The official publication date is October 8, 2016. Order now! Posted March 17, 2015. |
Undisclosed Location |
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Kathleen left this morning for a week-long trip to do onsite research for an upcoming book. Despite being away, she still plans to begin a discussion on her Sites And Stories blog this Thursday of The Little House In The Big Woods book by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Posteed March 15, 2016. |
Writing Weekend a Success |
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An great group of writers gathered last weekend for Kathleen's oversubscribed "Exploring Your Heritage: A Writing Sampler Weekend" workshop at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum. She thanks all of them for bringing open minds and creative spirits. Posted March 14, 206. |
Liking This |
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Thanks to her recent Chloe's Book Club posts the number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has just reached a new high. Kathleen thanks all the wonderful reader-friends who have made this possible. more>> Posted March 13, 2016. |
Exploring Your Heritage: A Writing Sampler Weekend |
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This weekend Kathleen is at one of her favorite places, the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, IA. She is teaching a writing class—covering poetry, memoir, fiction, and creative non-fiction—to help participants capture memories or explore their unique family, ethnic group, or community heritage. NOTE: this class filled several weeks ago. more>> Posted March 10, 2016. |
Reedsburg Readers |
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Yesterday Kathleen held two public programs—one for American Girl readers and one for Wisconsin history fans—at the public library in Reedsburg, WI. Library staff and patrons gave her a warm welcome, asked great questions, and bought many books. Thanks to all of you! Posted March 6, 2016. |
Gratitude Giveaway Results |
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And the seven winners are: Sue Basler, Ellen Bogner, Claudia Daniel, Patricia Jones, Michelle Bie Love, Jane Irish Nelson, and Bonnie Schaefer. Each will receive a free printed Chloe Ellefson mystery book of their choice, signed and personalized by the author. Kathleen thanks all who entered! Watch for an American Girl-related giveaway in April. Posted March 3, 2016. |
This Saturday in Reedsburg |
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This Saturday, March 5th, Kathleen will be presenting two free programs at the public library in Reedsburg, WI. From 10-11 AM she will be presenting her "From Idea to Book" program for aspiring young writers. And from 1-2 PM she will be giving her A Settler's Year program for teens and adults, talking about the lives of the pioneers who settled Wisconsin in the 1800s and early 1900s. For more details, visit the Reedsburg Public Library website. Posted March 2, 2016. |
One-Day Giveaway |
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To thank her readers for their continued support, Kathleen is holding a Gratitude Giveaway. Seven winners will be randomly selected. Each winner will receive a signed and personalized trade paperback copy of the Chloe Ellefson mystery of their choice. The entry deadline is Midnight US Central time, March 2nd. For details visit Kathleen's Facebook Author page or her Sites and Stories blog. Good luck! Posted March 2, 2016. |
Enthusiastic Writers |
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On Leap Day, February 29th, Kathleen conducted her Writing Your Family Stories, Your Way class at the Door County Public Library in Sister Bay, WI. Kathleen was delighted with the enthusiastic group, which used the class to 'leap' forward on preserving their family stories. The class was sponsored by Write On, Door County. Posted March 1, 2016. |
Available for Pre-Order Now |
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Chloe fans can now reserve trade paperback and Kindle copies of Kathleen's seventh Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, A Memory of Muskets, from Independent booksellers, Book-A-Million, and Amazon. The official publication date is October 8, 2016. Posted February 29, 2015. |
Music Meets Spoken Word |
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Yesterday Kathleen read excerpts from her Chloe Ellefson mysteries as part of the Feb Fest III Scandinavian classical music concert by the Peninsula Music Festival in Ellison Bay, Door County, WI. The performers were (L-R) Judith Jackson, Karen Nelson, Lori Meyer, Janet Sutter, and Kathleen—who described the experience as "fabulous." Posted February 28, 2016. |
Malice Domestic - Advance Notice |
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Malice Domestic is a three-day annual "fun fan" convention in the Washington, D.C., area. This event salutes the traditional mystery—best typified as having no explicit sex or excessive gore or violence. (Kathleen's award-winnning Chloe Ellefson novels are traditional mysteries.) As is her tradition, Kathleen will be participating at Malice, which this year runs April 29th to May 1st. more>> Posted February 26, 2016. |
Family History Writing Workshop |
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This Monday, February 29th, Kathleen is teaching Writing Your Family Stories Your Way, a workshop for family history writers-to-be. Sponsored by Write On, Door County, this event runs from 1-4 PM at the Door County Wisconsin Sister Bay - Liberty Grove Public Library. Participation requires purchase of a ticket. more>> Posted February 25, 2016. |
Scandinavian Music / Chloe Reading |
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This Saturday, February 27th, Kathleen is reading excerpts from her Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Light Keeper's Legacy, as part of Feb Fest III, a concert of Scandinavian music presented by the Peninsula Music Festival. Co-sponsored by Write On, Door County, it runs from 2-5 PM at Shepherd of the Bay Luthern Church, Ellison Bay, Door County, WI. Attendance requires purchase of a ticket. more>> Posted February 24, 2016. |
Whole Lotta Likes |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has just reached a new high. Kathleen thanks all the wonderful reader-friends who have visited, left comments or shared posts, and Liked her page. more>> Posted February 20, 2016. |
Write On, Door County |
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Starting today Kathleen is away at a writing retreat sponsored by Write On, Door County. She'll be working on two projects for release in 2017—her 20th American Girl book and her 8th Chloe Ellefson mystery. She'll also be doing two public programs. Mr. Ernst remains behind to keep the home office open until Kathleen's March 1st return. Posted February 19, 2016. |
Winter Newsletter |
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Kathleen's latest newsletter went out today, with updates about the next Chloe Ellefson mystery, her upcoming online discussion and writing workshops, plus details of her current book projects. Read the newsletter by clicking HERE. Posted February 17, 2016. |
Chloe 7 - Plot Revealed |
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This afternoon Kathleen revealed in her winter newsletter and Sites and Stories blog the story description of A Memory of Muskets, the next book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series for adults and mature teens. Publlisher Midnight Ink will release the book in trade paperback and multiple ebook formats in early October 2016. more>> Posted February 17, 2016. |
Standing Room Only |
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Over the lunch hour today Kathleen spoke to a 60 person standing room only crowd at the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum in Madison, WI. The topic was her popular nonfiction history book, A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons, about the Yankees and European immigrants who moved to Wisconsin in the 1800s and early 1900s.
Posted February 16, 2016. |
Wisconsin Historical Society Museum |
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Kathleen will be presenting a free, public lunch hour program about the experiences of the Wisconsin's pioneer immigrants, as described in her nonfiction book A Settler's Year. The program will run from 12:15 to 1:00 PM, Tuesday, February 16th, at the Wisconsin Historical Society Museum, 30 North Carroll Street (on the corner where State Street enters the Capitol Square) in Madison, WI. more>>
Posted February 15, 2016. |
1st Chloe in 5th Printing |
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The first book in the Chloe Ellefson mystery series, Old World Murder, is in its fifth printing! Posted February 14, 2016. |
Torske Klubben, Mange Takk! |
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Today Kathleen presented a special Norkse version of her "Chloe Ellefson Mysteries: The Stories Behind the Stories" program to the Madison WI Torske Klubben (Cod Eaters Club). This mens' group of Norwegian ancestry was holding their annual Valentines Day meeting, the only one women are invited to. The members lavishly regaled their ladies with boiled cod, red roses, cold aquavit—and lots of Ole & Lena jokes. Kathleen had a blast! Posted February 13, 2016. |
Chloe 7 - Cover Revealed |
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This evening Kathleen revealed on her Facebook Author page the full front cover image of A Memory of Muskets, the next book in her Chloe Ellefson mystery series. Publlisher Midnight Ink will release the book in trade paperback and ebook formats in October 2016. Posted February 10, 2016. |
Super Seniors |
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Today Kathleen spoke to a small, but enthusiastic audience at the City of Madison Senior Center. She spoke of the experiences of Europeans and Yankees who settled in Wisconsin during the 1800s and early 1900s, as described in Kathleen's nonfiction history book A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through The Seasons. She also did a a quick overview of her latest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death On The Prairie. Thanks to all who attended! Posted February 9, 2016. |
Up They Go |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has again reached a new high. Kathleen thanks all the wonderful reader-friends who have visited, left comments or shared posts, and Liked her page. more>> Posted February 8, 2016. |
City of Madison Senior Center |
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Kathleen will be presenting a free, public program about the experiences of the Wisconsin's pioneer immigrants in the 1800s, as described in her nonfiction book A Settler's Year. She will also touch how the pioneer life of Wisconsin native Laura Ingalls Wilder influenced Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death On The Prairie. The program runs from 1-2 PM, Tuesday, February 9th, at the City of Madison Senior Center. more>>
Posted February 8, 2016. |
Off to the Publisher! |
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After many months of research, writing and editing, last night Kathleen emailed the final draft of her seventh Chloe Ellefson mystery to publisher Midnight Ink. At over 90,000 words, this is her longest Chloe novel yet. The official release date is October 8, 2016. Posted February 1, 2016. |
Warm Welcome in New Holstein |
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Yesterday Kathleen spoke about her Chloe Ellefson mystery series to 55 members of the local historical society in New Holstein, WI. The photo shows Kathleen with the handcarved and rosemaled (rose painted) Norwegian ale bowl that appeared in her first Chloe mystery, Old World Murder, and a quilt of Laura Ingalls Wilder patterns that inspired her latest Chloe mystery, Death On The Prairie. Posted January 24, 2016. |
200 Days in Top 1% |
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Kathleen's American Girl children's historical fiction book Facing The Enemy; A Caroline Classic Volune 2 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 200 days. Source: Nielsen BookScan. more>> Posted January 20, 2016. |
Recommended Read |
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The sixth Chloe Ellefson Historic Sites mystery, Death On The Prairie, has been named as a 2015 Recommended Read by the author of the popular Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book blog. Posted January 13, 2016. |
Big Turnout in Neenah |
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This Monday afternoon Kathleen spoke to over 100 people at the public library in Neenah, WI. The overflow crowd heard about the real life experiences of Wisconsin's pioneer immigrants, as described in her book A Settler's Year, and how the pioneer life of Laura Ingalls Wilder influenced Kathleen's newest Chloe Ellefson mystery, Death On The Prairie. Posted January 5, 2016. |
New Year/New High |
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The number of "Likes" of Kathleen's Facebook Author page has just reached a new high. What a great way to begin the new year! Kathleen thanks all the wonderful reader-friends who have visited, left comments or shared posts, and Liked her page. more>> Posted January 4, 2016. |
