Hanka Homestead Event – Save The Date!

Would you like to explore the historic site featured in my 11th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The Weaver’s Revenge? I’m delighted to announce a special event for readers!

I invite you to join me on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the Hanka Homestead Finnish Museum in Pelkie, Michigan.

You’ll enjoy a view of the site from Chloe’s perspective. I look forward to showing you where the action took place, and chatting about how the story developed.

Plotting murder and mayhem on one of my research trips.

My special guest will be Alan Pape, who launched the monumental group effort to restore and preserve the abandoned Hanka buildings in the early 1980s. Alan served as restoration chief at Old World Wisconsin from 1971-1983, and has a special affinity for—and knowledge of—Finnish log structures. Hearing from Alan will be a rare treat!

Alan at work on one of the Hanka buildings, c. 1983.

And, experienced Hanka Homestead guides will be leading tours, telling stories about Finnish immigrants’ heritage and experiences, and showing you some special artifacts.

Oscar, one of the knowledgeable volunteers.

This event will be free. (Donations to the Homestead will be greatly appreciated.)

I’ll have more details later, but I wanted to give you a chance to plan ahead. The site is in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, with limited accommodations in the vicinity.

(Covid note: I’m proceeding with the expectation that conditions will be much better in August, but of course will keep an eye on the situation.)

Come see for yourself why I found the Hanka Homestead so inspiring!

Second Writing Class Offered!

My first Writing Your Family Stories class filled, so I’m offering a second session. We’ll meet virtually from 6:00 – 7:30 PM on February 17 and 24.

Family stories are precious. This winter is the perfect time to capture some of them on paper! These two sessions will provide the motivation to get started, and strategies to help you enjoy the writing process. 

During this workshop you will:

• Consider different approaches to writing family stories
• Enjoy a variety of short writing activities designed to help capture memories or explore what interests you most about your unique heritage
• Experiment with techniques to make your writing vivid and compelling
• Learn specific strategies for managing your own goals and expectations
• Have fun in a relaxed and nurturing environment

For more information, visit my online registration site.

All are welcome! Whether you’re just getting started or have a project underway, this class is for you.

New Online Writing Workshop!

I hope you and yours enjoyed a peaceful and safe new year. I also hope the new year brings brighter days for everyone.

One of the things I missed last year was the opportunity to teach writing workshops. So, I’m taking them online.

My first offering is “Writing Your Family Stories,” a two-part class this January 19th and 26th. Everyone has stories to tell! Whether starting from scratch or returning to a project, all are welcome to participate. Let’s gather virtually and take a break from the outside world.

For more details, or to sign up, visit my new event registration page. Space is limited to ensure a good experience for participants.

Memories matter! I’d love to see you in class.

Holiday Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Kim H. (anxious58), Linda Hilton, and Jillian Schlosstein! Each will receive a signed, large print copy of the 10th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, Fiddling With Fate.

Thanks to all who entered, and for your lovely comments!

Holiday Giveaway!

Fiddling With Fate, the 10th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, is available in large print. And I’m giving away a copy to each of three lucky readers!

Each Giveaway winner will receive a softcover book, signed and personalized. To enter, leave a comment below.

Entries must be posted before Midnight (Central US time) this Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. Winners, selected at random from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page, will be announced on December 10th. One entry per person, please. Good luck!

Update—Travel With Me To Norway

When I partnered with the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society and Group Travel Directors last year to plan a trip to Norway , COVID-19 wasn’t on the radar. We forged ahead with a spring trip announcement, hopeful that we’d all feel safe traveling by May, 2021. The planning committee agreed that having something wonderful to anticipate could only brighten such difficult times.

Well, we get to enjoy that anticipation for a while longer than originally planned. I’m sure it will surprise no one to hear that the Chloe Ellefson tour to Norway has officially been postponed.

I’m as excited about this trip as ever, and we are committed to making it happen! Although we’re not announcing specific dates at this time, we hope to travel in spring, 2022. When we do arrive in Norway, we shall have special toasts all around!

If you’d like to be on our mailing list for trip-specific updates, let me know. We’re grateful for your interest and support. Please stay safe and well!

_____________________________________________________

I write about special historic places in each of my Chloe Ellefson Mysteries, and nothing makes me happier than sharing them with readers.

Well, guess what?

I’ve teamed up with the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society to offer a trip to Southern Norway—the land of Chloe’s ancestors! Click the link below to see what we have in store.

When I decided on a Norwegian setting for Fiddling With Fate, the 10^th volume in my Chloe Ellefson Mystery series, I chose the area that enchanted me most. Now, you can experience the Hardanger Region as well!

Important note:  Although we’re making plans for a stupendous trip, no one can predict the future in these challenging times.  We understand.  We also know that anticipating an adventure can relieve stress!  If the pandemic makes it necessary, the trip will be postponed for a year (with a possible adjustment in price), not canceled.

For more information contact:

Group Travel Directors
952-885-2133
800-747-2255 ext. 133
jtollund@gtd.org
www.gtd.org

We also have a Tour Norway With Kathleen website created just for the adventure! It’s your portal for trip information, blog posts, and much more.

I am incredibly excited about this trip. I hope you can join us!

Authors Reading Aloud

I’m excited to announce my first Facebook Live presentation! It’s scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 6 PM Central Time, 7 PM Eastern.

I’ll be chatting and reading aloud from my first published novel, The Night Riders of Harpers Ferry. I’ll also do my best to answer your questions.

It’s easy to connect. You can learn more, and access the program, by clicking HERE.

Although I have lived in Wisconsin for many years, I spent a lot of time roaming Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the surrounding area when I was young.

Taken on Maryland Heights, late 1970s.

Those explorations helped me understand how story and place are entwined. That foundation has guided my writing ever since.

I hope you can join me!

I’m grateful to program hosts Writers Reading Aloud and Harpers Ferry Park Association.

Kids’ Books Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to Brenda Fay, Kimberly Krach Holder, and Gladys Roszkowski! Each won signed and personalized copies of my three History Mysteries to enjoy themselves or pass along to young readers.

Winners were chosen at random from all entries here and on my Facebook Author page. Thanks to all who entered!

Kids’ Books Giveaway!

It’s time for a Giveaway!

As the author of over two dozen children’s books, I know how important it is today that young readers are able to travel to distant times and places — while staying safe at home. 

Three lucky people will each win my three History Mystery books, originally published by American Girl.

The randomly selected winners will receive signed and personalized, softcover copies of Betrayal at Cross Creek,  Trouble at Fort La Pointe, and Whistler in the Dark.

Enter now to win! Just leave a comment below by 11:59 PM (Central US time), this Wednesday, July 1, 2020. One entry per person, please.

The winners, randomly chosen from all entries here on my blog and on my Facebook Author page, will be announced the next day.

As a child, I spent countless hours lost in books (thanks, Mom and Dad).  It’s a privilege to share that joy with young readers now.  As these difficult times continue, I hope you all can escape into engrossing stories from time to time.  Stay well, and good luck!

Travel With Me To Norway!

I write about special historic places in each of my Chloe Ellefson Mysteries, and nothing makes me happier than sharing them with readers.

Well, guess what?

I’ve teamed up with the Mount Horeb Area Historical Society to offer a trip to Southern Norway—the land of Chloe’s ancestors! Click the link below to see what we have in store.

When I decided on a Norwegian setting for Fiddling With Fate, the 10^th volume in my Chloe Ellefson Mystery series, I chose the area that enchanted me most. Now, you can experience the Hardanger Region as well!

Important note:  Although we’re making plans for a stupendous trip, no one can predict the future in these challenging times.  We understand.  We also know that anticipating an adventure can relieve stress!  If the pandemic makes it necessary, the trip will be postponed for a year (with a possible adjustment in price), not canceled.

For more information contact:

Group Travel Directors
952-885-2133
800-747-2255 ext. 133
jtollund@gtd.org
www.gtd.org

We also have a Tour Norway With Kathleen website created just for the adventure! It’s your portal for trip information, blog posts, and much more.

I am incredibly excited about this trip. I hope you can join us!