This is not the spring that any of us imagined, and I fervently hope that you and yours are well. Mr. Ernst and I are fine, and grateful for the books that allow us to roam the world from home. We hope you can do the same.
To help put books in readers’ hands, we’re happy to announce the first “Shelter and Soar” Giveaway. Three readers will get to travel with Chloe and Roelke, while staying safe at home. Each winner will receive a signed and personalized copy of the Chloe Ellefson trade paperback of their choice.
The Giveaway starts now! To enter, leave a comment below by 11:59 PM (Central US time), Wednesday, April 8, 2020.The three winners, selected randomly from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page, will be announced here on Thursday the 9th. Good luck!
I’ve been dithering about whether to announce the Chloe tour scheduled for this summer. In the spirit of optimism…here you go.
The 9th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The Lacemaker’s Secret, takes place in northeast Wisconsin where early Belgian immigrants made their homes.
When readers asked for a special book-themed tour of the area, I turned to my friends at the Belgian Heritage Center in Brussels, WI.
We’ve planned a very special excursion for readers on Saturday, July 11, 2020. I hope you’ll join Mr. Ernst and me as we explore featured locations and learn about the inspiring history of one of Wisconsin’s lesser-known ethnic groups.
Activities will include:
Great Fire Presentation
This powerful program will be provided by Barb Chisholm, historian at the Belgian Heritage Center. The Great Fire, which happened on October 8, 1871, was devastating for southern Door County’s Belgian community. Two of Barb’s ancestors survived the fire by hiding in a well, and part of her presentation shares her great-grandmother’s experience.
Guided Bus Tour of Namur National Landmark Historic District
Experience Belgian culture and tradition on a narrated tour of the largest Belgian settlement in the United States. The tour will include Belgian architecture, Roadside Chapels, and the National Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help.
The Lacemaker’s Secret Illustrated Presentation
Learn more about the stories, places, and artifacts that inspired Chloe’s—and Seraphine’s—stories.
Time to explore the Belgian Heritage Center’s exhibits.
Traditional Lunch of Booyah, Bread, & Belgian Pie.
Optional add-on tour of Heritage Hill State Park’s Belgian Farm (Friday, July 10)
Space will be limited, so save the date!
I sincerely hope that all of us feel comfortable traveling by July. Since we don’t know how events will unfold, however, I am not yet taking reservations for the tour. When the time is right I will announce registration here on my blog, in an email to those signed up for my mailing list, and on my Facebook Author Page.
Launching the 10th Chloe Ellefson mystery, Fiddling With Fate, was a whirlwind of fun last fall! It was a joy to meet and hear from so many readers. One question came up frequently.
What’s next for Chloe and Roelke?
Over a year ago I learned that my publisher, Midnight Ink, was shutting down. Fiddling With Fate would be the last Chloe book that they printed. The news was a shock.
Still, the announcement did give me a chance, after ten very busy years, to take a deep breath, and take stock. There were two basic questions to answer.
Did I want to keep writing the Chloe series?
For me, the choice was simple. I am not ready to say good-bye to Chloe and Roelke. There are lots more stories, historic places, and ethnic traditions to explore.
And thankfully, as many of you know, I have an amazingly supportive spouse. Mr. Ernst’s take was this:
So what if you don’t have a contract yet for Chloe 11? You didn’t have one when you wrote the first book in the series. If you want to write another Chloe mystery, you should definitely write one.
The second question was equally important.
Did readers want the series to continue, especially after the momentous development in Fiddling?
I can’t speak for all readers, of course. But as I considered options, notes like this one from Sharon B. warmed my heart.
I am currently deep into my third reading of Fiddling With Fate. Though not Norwegian, I feel a kinship to Chloe and miss her company when her stories finish. Please keep her world alive for all of us.
Right now, the only thing I can announce with certainty is that I am working on the 11th book in the series.
My ritual when starting a new book is to select a journal that feels appropriate for the project. This seemed right for Chloe 11.
It’s way too early to share many details, but Chloe 11 does involve a new historic site and ethnic group.
I’ve spent time exploring archival collections, squinting at old photos, driving back roads searching for immigrant barns, and learning about new folk arts and ethnic foodways from local experts.
I’m happy, focused on the work, and gratefully leaving the business end of things to my savvy literary agent.
So while I don’t have specific publication information to share, there will be an 11th Chloe Ellefson mystery. Thank you for your encouragement, and for hanging in there as I find my way through this transition period.
In the meantime…I want to set up another special tour at one of the settings featured in the Chloe Ellefson mysteries. If you’d be interested in such a tour, which historic site or museum would be your top choice?
If you need to refresh your memory, click HERE to reach the series page on my website.
I’m delighted to announce that I will be teaching a writing workshop at Vesterheim in Decorah, Iowa, on April 24-26, 2020.
(photo by Rebecca Hanna)
Cherished family stories can be preserved in many ways. This workshop will introduce you to several types of writing, including poetry, memoir, fiction, and creative nonfiction.
You will enjoy a variety of short writing activities designed to help capture memories or explore what interests you most about your unique family, ethnic group, or community heritage.
(photo by Rebecca Hanna)
Inspired by Vesterheim’s rich collections and your own personal memories or heirlooms, you will leave with drafts of several poems, character sketches, essays, and short stories.
(photo by Rebecca Hanna)
Both beginning writers and those with some experience are welcome. Returning students will find some familiar activities, some new, and a chance to continue your work.
For more information, and to register, click HERE.
I hope you will consider gifting yourself a weekend of creativity and reflection. If you have any questions, let me know. I look forward to seeing you!
The 10th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, Fiddling With Fate, officially launches on September 8th! That’s quite a milestone.
And the story includes a major milestone for main characters Chloe and Roelke, too.
Chloe was born and raised in the charming town of Stoughton, Wisconsin—where Fiddling With Fate begins and ends. Chloe’s backstory, everything that makes her unique, is rooted there. So what could be better than letting Chloe readers explore her heritage with people who are actively working to preserve Stoughton’s history and Norwegian cultural traditions?
To that end, I’ve partnered with the Sons of Norway-Mandt Lodge, with help from the Stoughton Historical Society, to plan a unique event.
The celebration will begin at 3:00 PM, Saturday, October 26th. Attendees will visit the Society’s museum to hear about Stoughton’s history, Norwegian settlement, and its role in reviving the folk art of rosemaling (rose painting).
The Stoughton Historical Society Museum.
At the Mandt Lodge there will be folk art demonstrations and a live performance of Hardanger fiddle music. Afterwards we’ll enjoy a traditional cod dinner and Norwegian dessert.
The Sons of Norway Lodge in Stoughton.
I’ll provide a richly illustrated program about the people, artifacts, and historic sites featured in Fiddling With Fate.
(Photo by Solveig Lund)
Event Time & Date: Saturday, October 26, 2019, 3 PM – 7:30 PM.
Price: $20.00 per person. Registration is limited, and pre-registration is required. Click HERE to access a registration form.
I’m enormously grateful to my friends in Stoughton who are making this event possible. I hope you can join us!
And to see all of the events scheduled for September and October, please visit my Calendar page.
Congratulations to Megan Barry, Merry Chapman, Carol Pasbrig, Sue Wendt, Christine Witherill, and Moscato Zingler! Each won a signed Advance Review Copy of the 10th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, Fiddling With Fate.
Thanks to all who entered! Winners were chosen at random from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page.
The official release date for Fiddling With Fate is September 8th. Happy reading!
How would you like to read my new Chloe Ellefson mystery a month before it is officially released?
Fiddling with Fate is a riveting page-turner that culminates in a nail-biting ending. It is more than superlative fiction. It’s a masterpiece.-Author Maddy Hunter, Passport to Peril Mysteries
Publishers prepare Advance Review Copies (ARCs) in order to get some buzz going prior to publication. And I have six to give away.
The six winners will be randomly selected from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page. Each will receive a signed paperback ARC—which I will send via priority mail.
Enter to win by leaving a comment below before 11:59 PM (Central US time), Monday, July 29, 2019. One entry per person, please.
The winners’ names will be posted here the following day. Good luck!
Fiddling with Fate is a story about proud, strong women and bitter dark secrets. In her richly-detailed and multi-faceted mystery, Kathleen Ernst skillfully intertwines the past with the present as Chloe and Roelke search for her family roots in Norway amid escalating danger. –Author Patricia Skalka, Dave Cubiak Door County Mysteries
Congratulations to Dianne Martingano, Miriam R. Nelson, and Kathleen Newberg! Each won a signed, hardcover copy of the large print edition of the 9th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The Lacemaker’s Secret.
Winners were chosen at random from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page.
This week a large print, hardcover edition of my latest Chloe Ellefson mystery, The Lacemaker’s Secret, is being released.
Would you like to win a signed copy? For yourself, a loved one, or your local library?
“In this heartfelt tale of labor and love, Ernst produces one of her most winning combinations of historical evocation and clever mystery.” —Kirkus Reviews
Enter to win by leaving a comment below before 11:59 PM Central Time on Wednesday, March 27th. Three winners will be chosen at random from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page.
One entry per person, please. The winners’ names will be posted here and on my Facebook page the following day.
Congratulations to Jacki Bedworth, Sue Gallagher, Kay Johnson, Karen Mayers, Hope McLeod, Cindy Patterson, Linda Roehrig, Beth Rogers, and Margaret Wurth! Each has won a signed and personalized copy of the 9th Chloe Ellefson Mystery, The Lacemaker’s Secret.
Winners were chosen at random from all entries here and on my Facebook Author Page. Huge thanks to all who entered! Your interest and lovely comments warmed my heart on this frigid winter day.
I've worn many bonnets over the years: writer, reader, historical interpreter, curator, reenactor, naturalist, educator. I've never had a job I didn't love. How lucky is that?
