Wattys 2023

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Emily Crewse Kalka

Wattys Shortlist: Thread of Gold

Nov 11, 20232 min read

Wattys Shortlist: Thread of Gold

A review of Wattys Shortlist entry "Thread of Gold" by JK MacLaren

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Wattys Shortlist: In the Days Before

Oct 25, 20232 min read

Wattys Shortlist: In the Days Before

Hello, folks! I’m back with yet another review of a book on the Wattys 2023 Shortlist (Completed). I must say, the stories on the list...

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Wattys Shortlist: Breaking Shadows

Oct 24, 20232 min read

Wattys Shortlist: Breaking Shadows

Hey folks! I’m once again back with another review from the Wattys 2023 Shortlist (Completed)! It’s another miracle that I have a new...

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Wattys Shortlist: Death's Temporary Home for Lost Souls

Oct 19, 20232 min read

Wattys Shortlist: Death's Temporary Home for Lost Souls

A review of "Death's Temporary Home for Lost Souls," one of the entries on the Wattys 2023 Shortlist.

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Pretty much a nightly routine with Poppy and Violet. All of us want to lounge on the couch… #rescuedogs #rescuedogsrock #writerslife #readerslife #bigdogs

Pretty much a nightly routine with Poppy and Violet. All of us want to lounge on the couch… #rescuedogs #rescuedogsrock #writerslife #readerslife #bigdogs

Stay tuned for the Ambys Buzztables & go check out Queen of the Wood now on Wattpad! It’s a mystery/thriller about a young woman who can’t remember what happened the night her best friend disappeared 5 years ago, but is determined to find her. #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterywriter #smalltownwriter #oklahomabookstagram #oklahomawriter #indiewriter #selfpublishedwriter #smalltownmurder

Stay tuned for the Ambys Buzztables & go check out Queen of the Wood now on Wattpad! It’s a mystery/thriller about a young woman who can’t remember what happened the night her best friend disappeared 5 years ago, but is determined to find her. #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterywriter #smalltownwriter #oklahomabookstagram #oklahomawriter #indiewriter #selfpublishedwriter #smalltownmurder

I am super excited to announce that “Queen of the Wood” made the Ambys 2025 Favorites list for Mystery/Thriller. I’m still adapting it to YA from New Adult but happy to see this version get some love! #wattpadwriter #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillerwriter #smalltownnovel #oklahomanovelist

I am super excited to announce that “Queen of the Wood” made the Ambys 2025 Favorites list for Mystery/Thriller. I’m still adapting it to YA from New Adult but happy to see this version get some love! #wattpadwriter #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillerwriter #smalltownnovel #oklahomanovelist

When your bestie surprises you at work with a signed copy of a book by one of your favorite authors. Oh, and she also hyped up your books to the bookstore where she got it and to the author. #bookbesties #bestfriendsforever #besthypewoman

When your bestie surprises you at work with a signed copy of a book by one of your favorite authors. Oh, and she also hyped up your books to the bookstore where she got it and to the author. #bookbesties #bestfriendsforever #besthypewoman

When your family gets you. Love my birthday/Christmas gifts @rae1791! #familychristmas #readerlife #bookaddict

When your family gets you. Love my birthday/Christmas gifts @rae1791! #familychristmas #readerlife #bookaddict

A writer in her natural habitat. Taking a break with one of the house horses who is all tuckered out from 2 days of frolicking in the snow. #writerslife #singlelife #rescuedogsrock #anatolianprynees

A writer in her natural habitat. Taking a break with one of the house horses who is all tuckered out from 2 days of frolicking in the snow. #writerslife #singlelife #rescuedogsrock #anatolianprynees

Needless to say, my pups enjoyed the snow today…. #snowday #oklahomasnow #rescuepups

Needless to say, my pups enjoyed the snow today…. #snowday #oklahomasnow #rescuepups

Can’t tell in the photo but it’s still snowing. I’m definitely not leaving the house for a while and grateful my boss already told us to work from home tomorrow. As someone with very little snow driving experience, I know my limits. #oklahomasnow #smalltownsnowday

Can’t tell in the photo but it’s still snowing. I’m definitely not leaving the house for a while and grateful my boss already told us to work from home tomorrow. As someone with very little snow driving experience, I know my limits. #oklahomasnow #smalltownsnowday

Maybe I should look into becoming a livestock photographer with the sheer amount of livestock photos I end up taking for the paper. Even though these cuties were for my own personal enjoyment while I was out doing an interview and photos for a feature story... #smalltownreporter #smalltownjournalism #smalltownpaper #oklahomareporter #reporterlife #cutedonkeys #livestockphotos

Maybe I should look into becoming a livestock photographer with the sheer amount of livestock photos I end up taking for the paper. Even though these cuties were for my own personal enjoyment while I was out doing an interview and photos for a feature story... #smalltownreporter #smalltownjournalism #smalltownpaper #oklahomareporter #reporterlife #cutedonkeys #livestockphotos

Obviously, I’m not fully finished, but “Everyone Talks” is complete on Wattpad and Inkitt (search EmilyCKalka). Planning to take a bit of a break and focus on “Queen of the Wood” while I let some beta readers go through it and I give it another round of editing. Still doesn’t feel quite there but I’m happy with my progress so far. Give it a read and let me know what you think. Feedback is always appreciated. #yamysterybooks #yamysterythriller #oklahomabooks #oklahomawriters #smalltownmysterybook

Obviously, I’m not fully finished, but “Everyone Talks” is complete on Wattpad and Inkitt (search EmilyCKalka). Planning to take a bit of a break and focus on “Queen of the Wood” while I let some beta readers go through it and I give it another round of editing. Still doesn’t feel quite there but I’m happy with my progress so far. Give it a read and let me know what you think. Feedback is always appreciated. #yamysterybooks #yamysterythriller #oklahomabooks #oklahomawriters #smalltownmysterybook

Plugging away at editing. Trying a new process. May take me a bit longer, but at least now I can keep track of my changes. #indiewriter #yamysterythriller #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterywriter #oklahomabooks #oklahomawriter #yanovel

Plugging away at editing. Trying a new process. May take me a bit longer, but at least now I can keep track of my changes. #indiewriter #yamysterythriller #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterywriter #oklahomabooks #oklahomawriter #yanovel

Just posted another chapter of "Everyone Talks" on Wattpad. We're getting into the final push, though the last few chapters still need a bit more cleaning up before I'm ready to post. Go give it a read!

Synopsis:
No one does gossip like a small town.

Nellie Castle is more than ready to leave Shadow Creek, Oklahoma, and its ever-churning rumor mill far behind. She’ll finally escape her overprotective father and friend-turned-enemy Sophia McCracken.

All she wants to do is get into her dream school and become an investigative journalist - finish the journey her mother started and never got to finish. And maybe while she’s at it, take down CreekTalk, the self-regenerating gossip app that won’t seem to die.

But life has different plans.

First, CreekTalk releases a rumor targeting Sophia that has everyone wondering if Nellie’s behind it.

Then, Sophia goes missing.

On the one hand, it’s the story of a lifetime for an aspiring journalist and one that is sure to get her into Mizzou. On the other hand, Nellie discovers that Sophia was uncovering things that someone is desperate to keep hidden.

So desperate… that they would kill.
#mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythriller #mysterythrillerauthor #smalltownmystery #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #YAnovel #YAmysterythriller #selfpublishedauthor #indiewriter

Just posted another chapter of "Everyone Talks" on Wattpad. We're getting into the final push, though the last few chapters still need a bit more cleaning up before I'm ready to post. Go give it a read!

Synopsis:
No one does gossip like a small town.

Nellie Castle is more than ready to leave Shadow Creek, Oklahoma, and its ever-churning rumor mill far behind. She’ll finally escape her overprotective father and friend-turned-enemy Sophia McCracken.

All she wants to do is get into her dream school and become an investigative journalist - finish the journey her mother started and never got to finish. And maybe while she’s at it, take down CreekTalk, the self-regenerating gossip app that won’t seem to die.

But life has different plans.

First, CreekTalk releases a rumor targeting Sophia that has everyone wondering if Nellie’s behind it.

Then, Sophia goes missing.

On the one hand, it’s the story of a lifetime for an aspiring journalist and one that is sure to get her into Mizzou. On the other hand, Nellie discovers that Sophia was uncovering things that someone is desperate to keep hidden.

So desperate… that they would kill.
#mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythriller #mysterythrillerauthor #smalltownmystery #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #YAnovel #YAmysterythriller #selfpublishedauthor #indiewriter

Happy Holidays from the Kalka’s! We’re having a lazy day here, but still managed to put on my Christmas Day stew. Hope everyone has a fun and restful holiday! #happyholidays #merrychristmas #christmasdaytraditions

Happy Holidays from the Kalka’s! We’re having a lazy day here, but still managed to put on my Christmas Day stew. Hope everyone has a fun and restful holiday! #happyholidays #merrychristmas #christmasdaytraditions

I may have become my grandmother, but Lord, I am beyond excited about the cookbooks I got in Dirty Santa today… #cookingqueen #hapoyholidays #dirtysanta

I may have become my grandmother, but Lord, I am beyond excited about the cookbooks I got in Dirty Santa today… #cookingqueen #hapoyholidays #dirtysanta

Entering the final push. Trying to get all the writing done by the end of the year since I’m looking at being super busy with work in the upcoming months. I find editing to be so much faster/easier than writing, so I’ll still have a good shot at getting this book where I want it, even if I’m working ridiculous hours… wish me luck! #workinprogress #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter #yanovel #yanovelist #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillerwriter #yamysterthriller #indieauthor

Entering the final push. Trying to get all the writing done by the end of the year since I’m looking at being super busy with work in the upcoming months. I find editing to be so much faster/easier than writing, so I’ll still have a good shot at getting this book where I want it, even if I’m working ridiculous hours… wish me luck! #workinprogress #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter #yanovel #yanovelist #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillerwriter #yamysterthriller #indieauthor

After what feels like forever, I've finally updated my website. It's a lot more streamlined and I think just looks so much better. It's the same address - www.emilyckalka.com. Go check it out!
#redesign #websiteupdate #indieauthor #reporterlife #freelancewriter #contentwriter

After what feels like forever, I've finally updated my website. It's a lot more streamlined and I think just looks so much better. It's the same address - www.emilyckalka.com. Go check it out!
#redesign #websiteupdate #indieauthor #reporterlife #freelancewriter #contentwriter

Get a friend group that goes all in for a drag brunch on a Sunday for your 40th. #smalltownfriends #happybirthdaytome #lordylordylookwhos40 #unicorndragbrunch

Get a friend group that goes all in for a drag brunch on a Sunday for your 40th. #smalltownfriends #happybirthdaytome #lordylordylookwhos40 #unicorndragbrunch

Since my birthday party that was supposed to happen Saturday night was canceled (never - ever - attempt to compete with the town Christmas parade; it will always win), I thought I'd post some photos from some of my favorite birthday parties. I've had charity concerts and did a speakeasy. Also, did VIP at a music festival. But some of my favorite birthdays were just me and my best friends hanging out at our favorite bar after getting Korean BBQ. Luckily, my friends are taking me to a drag brunch next week to celebrate, so it's not like I won't get to do anything. But yea... I'm now officially in my 40s, and I'm not 100% sure how I feel about that...
#happybirthdaytome #officially40 #middleage #smalltownlife

Since my birthday party that was supposed to happen Saturday night was canceled (never - ever - attempt to compete with the town Christmas parade; it will always win), I thought I'd post some photos from some of my favorite birthday parties. I've had charity concerts and did a speakeasy. Also, did VIP at a music festival. But some of my favorite birthdays were just me and my best friends hanging out at our favorite bar after getting Korean BBQ. Luckily, my friends are taking me to a drag brunch next week to celebrate, so it's not like I won't get to do anything. But yea... I'm now officially in my 40s, and I'm not 100% sure how I feel about that...
#happybirthdaytome #officially40 #middleage #smalltownlife

Check out Chapter 16 of "Everyone Talks," now up on Wattpad. (Search @EmilyCKalka)

No one does gossip like a small town. High school senior Nellie Castle knows that all too well. So when the school year kicks off with a particularly vicious rumor involving the town It Girl, Nellie is on the story. When Sophia disappears shortly after the rumor spreads, Nellie is even more determined to find the truth.

However, she quickly learns there are very good reasons why she should leave investigating to the professionals - namely that it could put her in the crosshairs of a potential killer as well.
#smalltownnovel #smalltownauthor #smalltownwriter #oklahomanovel #oklahomawriter #mysterythrillerbook #YAnovel #YAmysterythriller #indieauthor #wattpadwriter

Check out Chapter 16 of "Everyone Talks," now up on Wattpad. (Search @EmilyCKalka)

No one does gossip like a small town. High school senior Nellie Castle knows that all too well. So when the school year kicks off with a particularly vicious rumor involving the town It Girl, Nellie is on the story. When Sophia disappears shortly after the rumor spreads, Nellie is even more determined to find the truth.

However, she quickly learns there are very good reasons why she should leave investigating to the professionals - namely that it could put her in the crosshairs of a potential killer as well.
#smalltownnovel #smalltownauthor #smalltownwriter #oklahomanovel #oklahomawriter #mysterythrillerbook #YAnovel #YAmysterythriller #indieauthor #wattpadwriter

Got another chapter up of my YA mystery/thriller on Wattpad! Nellie Castle is more than ready to leave Shadow Creek, Oklahoma, and its ever-churning rumor mill far behind. She’s just as eager to escape her overprotective father, who always knows whatever trouble she may or may not be getting into. But to get there, she has to get through her senior year and bolster her portfolio before joining the Missouri School of Journalism - her late mother’s dream school.

The bane of her existence as a budding journalist is the ever-present gossip app CreekTalk. It’s been around for years, and no one seems to know who’s running it. Just that every time it shuts down, it always starts back up, stronger than ever. But this time, CreekTalk takes things a bit too far, starting a rumor that has the potential to ruin lives - something Nellie is all too familiar with. Things get even worse when one of the girls caught up in the rumor goes missing after the first party of the year.

As editor-in-chief of the Shadow Creek Sentinel, it’s Nellie’s job to cover both the rumor and disappearance of the school’s It Girl, but something doesn’t feel quite right. She finds herself diving headfirst into the town’s secrets, aided by her best friends Emory and Charlie and school golden boy Caleb.

Except this time, it’s more than just gossip and some secrets are far more dangerous when brought to light. #mysterythrillerbooks #yabooks #oklahomawriter #oklahomaauthor #oklahomanovel #murdermysterybook #smalltownnovel #smalltownwriter #workinprogress

Got another chapter up of my YA mystery/thriller on Wattpad! Nellie Castle is more than ready to leave Shadow Creek, Oklahoma, and its ever-churning rumor mill far behind. She’s just as eager to escape her overprotective father, who always knows whatever trouble she may or may not be getting into. But to get there, she has to get through her senior year and bolster her portfolio before joining the Missouri School of Journalism - her late mother’s dream school.

The bane of her existence as a budding journalist is the ever-present gossip app CreekTalk. It’s been around for years, and no one seems to know who’s running it. Just that every time it shuts down, it always starts back up, stronger than ever. But this time, CreekTalk takes things a bit too far, starting a rumor that has the potential to ruin lives - something Nellie is all too familiar with. Things get even worse when one of the girls caught up in the rumor goes missing after the first party of the year.

As editor-in-chief of the Shadow Creek Sentinel, it’s Nellie’s job to cover both the rumor and disappearance of the school’s It Girl, but something doesn’t feel quite right. She finds herself diving headfirst into the town’s secrets, aided by her best friends Emory and Charlie and school golden boy Caleb.

Except this time, it’s more than just gossip and some secrets are far more dangerous when brought to light. #mysterythrillerbooks #yabooks #oklahomawriter #oklahomaauthor #oklahomanovel #murdermysterybook #smalltownnovel #smalltownwriter #workinprogress

Co-worker got me flowers for my birthday. 🥰 #imake40lookgood #happybirthdaytome

Co-worker got me flowers for my birthday. 🥰 #imake40lookgood #happybirthdaytome

Getting into the season! #hotpinktree #floridachristmas🎄🐊☀️

Getting into the season! #hotpinktree #floridachristmas🎄🐊☀️

Definitely missed Korean food. My kitchen smells so good right now. #secondhome #부대치개 #comfortfood #koreanfood

Definitely missed Korean food. My kitchen smells so good right now. #secondhome #부대치개 #comfortfood #koreanfood

When you’re missing a taste of your second home and there are no Korean restaurants nearby, you make it yourself. Got the side dishes done and tomorrow I’m making 부대치개. #koreanfood #homesick #한국음식 #반찬

When you’re missing a taste of your second home and there are no Korean restaurants nearby, you make it yourself. Got the side dishes done and tomorrow I’m making 부대치개. #koreanfood #homesick #한국음식 #반찬

So… we were supposed to have today off, but publisher decided on Tuesday that he wanted the office open. Getting some writing done since there is literally nothing else to work on. #happythanksgivng #newspaperlife #reporterlife #smalltownlife

So… we were supposed to have today off, but publisher decided on Tuesday that he wanted the office open. Getting some writing done since there is literally nothing else to work on. #happythanksgivng #newspaperlife #reporterlife #smalltownlife

I adore these goofy girls. Can’t believe they’re 14 months now. #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #anatolianpyrenees #okdogs #smalltowndogs

I adore these goofy girls. Can’t believe they’re 14 months now. #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #anatolianpyrenees #okdogs #smalltowndogs

I think it’s time to start taking Pip back to the groomer… at least his hair is back. #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #southkoreanrescuedog #allergypuppy #allergictooklahoma #smalltowndog

I think it’s time to start taking Pip back to the groomer… at least his hair is back. #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #southkoreanrescuedog #allergypuppy #allergictooklahoma #smalltowndog

Everyone loves a good spooky read!

Nora Wright is no longer the person she used to be.

Once an up-and-coming crime reporter, she now sticks to fluff pieces that don’t trigger the crippling anxiety she was left with after a traumatic experience three years prior.

Nora’s world is turned upside down when she discovers a photograph from the 1920s of a woman who looks like her twin in none other than Whitehall Mansion - an iconic landmark in New York City known just as much for its infamous past as its grand architecture.

Nora embarks on a mission to solve the nearly 100-year-old mystery surrounding the woman, aided by the city’s golden boy - Nick Whitehall, the current head of the rich, powerful family that built and owns the mansion - and ghostly visions of the past that leave her questioning her sanity. Along the way, she starts to uncover more than she bargained for as Nick becomes increasingly more invested in her search within the mansion’s walls.

What secrets does Whitehall Mansion hold? And what lengths will the Whitehall family go to in order to keep them hidden?
#paranormalmysterythriller #mysterythrillerbooks #TheRoaring20s #IndieAuthor #OklahomaAuthor #hauntedhousestory #ghoststory #selfpubishedauthor

Everyone loves a good spooky read!

Nora Wright is no longer the person she used to be.

Once an up-and-coming crime reporter, she now sticks to fluff pieces that don’t trigger the crippling anxiety she was left with after a traumatic experience three years prior.

Nora’s world is turned upside down when she discovers a photograph from the 1920s of a woman who looks like her twin in none other than Whitehall Mansion - an iconic landmark in New York City known just as much for its infamous past as its grand architecture.

Nora embarks on a mission to solve the nearly 100-year-old mystery surrounding the woman, aided by the city’s golden boy - Nick Whitehall, the current head of the rich, powerful family that built and owns the mansion - and ghostly visions of the past that leave her questioning her sanity. Along the way, she starts to uncover more than she bargained for as Nick becomes increasingly more invested in her search within the mansion’s walls.

What secrets does Whitehall Mansion hold? And what lengths will the Whitehall family go to in order to keep them hidden?
#paranormalmysterythriller #mysterythrillerbooks #TheRoaring20s #IndieAuthor #OklahomaAuthor #hauntedhousestory #ghoststory #selfpubishedauthor

Happiest of birthdays to my youngest sister! We may not have grown up together, but it still feels like I’ve known you forever. You’ll always have a music and book buddy in me. Happy 23rd @haley__shook!

Happiest of birthdays to my youngest sister! We may not have grown up together, but it still feels like I’ve known you forever. You’ll always have a music and book buddy in me. Happy 23rd @haley__shook!

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