writing update

Of New Jobs and New Books

What I've been working on both at the paper and on novels.

Emily Kalka

Feb 175 min read

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A Fresh, New Look for this Mystery Writer

An update on my website's new look.

Emily Kalka

Dec 18, 20242 min read

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A Fabulous Writing Update

An update on what I'm currently writing!

Emily Kalka

Oct 14, 20243 min read

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Introducing "Everyone Talks"

Talking about my latest project, YA mystery/thriller "Everyone Talks."

Emily Kalka

Jul 21, 20246 min read

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It's Raining Puppies and Other Updates

A lot's been going on, folks. Checking in with a writing and life update.

Emily Kalka

Feb 15, 20246 min read

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Out with 2023... In with 2024

I'm not the greatest with resolutions, but definitely going to try harder in 2024.

Emily Kalka

Dec 31, 20234 min read

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Cover Reveal - Apparition in the Attic

Introducing my next book "Apparition in the Attic". Book 1 in a cozy mystery series to be called "The Lincoln County Chronicles."

Emily Kalka

Dec 8, 20233 min read

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A Birthday Surprise for Everyone

I've finished "Queen of the Wood."

Emily Kalka

Dec 4, 20231 min read

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Tada! A new post and a new pen name

I've created a new pen name! Don't worry, it's only for fantasy books. Emily Crewse Kalka isn't going anywhere.

Emily Kalka

Nov 29, 20233 min read

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Nimue is an interesting character

In an effort to keep up with blogging (or at least try to) I thought rather than trying to force myself to write on a topic that I end up...

Emily Kalka

Oct 9, 202218 min read

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What I've Been Working On

Yet again, I’ve fallen off the face of the earth. I actually tried to do several blog posts since the last one I posted, but none of them...

Emily Kalka

Sep 21, 20229 min read

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Dabbling in Genres

Look at me, finally getting into updating this blog a bit more regularly. Or well, trying to at least. Forgive me. I’m still settling...

Emily Kalka

Aug 17, 20224 min read

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So Many Updates

Well, after a pretty rough and stressful first few weeks, things are finally settling in. We found home! We ended up choosing a place in...

Emily Kalka

Jul 27, 20224 min read

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The mystery of what dogs do I have is now solved. And very surprising. We were convinced they were Anatolian Pyrenees. Turns out they’re Black Mouth Cur Pyrenees. Oh, and Violet got a sprinkle of Belgian Malinois. #rescuepups #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedogsrock #ilovemyrescuedog

I swear, I was searching for grave decorations for Memorial Day, and this just randomly popped up. But I won't lie... it's kind of tempting. I think my brother would find it hilarious if I put these on his grave to spook all the so-called ghost hunters that like to prowl around the old cemetery at night... #death #darkhumor

Not letting thunderstorms stop Ladies’ Night at the theater. #ladiesnightout #nightatthetheater #&juliet #besties

Didn’t want to be left out of the Twister theme… Not when Cary Elwes AND Helen Hunt are in the lineup. Currently trying to convince my bestie’s other child to dress up as the other cow, Dorothy or a tornado so we’re a complete set. #galaxyconokc #formercosplayer

So... since the YA version of "Queen of the Wood" is such a departure from the original story, I decided to go ahead and give it a fresh title of its own, as well as change some characters' names. I'm still not sure if I'm sold on this one, but we're going with it for now. The first two chapters are back up on Wattpad! #mysterythrillerbooks #yamysterythrillers #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #smalltownnovel #amateursleuth #indieauthor #selfpublishedauthor #writerscommunity

Since it’s a rainy night, decided to play with some makeup and practice for GalaxyCon. Sand the lashes and contacts. Waiting to bust those open until closer to the con. Also, I’m pretty sure all I have to do is change out the lip for a deep red and this will work for Manon too. #cosplay #twilight #alicecullen

On April 16, 2014, I woke up late. I was on the late shift at The Korea Herald and didn’t have to be at the office until 1:30pm. I had no idea what was going on since I tended to do a media blackout when I wasn’t working. When I first heard about the Sewol, they were already passed mistakenly reporting that everyone was rescued. Even though I knew it was going to be a bad, I still wasn’t prepared. To this day, this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to work. It’s something that Korea will never forget. I won’t either. #remembersewol

Spent the day at the farm celebrating my grandpa's 88th birthday. While we often have family gatherings out at the farm, it's not often my dad and sister get to be here. Had a great weekend getting to catch up with them. #happybirthday #outatthefarm #oklahoma

Feel like I need to incorporate my grandfather and his dog into a book. #oklahoma

I asked whose idea it was to roll around in the mud… #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuepups #rainyday

I may be 40 but I’m still a cosplayer at heart. Taking a short vacay to GalaxyCon next month and the first of my costume pieces came in today. 😆 Point if you can guess the costumes from the photos. (Checking the guest list isn’t cheating. 😚) #galaxyconokc #cosplay

Now, whether this stays as the opening line of my new book remains to be seen, but for now, I’m digging it. #ozarksmystery #workinprogress #murdermystery #thrillerbooks #indieauthor #sellfpublishedauthor

I am having SO MUCH FUN getting this book together. I've started writing and have the prologue and first two chapters done and I'm getting closer to finishing up the chapter outline. I'm hoping I can get to NWA in June (April & May are already too full, bugger) to do a bit of book research and have some fun doing ghosty stuff with my sister, @haley__shook. Guys, this one is going to be a doozy of a ride. And bloody. Very bloody.
#mysterythrillerwriter #ozarksstory #ozarkbook #murderbook #nwarkansas #wip #murdermysterythrillerbook #indieauthor #selfpublishedwriter

Needed a nice win to help calm my nerves before my interview today with the Oklahoma governor. We got the results in from the OPA for their Better Newspaper Contest, and I'm up for at least one first-place award and at least one second- or third-place award. I won't find out how many awards I've officially gotten - or for which stories - until the conference and ceremony in June. It's my first time getting first-place, so yea. Feels good.
#smalltownreporter #smalltownjournalism #oklahomapress

So, the wind was blowing so hard this morning, it took the back half of the roof off one of our historic (and rundown) buildings on main street. The issue now is how to get rid of the debris without the wind picking it up and carrying it off, as well as doing that without completely cutting off electricity and internet for all/most/a good chunk of downtown. The electricity and internet have been flickering in and out all day, to the point that I'm thinking about packing up and working from home for the rest of the day. Last I heard, they had 2-3 internet companies, OG&E, and the gas company all out there, along with public works and the fire department... Do not envy them today. Also, very thankful that they were able to quickly evacuate the animal hospital located right next door to this building (it's my vet). #oklahoma #oklahomawinds #lincolncounty #windyday

Move back to Oklahoma, they said. It’ll be fun. At least now I know that I can, indeed, do my makeup in the dark. Now it’s time for a whole bunch of sit around and wait. Half the town is out including my office, meaning there’s not a whole lot of work I can do until the electricity comes back on… #oklahoma

For my book fiends that love a good ghost story. “The Whitehall Affair” is a mystery with a paranormal twist. Is Nora really communicating with ghosts from the 1920s, or is it all in her head? If it is in her head, then how is she finding clues for a 100-year-old murder mystery in NYC’s most infamous mansion? #mysterybooks #paranormalmystery #ghoststory #hauntedmansionstory #indieauthor #oklahomawriter

A few more shots from when I was out covering fires on Friday. We're all hoping and praying that we don't have another day like that tomorrow or Tuesday. Never in Oklahoma history has there been that many fires across the state in one day, according to our local emergency management department. Over 16 fires in Lincoln County alone, with 5 to 6 of those large-scale fires going on at the same time. #OklahomaStrong #oklahomafires

Another evening spent chasing fires for the paper. Honestly there were so many popping up around my town that I wasn’t sure where to go. #smalltownreporter

Love when I get to see my author friends in person and when all my book girlies get together. Went to @ginnymyerssain’s talk tonight about her latest book “When the Bones Sing” right here in my hometown (where Ginny is also from). I love all her books, but this one pulled at my heart strings. It’s set in the Arkansas Ozarks - the land of my birth and my mama’s family - and in a way, it felt like going home. The characters are colorful and real. The book is so vivid that I felt like I was walking the trails of the Ozark Mountains as I read. I’m so grateful that I got to interview Ginny last year. It’s fitting, really. Her mother was one of the big reasons I became a writer and Ginny and her books pushed me into giving YA a try and started me on the latest leg of my writing journey. Tonight was fun and informative. And seriously - go get her books if you love twisty, dark tales. You won’t be disappointed. #mysterythrillerbooks #oklahomaauthors #yanovels #yawriters #smalltownwriters

Hard to believe that Mom would be 59 today. I’m pretty sure she’d still look about 45. Always missing her. Happy Birthday, Mom.

Current read. Love a good historical fiction about murder… #bookstagram #murderbook

When it’s cold and rainy outside and you spent all day talking books, there’s nothing like a spicy bowl of budae chigae. #koreanfoodlover #seoulmysecondhome #comfortfood

Come see me at @knights_nook today! Showcase is from 12-3pm! #indiebooks #indiebookstore #selfpublishedauthor #indieauthors #mysterythriller #mysterythrillerbooks #horrorbooks #oklahomawriter #oklahomaauthors

I promise, I’m working on stuff. “Everyone Talks” is done and I’m going to start querying. Which means I can focus more on adapting “Queen of the Wood”. And I’m super excited to also be working on “No One Can Hear You Holler.” It’s going to be such a twisty ride once I get all the details worked out. #indiewriter #workinprogress #mysterythrillerbooks #oklahomawriter

Come on out to Knight's Nook in Yukon on Saturday to pick up my books and get them signed by me! There's also going to be several other great local mystery/thriller/horror authors there as well, so you just might find your next favorite read! #indieauthors #indiebookstores #shoplocal #oklahomawriters #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillerwriters #horrorwriters

Be sure to come out to @knights_nook on Saturday! I’ll be there with my fellow mystery/thriller/horror writers. Showcase runs from 12-3pm!! #indiebookshop #indieauthor #indiebooks #oklahomawriters #mysterybooks #mysterythrillerbooks

I’m currently in tears. One of the things I love most about being a small town reporter is following the people you write about and getting to celebrate their triumphs. I didn’t get any photos of the girls who made it to finals, but just got word that the team I did a feature on (McLoud) were state champs. Out of 9 on the team, 8 made it to state (would have been all if not for an injury). Of those, they had 2 state champs and 2 runners-up. Regardless, I admire all of the girls. They work hard and some have some pretty grueling obstacles that they do let get in their way. I’m seriously proud of them and their accomplishments. And, as most of the team are freshmen and sophomores, I’m incredibly excited to keep following them in the years to come. These are the stories that give me life. #smalltownreporter #oklahoma #girlswrestling #ossaastatewrestlingtournament

Covering the state wrestling tournament and taking a break from being down on the mats. #smalltownreporter #hswrestling

I may still be a newbie photographer but sometimes I take good photos of pigs. 😂 #smalltownreporter #livestockseason #lincolncountyoklahoma

Come on out to chat with me and my fellow mystery/thriller/horror authors at @knights_nook on March 8! We’ll be there from 12-3 pm. #indieauthors #oklahomaauthors #indiebookshop #supportlocalbusiness #supportlocalwriters #mysterythrillerwriters

When the roads are coated in ice, I work from home and the kiddos get to enjoy watching true crime all day. Perhaps they’re taking notes to help me out with future novels… #writerslife #reporterlife #oklahomaweather #workfromhome #snowday

Another day in the life of a small town reporter. Spent 5 hours shooting a local high school livestock show and my legs and back are killing me from spending an hour or more squatting down trying to get the best angle for pig snoot photos… But I got some cute shots. And nearly run over by a pig… and some heifers… #oklahomareporter #smalltownreporter #livestockshow

The memories… way back in 2018 I got to make my dream of going to the Olympics come true. It was an amazing experience that I got to share with my best friend from college @therapydogtalk. And I got to meet @arielletgold. Very much worth standing on -20 C snow for hours. #pyeongchang2018🇰🇷 #wintergames2018 #winterolympics2018 @teamusa #winterolympics

I feel like we’re in Silent Hill today… Tho it’s a good atmosphere for working on Everyone Talks edits. #smalltown #creepyvibes #mysterywriter #foggyday

All I was doing was practicing my sports photography and cheering on my niece and her friends… and then this little bit of magic happened. 😂 I swear I need to make a coffee table book or something of all the random photos I’ve taken that didn’t end up in the paper. #smalltownjournalism #girlswrestling

That feeling you get when you��’re finally on the right track with a story… This whole writing second and third versions of books is a relatively new development in my novel writing journey. But I’m so happy with the changes I’m making to “Everyone Talks” and even more grateful that I have a best friend that’s as invested in my writing career as I am. #writerslife #novelistlife #oklahomaauthor #oklahomabooks

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

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 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

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

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

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

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Of New Jobs and New Books

A Fresh, New Look for this Mystery Writer

A Fabulous Writing Update

Introducing "Everyone Talks"

It's Raining Puppies and Other Updates

Out with 2023... In with 2024

Cover Reveal - Apparition in the Attic

A Birthday Surprise for Everyone

Tada! A new post and a new pen name

Nimue is an interesting character

What I've Been Working On

Dabbling in Genres

So Many Updates

​

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