small town | Emily Crewse Kalka 1

top of page

Emily Crewse Kalka

A black and white pig in a pen

A black and white pig in a pen

Of New Jobs and New Books

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

Feb 175 min read

Introducing "Everyone Talks"

Introducing "Everyone Talks"

Introducing "Everyone Talks"

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

Jul 21, 20246 min read

Dead Bodies, A Tornado, and a Book Release

Dead Bodies, A Tornado, and a Book Release

Dead Bodies, A Tornado, and a Book Release

How my book release party for "The Whitehall Affair" ended with tornado sirens.

May 5, 20247 min read

Home Sweet Home: A Life Update

Home Sweet Home: A Life Update

Home Sweet Home: A Life Update

A quick update on life over the last several months...

Nov 17, 20235 min read

Book research for the long weekend!!!

Book research for the long weekend!!!

Finally replaced the cheap, crappy mic I’ve been using for over a year…. Oh, how I missed you, nice quality podcasting mic. I guess I finally have no excuse for not trying out narrating my own books.

Finally replaced the cheap, crappy mic I’ve been using for over a year…. Oh, how I missed you, nice quality podcasting mic. I guess I finally have no excuse for not trying out narrating my own books.

It was yesterday when I discovered just how big of a Twihard my mother was. 🤣🤣🤣

It was yesterday when I discovered just how big of a Twihard my mother was. 🤣🤣🤣

I know this was technically last week, but I forgot to make a post (so busy). We'll see how "Everyone Talks" does. "Queen of the Wood" didn't go far at all last year, but I do have a two-year pattern. Made the shortlist in 2021 and 2023, so maybe 2025 will be my year? #wattys2025 #wattpadwriter #yanovel
#mysterythrillernovel

I know this was technically last week, but I forgot to make a post (so busy). We'll see how "Everyone Talks" does. "Queen of the Wood" didn't go far at all last year, but I do have a two-year pattern. Made the shortlist in 2021 and 2023, so maybe 2025 will be my year? #wattys2025 #wattpadwriter #yanovel
#mysterythrillernovel

And they call it puppy love… Pretty sure sweet Poppy has a crush on the golden doodle next door… 😂😂😂

And they call it puppy love… Pretty sure sweet Poppy has a crush on the golden doodle next door… 😂😂😂

When it’s your turn to host book club and you do a youthful obsessions potluck. 😁

When it’s your turn to host book club and you do a youthful obsessions potluck. 😁

First rejection letter and it was kind. Also I was expecting it. Thankfully I only sent out 3 queries before realizing “Everyone Talks” needs some (a lot) of work. Which I’m currently doing. But still. I’m pushing through and working on it. It’s never too late to try. Also, I realized I’m at the right moment in my life to start querying. After nearly 20 years in journalism and all the life experiences I’ve had so far, I feel like I can handle just about anything. Though I am grateful that this first one was thoughtful and kind.

First rejection letter and it was kind. Also I was expecting it. Thankfully I only sent out 3 queries before realizing “Everyone Talks” needs some (a lot) of work. Which I’m currently doing. But still. I’m pushing through and working on it. It’s never too late to try. Also, I realized I’m at the right moment in my life to start querying. After nearly 20 years in journalism and all the life experiences I’ve had so far, I feel like I can handle just about anything. Though I am grateful that this first one was thoughtful and kind.

Just minded my own business trying to do some revisions and this little sneak gets to work. 😂😂😂

Just minded my own business trying to do some revisions and this little sneak gets to work. 😂😂😂

Last year when I did my marching band season preview, I decided the next time I did this article, I wanted to go to all the camps. Made it happen. These are the stories I really love covering for small town news. 😁

Last year when I did my marching band season preview, I decided the next time I did this article, I wanted to go to all the camps. Made it happen. These are the stories I really love covering for small town news. 😁

How planning is going for my turn to host book club. Leaning into the Twilight theme for the Youthful Obsessions Potluck. 😂 #bookclub #bookclubgirls #twilightthemedparty #potluck

How planning is going for my turn to host book club. Leaning into the Twilight theme for the Youthful Obsessions Potluck. 😂 #bookclub #bookclubgirls #twilightthemedparty #potluck

And sometimes news goes off the rails... This breeder has been in operation for about a decade and had multiple calls over the years. However, until this time, it hadn't risen to the point of breaking the law. It's the biggest seizure of its nature - 405 dogs and puppies were taken in and are now being cared for by the Tulsa Humane Society, Skiatook Paws and Claws Rescue, and other shelters. It's a heartbreaking situation in an area where it's common for backyard breeders or regular pet owners to dump unwanted puppies out in the country to fend for themselves.

I definitely gave Pippin, Poppy, and Violet extra cuddles Monday night, in the middle of covering the story...

And sometimes news goes off the rails... This breeder has been in operation for about a decade and had multiple calls over the years. However, until this time, it hadn't risen to the point of breaking the law. It's the biggest seizure of its nature - 405 dogs and puppies were taken in and are now being cared for by the Tulsa Humane Society, Skiatook Paws and Claws Rescue, and other shelters. It's a heartbreaking situation in an area where it's common for backyard breeders or regular pet owners to dump unwanted puppies out in the country to fend for themselves.

I definitely gave Pippin, Poppy, and Violet extra cuddles Monday night, in the middle of covering the story...

It’s here! I have never rushed home so fast to open up a package. 😂 Excited to get reading @authorscarlettstclair’s latest!!!!

It’s here! I have never rushed home so fast to open up a package. 😂 Excited to get reading @authorscarlettstclair’s latest!!!!

I guess nightly mouse patrol has started.

I guess nightly mouse patrol has started.

Sometimes you just need to go on a bit of a book spree. @authorscarlettstclair and @marissameyerauthor are 2 of my faves and looking forward to these books (even though I’m going to have to wait a bit for some 😁). Also shoutout to one of my fave indie bookstores @anovelideabookshop!!

Sometimes you just need to go on a bit of a book spree. @authorscarlettstclair and @marissameyerauthor are 2 of my faves and looking forward to these books (even though I’m going to have to wait a bit for some 😁). Also shoutout to one of my fave indie bookstores @anovelideabookshop!!

I started writing last night and this is where I am. Chapter 3 isn’t complete, but dang. I need to go back to the Ozarks more often.

I started writing last night and this is where I am. Chapter 3 isn’t complete, but dang. I need to go back to the Ozarks more often.

So, I know this is in all likelihood just someone else from the tour (or my younger sister) who was standing behind us and I didn’t realize, but dang. For all of 30 seconds, I thought I caught a photo of a ghostie. 😂

So, I know this is in all likelihood just someone else from the tour (or my younger sister) who was standing behind us and I didn’t realize, but dang. For all of 30 seconds, I thought I caught a photo of a ghostie. 😂

Never have I been tempted to walk up to a perfect stranger’s door and ask to see their house. But boy do I ever wish I could see the inside of this one. Definitely using this as inspiration for Isabel’s house in “No One Can Hear You Holler.”

Never have I been tempted to walk up to a perfect stranger’s door and ask to see their house. But boy do I ever wish I could see the inside of this one. Definitely using this as inspiration for Isabel’s house in “No One Can Hear You Holler.”

Finally got to spend time with my youngest sister!!

Finally got to spend time with my youngest sister!!

So, when I post about running off to live in the woods, I mean Eureka Springs. Got so much inspiration this weekend and I’m super excited to dive into “No You Can Hear You Holler”. I have worked out some kinks and I think it could be good. 😁

So, when I post about running off to live in the woods, I mean Eureka Springs. Got so much inspiration this weekend and I’m super excited to dive into “No You Can Hear You Holler”. I have worked out some kinks and I think it could be good. 😁

Fresh cut and color before my vacation next weekend!! #newhairwhodis

Fresh cut and color before my vacation next weekend!! #newhairwhodis

Sometimes a costume comes together better the second time around. Brought Manon out for my friend’s Summerween birthday party. #manonblackbeak #throneofglass #throneofglasscosplay #queenofthewitches

Sometimes a costume comes together better the second time around. Brought Manon out for my friend’s Summerween birthday party. #manonblackbeak #throneofglass #throneofglasscosplay #queenofthewitches

Had a fun time at the Oklahoma Press Association Awards tonight. And ended up walking away with three awards! The in-depth reporting one surprised me… #smalltownnew #smalltownreporter #oklahomalife

Had a fun time at the Oklahoma Press Association Awards tonight. And ended up walking away with three awards! The in-depth reporting one surprised me… #smalltownnew #smalltownreporter #oklahomalife

Decided to start journaling again. So of course I had to get a pretty journal… #writer #journaling #healing

Decided to start journaling again. So of course I had to get a pretty journal… #writer #journaling #healing

I call these “Spring Court Before Tamlin Became Tampon” nails… 😂 #acotar #nails #bookgirlie

I call these “Spring Court Before Tamlin Became Tampon” nails… 😂 #acotar #nails #bookgirlie

Probably one of my favorite book clubs. Bedazzling one of my favorite books/series. Now to re-read them all for the 20th time. @melissamarrwriting #bookclub #bedazzledbooks #newhobby

Probably one of my favorite book clubs. Bedazzling one of my favorite books/series. Now to re-read them all for the 20th time. @melissamarrwriting #bookclub #bedazzledbooks #newhobby

Have I got a murder mystery for you. It’s got a prickly protagonist who starts falling for the school quarterback, who’s shy but sweet. A jealous best friend. Dead bodies. Problematic frats getting their just desserts. Stalkers. And a killer that you won’t see coming. Pick up my book today! #murdermysterybook #mysterythrillerbooks #collegemurdermysterybook #indieauthor #indiebookstore #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter

Have I got a murder mystery for you. It’s got a prickly protagonist who starts falling for the school quarterback, who’s shy but sweet. A jealous best friend. Dead bodies. Problematic frats getting their just desserts. Stalkers. And a killer that you won’t see coming. Pick up my book today! #murdermysterybook #mysterythrillerbooks #collegemurdermysterybook #indieauthor #indiebookstore #oklahomaauthor #oklahomawriter

Absolutely adored getting to meet @ashleygreene and the rest of the Twilight cast. Friendliest people all around and she was lovely to chat with. #twilight #galaxyconokc

Absolutely adored getting to meet @ashleygreene and the rest of the Twilight cast. Friendliest people all around and she was lovely to chat with. #twilight #galaxyconokc

This guy and his team were my favorite people the whole week. Seriously enjoyed getting to chat with the photo op folks. They recognized us every time even with my many costume changes.

This guy and his team were my favorite people the whole week. Seriously enjoyed getting to chat with the photo op folks. They recognized us every time even with my many costume changes.

So… I made Helen Hunt laugh. And then she squeezed my utters. Best reaction ever to one of my many costumes this weekend. #twister #helenhunt #galaxyconokc2025

So… I made Helen Hunt laugh. And then she squeezed my utters. Best reaction ever to one of my many costumes this weekend. #twister #helenhunt #galaxyconokc2025

And the last costume change… Gonna ask my husband if he’s seen Piper… #whitelotus #parkerposey #galaxyconokc #jasonissacs

And the last costume change… Gonna ask my husband if he’s seen Piper… #whitelotus #parkerposey #galaxyconokc #jasonissacs

Love this look but it’s a pain to wear for long. #booktok #manonblackbeak #kingdomofash #sarahjmaasbooks

Love this look but it’s a pain to wear for long. #booktok #manonblackbeak #kingdomofash #sarahjmaasbooks

The entire cast was flipping amazing to talk to. My little Twilight fan heart is bursting. I should have looked at the photo before we walked away and told him “Anytime.” 🤣🤣🤣

The entire cast was flipping amazing to talk to. My little Twilight fan heart is bursting. I should have looked at the photo before we walked away and told him “Anytime.” 🤣🤣🤣

Ok. I knew he was tall. I didn’t know he was that tall. Also flirty. 🤣 #twilight #galaxyconokc2025 #kellanlutz

Ok. I knew he was tall. I didn’t know he was that tall. Also flirty. 🤣 #twilight #galaxyconokc2025 #kellanlutz

My Twilight dreams come true… #galaxyconokc2025 #twilight

My Twilight dreams come true… #galaxyconokc2025 #twilight

Gonna take some Twilight photos today. #twilight #alicecullen #galaxyconokc

Gonna take some Twilight photos today. #twilight #alicecullen #galaxyconokc

Well, this happened. 😂😂😂😂 #reno911 #thomaslennon #galaxyconokc2025

Well, this happened. 😂😂😂😂 #reno911 #thomaslennon #galaxyconokc2025

Managed to make it out today to get Mom and Trey looking nice and summery before Memorial Day.

Managed to make it out today to get Mom and Trey looking nice and summery before Memorial Day.

When everyone stops you for a photo because your dog looks cute but the one photo you manage to find, he looks like he’s plotting murder… 😂

When everyone stops you for a photo because your dog looks cute but the one photo you manage to find, he looks like he’s plotting murder… 😂

When the storm hits during the alumni party, everyone pulls their cars into the pavilion and keeps on partying. Only in Oklahoma. 😂 #smalltownlife #alumniweekend

When the storm hits during the alumni party, everyone pulls their cars into the pavilion and keeps on partying. Only in Oklahoma. 😂 #smalltownlife #alumniweekend

No writing this weekend. Too busy helping out at, working at and enjoying the craziness that is Alumni weekend. I have never heard or seen a town go all out on grad/alumni weekend like we do. Probably why I snuck a sneak peak of it in at the end of “Everyone Talks.” #smalltownfestivities #oncealionalwaysalion #alumniweekend2025

No writing this weekend. Too busy helping out at, working at and enjoying the craziness that is Alumni weekend. I have never heard or seen a town go all out on grad/alumni weekend like we do. Probably why I snuck a sneak peak of it in at the end of “Everyone Talks.” #smalltownfestivities #oncealionalwaysalion #alumniweekend2025

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.

Then, Sophia turns up dead.

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.
#yanovel #yamysterythriller #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovelist #oklahomastory #highschoolnovel #murdermysterybook

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.

Then, Sophia turns up dead.

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.
#yanovel #yamysterythriller #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovelist #oklahomastory #highschoolnovel #murdermysterybook

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

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

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

Excited for the show!!

Excited for the show!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

bottom of page