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Emily Crewse Kalka

Home Sweet Home: A Life Update

Nov 17, 20235 min read

Home Sweet Home: A Life Update

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

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The Sad Ballad of Thanksgiving (with a silver lining)

Nov 23, 20226 min read

The Sad Ballad of Thanksgiving (with a silver lining)

Let me tell you the tale of how my plans to go home for my first Thanksgiving since 2010 were completely flushed down the drain, but it...

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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!

Looking for a good, college campus murder mystery? Check out my book, "Something Wicked"!

“Something Wicked” is set on a college campus in Northwest Arkansas. Daisy Lowder is a third-year journalism student who thinks she’s landed the story that will get her out of small towns forever when a student is murdered on campus. What she finds instead is a journey that has her facing demons she’d rather forget, a victim who is a lot more than she seems, and that sometimes, it’s okay to let people in.
#murdermysterybooks #collegenovel #nwa #northwestarkansas #ozarks #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillersuspense #indieauthor #selfpublishedauthor #oklahomaauthor #femaleprotagonist #mysterythrillerauthor #indiebookstores

Looking for a good, college campus murder mystery? Check out my book, "Something Wicked"!

“Something Wicked” is set on a college campus in Northwest Arkansas. Daisy Lowder is a third-year journalism student who thinks she’s landed the story that will get her out of small towns forever when a student is murdered on campus. What she finds instead is a journey that has her facing demons she’d rather forget, a victim who is a lot more than she seems, and that sometimes, it’s okay to let people in.
#murdermysterybooks #collegenovel #nwa #northwestarkansas #ozarks #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillersuspense #indieauthor #selfpublishedauthor #oklahomaauthor #femaleprotagonist #mysterythrillerauthor #indiebookstores

Got four copies of “Something Wicked” available for sale! $15 plus shipping and I’ll sign them and include some goodies in the box. Comment below or shoot me a DM!

“Something Wicked” is a murder mystery set on a college campus in Northwest Arkansas. Daisy Crowder is a third-year journalism student who thinks she’s landed the story that will get her out of small towns forever when a student is murdered on campus. What she finds instead is a journey that has her facing demons she’d rather forget, a victim who is a lot more than she seems, and that sometimes, it’s okay to let people in. #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillersuspense #oklahomaauthors #smalltownnovel #collegenovel #murderrmystery #murdermysterynovelist #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #emilycrewsekalka

Got four copies of “Something Wicked” available for sale! $15 plus shipping and I’ll sign them and include some goodies in the box. Comment below or shoot me a DM!

“Something Wicked” is a murder mystery set on a college campus in Northwest Arkansas. Daisy Crowder is a third-year journalism student who thinks she’s landed the story that will get her out of small towns forever when a student is murdered on campus. What she finds instead is a journey that has her facing demons she’d rather forget, a victim who is a lot more than she seems, and that sometimes, it’s okay to let people in. #mysterythrillerbooks #mysterythrillersuspense #oklahomaauthors #smalltownnovel #collegenovel #murderrmystery #murdermysterynovelist #writersofinstagram #writerscommunity #emilycrewsekalka

Never again will I underestimate the healing power of a haircut and color touch up.

Never again will I underestimate the healing power of a haircut and color touch up.

I feel like the last few days have been a bit overwhelming for some of us (myself definitely included). But I suppose one unexpected side effect is that I've been spending more time writing this week in my attempts to avoid Facebook and all the hateful and ugly stuff I'm seeing posted by people I thought were friends. It's been very heartbreaking and I'm still trying to get my head on straight and figure out where to go from here.

Anywho, I got another couple chapters done on "Everyone Talks" and hoping to start posting on Wattpad again soon. I have 15 chapters posted so far, if you want to go give it a read... I suppose when everything is going crazy around me, I'll always have writing.
#bluedotinoklahoma #mysterythrillerwriter #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #oklahomaauthor #yanovels #yamysterythrillers

I feel like the last few days have been a bit overwhelming for some of us (myself definitely included). But I suppose one unexpected side effect is that I've been spending more time writing this week in my attempts to avoid Facebook and all the hateful and ugly stuff I'm seeing posted by people I thought were friends. It's been very heartbreaking and I'm still trying to get my head on straight and figure out where to go from here.

Anywho, I got another couple chapters done on "Everyone Talks" and hoping to start posting on Wattpad again soon. I have 15 chapters posted so far, if you want to go give it a read... I suppose when everything is going crazy around me, I'll always have writing.
#bluedotinoklahoma #mysterythrillerwriter #oklahomawriter #oklahomanovel #oklahomaauthor #yanovels #yamysterythrillers

I am nowhere close to posting this one on Wattpad, but I thought I'd give you all a taste of what I'm working on. I'm really liking this latest version of "Queen of the Wood" much better than the last two, and I hope you guys will as well!

In the meantime, you can always pick up "Something Wicked" or "The Whitehall Affair" over on Amazon (search "Emily Crewse Kalka") or at Knight's Nook in Yukon!
#mysterythrillerwriter #oklahomawriter #oklahomaauthor #yanovelist #yanovel #mysterythrillerbooks #smalltownmystery #oklahomanovel

I am nowhere close to posting this one on Wattpad, but I thought I'd give you all a taste of what I'm working on. I'm really liking this latest version of "Queen of the Wood" much better than the last two, and I hope you guys will as well!

In the meantime, you can always pick up "Something Wicked" or "The Whitehall Affair" over on Amazon (search "Emily Crewse Kalka") or at Knight's Nook in Yukon!
#mysterythrillerwriter #oklahomawriter #oklahomaauthor #yanovelist #yanovel #mysterythrillerbooks #smalltownmystery #oklahomanovel

Rough week is rough. Grief is a... persistent little thing. Just when I think I have it all under control, it slips in there like black ice and trips me up.

Just posted a new blog on my website at emilyckalka.com getting into my thoughts this week. Gotta love it when life kicks you while you're already down.
#grief #blogpost #journeywithgriefandloss

Rough week is rough. Grief is a... persistent little thing. Just when I think I have it all under control, it slips in there like black ice and trips me up.

Just posted a new blog on my website at emilyckalka.com getting into my thoughts this week. Gotta love it when life kicks you while you're already down.
#grief #blogpost #journeywithgriefandloss

Got to see my great grandparents’ old house in a movie. Love they this film was made in my hometown. Keep an eye out for “Reverence.”

Got to see my great grandparents’ old house in a movie. Love they this film was made in my hometown. Keep an eye out for “Reverence.”

Nothing more flattering than having your best friend show up dressed as you for Halloween. 😂😂😂

Nothing more flattering than having your best friend show up dressed as you for Halloween. 😂😂😂

Getting orders from last week’s book fest at @anovelideabookshop packed up! #selfpublishedauthor #indieauthor #indiebookstore #mysterythrillerauthor #spookyseason

Getting orders from last week’s book fest at @anovelideabookshop packed up! #selfpublishedauthor #indieauthor #indiebookstore #mysterythrillerauthor #spookyseason

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