Happy August, readers! Thank you for a wonderful release day of Sparks Fly Upward! I greatly appreciated your personal emails, texts, photos, and reviews to celebrate. Each one brought a smile and made the day all the more special.

Thank you also to those who participated in the trivia game giveaway. Our winners were Sarah E. and Erin L. Congratulations, ladies!

What’s in this Edition:

Reviewing Sparks Fly Upward with author Tiffany Goldman

The Next Thing – What’s coming next?

Cover Reveals – My three latest cover designs

Releasing in August – Other authors’ new releases I’m most excited about.

Reviewing Sparks with Author Tiffany Goldman

I love this release day photo sent from author Tiffany Goldman, my sensitivity beta reader for Sparks Fly Upward. Don’t you think she resembles a younger version of Martha herself? She provided fantastic notes on the book’s draft, including insightful suggestions, witty character comments, and this amazing review. Thanks, Tiffany!

“WOW, Sparks Fly Upward packs a punch! I have to say well done to the author, she took several real life hardships (slavery, human trafficking, church hurt, etc…) and with care, woven a story that still encourages, edifies, and inspires you. I love the blend of historical accuracy with speculative abilities! The world of Larksong Legacy that Kelsey Gietl created leaves the readers wanting for more.

The character development of not just the main cast but support characters as well had me rooting for almost everyone! And you’ll realize why I said almost everyone. LOL.  I especially liked one of the main character’s spiritual arc! He came to the Light when he was at his darkest. This tale was brutally honest (but clean! Nothing graphic was shown on the page) however that hope thread was woven deep all throughout the story so while the tragedies were felt, so was the redemption and light. I was positively blessed by this story; it’s my favorite by far from Kelsey Gietl!”

Tiffany writes “Christian YA fantasy with all the swoon but without the steam” and I can’t wait to read her first novel. Make sure to keep up with her on either Goodreads or Instagram.

The Next Thing

Now that Sparks Fly Upward is out in the world, I’m hard at work on Larksong Legacy Book 4, Stars in the Storm, which is also the final book in the series. In writing this one, I’m feeling a bit like St. Bede the Venerable, riding the waves and letting God steer the story where He wills. I know it always works out in the end, but right now I’m riding the waves of chaotic drafting and wondering how in the world it’ll all come together.

I’ve included an initial back cover blurb below. Let me know your thoughts! Note: If you haven’t read Books 1-3, the blurb below does contain spoilers.

Alice Ann Lark remembers everything, most especially the husband and daughter she abandoned for a life on the sea. Almost four years later, having failed to achieve her adventurous dreams, she would never ask for a forgive-and-forget return to Larksong, nor deserve it. Tormented by vivid flashbacks that become more frequent every day, she sequesters herself in the Ghost Forest, a wasteland of barren trees surrounded by Washington’s mountainous beauty—the perfect metaphor for her now empty life.

Following a year of agonizing adversity, Cade Lark has one final mission to complete before he can find peace with his daughter—to locate the origin of the Larks’ mysterious Gifts. His only clue, however, is a compass his mother died to protect and is now in his estranged wife’s possession. Determined to either restore the past or lay it to rest, he asks Alice Ann to join him on the adventure, exactly as she always wanted him to. If he can’t win her back by the time they find the origin, she’s free to leave. No strings attached, nor questions asked.

Surrounded by a hurricane of unresolved questions, Cade and Alice Ann set off to discover the truth behind Larksong’s legacy. Unbeknownst, a worse storm is lurking beyond the horizon, and when the clouds finally clear, there may not be anything left to save.

Cover Reveals!

In the busyness of releasing a book, I forgot to show you my latest cover designs for some of my fellow authors. All of these books are full of inspiration and Christian faith. Releasing in September, Jennifer Q. Hunt’s Purest Joys Restored is the third book in her Wisteria House series and takes place in the 1920s. Releasing in November, Hannah Hood Lucero’s The Glory of Light is a standalone military romantic suspense. Finally, I had the honor of redesigning the cover for Breathe Deeply, the first book in Allison Ramirez’s series of Catholic Rosary devotionals.

I am in love with how all of these covers turned out. This is my seventh design for Jennifer and sixth for Hannah and every time, I’m amazed at how a single picture can encompass the feeling of an entire novel. For Jennifer’s book, we included an arched window from her own 1920s home. For Hannah’s, note the nod to the American flag in the night sky. And Allison’s series incorporates a different flower for each devotional with specific meaning to the Virgin Mary. Every book is a truly God-inspired collaboration.

Are you an author in need of a cover design? I only design for clean fiction, never use AI images, and offer discounts for active members of the Catholic Writers Guild, the Christian Mommy Writers, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. Reply to this email to schedule a free consultation.

Releasing in August

Need another read? Here are the new releases I’m excited about:

1. Love in the Eternal City by Rebecca W. Martin – Catholic Christian rom-com between a Swiss Guard and an American expat set in the heart of Rome
2. Valerie Rose by Liz Chapman – contemporary Christian romance between a single mom and her son’s school chaplain 
3. Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett – 1920s/1970s split-time set amid the majestic California redwoods and the secrets of a family legacy
4. Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner – 3 romance novellas bound together by one wedding dress
5. Bohemian Dragon Awakening by Sarah Everest – the third book in the Aristonia dragon fantasy series, this time set in the Czech Republic

Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.

Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2024

Welcome back to the Extra Edition newsletter! I’m excited to bring you bonus content each month with a special inside look at my novels and the history behind them.

What’s in this Edition:

Visit Larksong in a Whole New Way – New website extras

Behind the Scenes – My interview with author, Sarah Crowne

Visit Larksong in a Whole New Way

Did you know that I have a special section of my website just for story extras? Over the next few months, I’m performing a complete overhaul of this section to offer even more fun extras. Character cards are the latest edition. I started with the Larksong Legacy series and will later add cards for my other books. Fair warning: these character cards include inspirational portrait photos for each character. If you’re a reader who prefers to imagine characters’ faces from the story alone, this part of my website may not be for you. If, however, you like to see characters from a different perspective, I invite you to visit.

Take me to the Character Cards!

Behind the Scenes Author Interview

I’m excited to welcome fellow Catholic Writers Guild author, Sarah Crowne, to my newsletter to share her interview with me about my writing journey. I’m especially excited to feature her today as it is also release day for her new time travel book, All These Threads of Time.

The interview below was originally posted on Sarah Crowne’s Substack. Make sure to follow her there for updates on her books.

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Hey readers! Sarah Crowne here. I love meeting other authors and learning about their journey. Writing can be such a lonely, solitary pursuit, as we dedicate our lives to putting words on paper, while never being quite sure how others will respond. Will our stories resonate? Inspire? Entertain? Not only that, but the stories themselves really put us through the wringer. The research, planning, plotting, time spent staring at the blank page . . . wondering, will this story matter?

Connecting with other authors reminds me we are not only, not alone, but can support one another in our pursuits to share our stories with the world.

This week, I am really excited to share my recent interview with award winning author, Kelsey Gietl. Kelsey writes historical fiction, with a touch of romance. Her books span many historical eras, including the 1850s and 1910s. Also, not only is Kelsey an author, but she is also a book designer!

So, without further ado, I present to you, Author Kelsey Gietl. After the interview, don’t forget to check out Kelsey’s website at https://kelseygietl.com for more information about Kelsey and where to buy her books.

1. You share on your website that growing up, you were deeply immersed in books. How did your early reading experiences shape your decision to become a writer, particularly in the historical romance genre?

My mother was a teacher and our house was always full of books and library visits, so I naturally developed a love of reading. I also had a strong interest in history, even at a young age, so writing historical fiction just happened naturally. It wasn’t until my 6th grade English teacher said I should be published that I really knew I wanted to be an author someday. Never would I have imagined that those dreams would one day actually lead to become an award-winning author.

2. How do you choose which historical era to set your stories in? Do you have a favorite era? What era have you not yet wrote about but would like to? 

Growing up, I was fascinated with the Titanic era, so I always knew my first series would be set in the 1910s. As my characters developed, a World War I series evolved out of my first series. Choosing an era for my Larksong Legacy series took more contemplation and a lot of research before selecting the 1850s. I feel like every era I write in becomes my favorite era, so who knows where I’ll end up next. Eventually, I would like to write about the 1904 World’s Fair which was set in my hometown of St. Louis.

3. How do you develop your characters and ensure they are authentic to the historical period they belong to?

A lot of historical research. I try to use a variety of methods to make sure I’m keeping to the accuracy of the time period while still allowing room for character development. My research includes books, newspaper articles, diaries and other first-hand accounts, and photographs from the time period. I also like to watch movies and read other fictional novels set in the same time period as well as from other genres. There’s much to be learned about how characters interact from genres that are not your own when you can focus on the people rather than the history.

4. Balancing the dual roles of writer and cover designer can be demanding. How do you manage your time and creativity between writing your stories and designing their covers?

Cover design is one of my favorite parts of being an author. It takes a different sort of creativity and gives my writing brain a break. It’s fun to focus on another author’s story for awhile and think about how I can make their writing shine. I always find it so amazing how one picture can capture the entire feeling of a full-length novel. It’s truly a God-inspired collaboration.

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of seeing your book cover designs on shelves or online, and how do you ensure they appeal to your target audience?

Knowing that my talents are helping to bring positive messages to readers. I only design covers for authors whose books include clean content, so I know I can promote them without worry. My goal is to always provide customized covers at affordable prices, so an otherwise wonderful book isn’t overlooked or dismissed because of a poor cover. In this way, I make sure to pay attention to what covers are appearing on the bestseller list as well as the types of design trends that are featured. Many times, you’ll see the same stock person appear on many covers, which then causes me to avoid using it again. While most designs need to include some element of stock art, my goal is to still make each design unique.

6. Given your rich background in literature and storytelling, what advice would you give to aspiring writers and designers who are just starting their journey?

Cultivate your writing community and develop your goals. Both will start small and will change over time. At first, you’ll feel like you’re practically alone, but person by person, you’ll gather a team who will become so valuable in teaching you about your craft. You’ll hear that being an author is a marathon not a sprint. That’s true. It’s a marathon that doesn’t really ever end, but there are many other authors running it with you, each with milestones along the way. Together, you experience these rest stops where you see how far you’ve come and celebrate your victories together. There could be many groups you’ll be a part of, but when you find that one group that’s your group, you’ll know.

7. Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What unique challenges do you think authors face?

Yes, I’ve always enjoyed writing and always wanted a career in writing, although this didn’t end up exactly as my younger self originally pictured. I think one of the biggest challenges authors face is to be able to switch your brain from the creative to the business and do both well. Authors tend to be creatively oriented, rather than business minded, but publishing is a business as much as it is an art. I’ve been blessed to have day jobs that taught me about finance, marketing, sales, contracts, and understanding other important business elements, all of which are important in publishing. I now perform corporate writing during the day and creative writing in my free time which provides a good blend of both worlds.

8. Can you share a piece of feedback or a reader’s reaction to your work that has profoundly impacted you?

So many, especially when people say that they related to a particular character or a certain scene moved them to tears. One of the most meaningful reviews I received was from the Catholic Media Association related to For a Noble Purpose:

“Well-written and produced novel which clearly undertakes all elements in the Catholic novel theme involving Catholic faith, Catholic imagination, the power of grace, the struggles of life on all levels, and God’s closeness in the struggles of faith, in times of loss and sadness, and in times of joy. Terrific, transportive story which not only engages and entertains with plot surprises but also inspires and offers examples of good Christian behavior in a “real” human setting. Memorable characters, and an excellent balance of very satisfying- yet clean- and Godly historical romance.”

9. Tell us about your current work. Where can we buy your books?

I am currently writing the fourth and final book in the 1850s Larksong Legacy series, Stars in the Storm, and working with my audiobook narrator on production of the third book in the series, Sparks Fly Upward. The Larksong Legacy series follows five Southern brothers who have been gifted with extraordinary talents, all based in scientific possibility but taken one step farther. It’s a blend of traditional historical fiction, magical realism, and Christian faith with plenty of romance and intrigue. The first two books both received 1^st place Catholic Media Association awards.

For more information on my books and where to purchase, visit kelseygietl.com.

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2024

Happy Release Day to Sparks Fly Upward! July 2 has extra special meaning for me as it was my grandmother’s birthday. She and my grandfather were two of my biggest fans and always supported me with my writing. They even purchased my first paperback copy and, as was typical of my grandfather, he overpaid me for it and refused to accept the change. Sharing this day with Grandma’s birthday feels as though they are both here cheering me on, even if we cannot physically celebrate together.

I am excited to share this day with all of you as well. It has been quite the challenging road getting Sparks Fly Upward out into the world, but thankfully, we made it! I love how much the two main characters have grown over the last three books and there are several side characters who have some surprising twists as well.

Read on for a release day game, giveaways, and details on how to purchase.

What’s it all About?

Friends to More * Love Letters * Redemption Story * Faith Found

After her unexpected escape from enslavement, Martha Louis has finally found freedom in the community of Larksong in Washington Territory. When a declaration of love arrives from a most unlikely source, she dares to hope true happiness could be hers. Before she can embrace this life of her own, a child is stolen while under her care, forcing her outside Larksong’s safe haven. To see this little one safely home, she will be asked to risk everything, including her heart.

For years, Garrett Lark’s life centered around his own selfish interests. Cynicism fueled his departure off the straight and narrow into prodigal living. Then he met Martha, and the woman no one expected him to choose was the only one who motivated him to change. Now a successful hotel proprietor, he’s ready to declare his intentions and settle down. 

When Martha appears on his doorstep begging for help he can’t provide, he seeks out an old friend at Sterling’s Theatrical, a wholesome family circus with a backstage more sinister than San Francisco’s lawless underbelly. Faced with the fire of past mistakes, the life he used to love could now cost him the love of his life.

Now available in eBook and paperback. Audio coming soon.

Order Direct from the Author (Signed Copies Available)

Order from Other Retailers

Want to help spread the word? I’ve created pre-made graphics for anyone to use:

Launch Team Graphics

Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer! Thank you in advance!

These Games We Play…End in a Giveaway

How well do you know the Lark brothers? Answer the questions in the link below by July 9 for a chance to win one of two release day giveaway items:

1. One (1) signed copy of Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green, recently gone out of print. Historical details flow through every page of this Civil War story and honors the brave men and women who made difficult life and death decisions no one should have to make.
2. One (1) t-shirt of your choice from one of my favorite online shops, Brick House in the City. They have women’s, men’s, and children’s options.

Let’s Play!

Giveaway runs through 11:59 p.m. CT on July 9, 2024. Open to U.S. residents only, ages 18+. Winner will be contacted directly. Not affiliated with any other company or organization. Only one entry per person.

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.

Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2024

Happy July, readers! Tomorrow is the big day – Sparks Fly Upward will be released into the world! Thank you to all those who pre-ordered, beta read, joined the launch team, and shared (or will be sharing) about the book with your friends and family.

It was also brought to my attention that some email servers only show partial emails in the inbox with a link at the bottom to “read more.” As a result, many readers may have been missing out on updates. To ensure you can easily spot the stories you’re most interested in, I’m adding a “What’s in this Edition” section to the beginning of each newsletter.

What’s in this Edition:

Join the Legacy – Free graphics for Sparks Fly Upward and how to order.

Catholic Media Awards – Which book won 1st place?

Dusk Shall Weep – Now available in audiobook.

Releasing in July – Other authors’ new releases I’m most excited about.

Sparks Fly Upward – Continue the Legacy

Ready to read the latest Larksong Legacy novel? Haven’t yet read any of the novels? All the links you need are below:

Order the eBook

Purchase the Paperback

Want to help spread the word? I’ve created pre-made graphics for anyone to use:

Launch Team Graphics

Thank you in advance! And make sure to check your email tomorrow to celebrate the release!

Catholic Media Awards – Which book won?

I’m thrilled to announce that Dusk Shall Weep was awarded First Place at this year’s Catholic Media Awards in the Faith-Based Novels category. This is the second year that the Larksong Legacy series has won, with For a Noble Purpose being awarded first in the Catholic Novels category last year. There are so many amazing authors who submit their work to these awards, and I am truly honored to be among them.

I’d like to give a special congratulations to a few of my fellow Catholic Writers Guild authors who also placed this year:

• A Faith Such as Heaven Intended by Amanda Lauer – Honorable Mention, Book for Young Adults (Ages 12-18)
• Firetender by Erin Lewis – Second Place, First Time Author: Novel & Third Place, Catholic Novel
• Summer at West Castle by Theresa Linden – Second Place, Self-Published Fiction Books. Theresa also won awards in Self-Published Children’s Books (1st Place) and Front Cover Artwork (2nd Place)
• Meet Sister Mary Margaret by Rebecca M. Martin – First Place, First Time Author: Children’s Book
• Ashes: Visible & Invisible (Anthology) by L. Wahl, C.T. Toney, M.C. Keiser, C. Astfalk, A. Lauer, E. Gable, C. Turner, A.B. Kolenc, T.M. Gaouette, and T. Linden – Honorable Mention, Anthology

Dusk Shall Weep – Now in Audio Book

AudioBook lovers, this one’s for you! The first two books of Larksong Legacy are now available in audiobook on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, with production for Book 3 beginning soon. My wonderful narrator, Tawnya Rollingson, truly makes these characters come to life and I’ve been so impressed by her talent for distinct voices and multiple accents. If you’re an author in need of a narrator, I recommend her 100%.

The best news is I have a number of free Audible promo codes available for For a Noble Purpose and Dusk Shall Weep. These are available first come first served. If you’d like to listen for free, simply reply to this email.

Releasing in July

Need another read? Here are the new releases I’m excited about:

1. The Oystercatcher of Southwark by Erica Colahan – dual timeline story of tragedy, family secrets, and redemptive hope based on the author’s great-great-grandmother
2. Growing into Greatness by Tanya E. Williams – a young Italian woman must consider her dreams versus obligations at her family’s Napa Valley vineyard during Prohibition, The Great Depression, and World War II. 
3. Not Quite Colonel Brandon by Kim Griffin – set on becoming a missionary, Megan doesn’t have time for romance, but sometimes God has other plans.
4. Hear the Falling Snow by Storm Shultz – sweet contemporary Christmas romance set in the Kentucky hills
5. All These Threads of Time by Sarah Crowne – time traveling 1980s throwback murder mystery

Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.

Did you know reviews help both readers and authors? Even one sentence is enough, and every word greatly appreciated. Consider leaving a rating on Amazon, Goodreads, BookBub, and/or your favorite retailer!

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2024

Welcome back to the Extra Edition newsletter! I’m excited to bring you bonus content each month with a special inside look at my novels and the history behind them.

What’s in this Edition:

Let’s Send up Sparks! – A Launch Team Reminder

And With Your Spirit – My visit to Kenrick Glennon Seminary, founded in 1818

Speaking of Churches – Bookish churches you can actually visit

Let’s send up Sparks!

Want to read Sparks Fly Upward before its July 2 release? There’s still time to:

Join the eBook Launch Team

Prefer to read it later?

Pre-Order the eBook OR Purchase the Paperback

Want to help spread the word? I’ve created pre-made graphics for anyone to use:

Launch Team Graphics

Thank you in advance!

And with your Spirit

Earlier this month, my son attended summer camp at Kenrick Glennon Seminary, St. Louis’s Catholic seminary. For those who aren’t familiar, the seminary is where unmarried men study the faith and earn a college degree in preparation to become deacons and priests of the Catholic Church. The camp was really part camp, part retreat as the goal is to show middle school and high school boys what seminary life is like and encourage vocations to the priesthood. Almost 200 boys gather over two weeks to learn about the faith while also having fun. Odds are, they won’t all be called to the priesthood or religious life, but hopefully they’ll become closer to God and more willing to encourage others who may be called to a religious vocation.

In my books, I write about many historical Catholic Churches. Kenrick Glennon Seminary was founded in 1818 with its current building constructed in 1931. It includes many of the traditional architectural elements that are found in the churches I write about. My husband and I actually attended several co-ed retreats at the seminary during our high school days, so I gave into nostalgia and snapped a few photos to share.

The front entrance and bell tower:

Inside the St. Joseph’s Chapel, one of several chapels on-site. This photo does not do justice to how pretty the ceiling is.

Two of the many beautiful stained glass windows. Even the radiator grates are decorated.

I was especially happy to get a photo of the confessional as most modern Catholic Church confessionals are built into the wall rather than as their own separate element. The Latin above the door reads, “accipite spiritum sanctum,” which means “Receive the Holy Spirit.” If you’ve read Unsettled Shores, this is the type of confessional the characters visit.

For more information on Kenrick Glennon Seminary, visit: https://kenrick.edu/

Speaking of Churches…

As mentioned above, as a Catholic Christian author writing about mostly Catholic Christian characters, I like to include real-life Catholic churches in my novels. While I haven’t had the privilege to visit most of these (yet), if they’re in your neck of the woods, I recommend stopping by. If you do, please send a photo. I would love to hear what you thought.

All photos are from the churches’ websites.

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Until next month, happy reading!

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

Kelsey

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Purchase signed copies of my books: kelseygietl.com

Due to variability in social media algorithms, the best way to receive this newsletter is through e-mail. If you were directed to this site via social media or a search engine, you can subscribe to updates by entering your e-mail on the Contact page. E-mail addresses are never sold or distributed. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Follow me on:

COPYRIGHT © KELSEY GIETL 2024