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:
Sing it Loud– Book-Inspired Playlists on Spotify
Is that my Samovar? – Adventures in Thrift Store Shopping
What would you like to see next? – Share your thoughts!
Sing It Loud
Do you enjoy listening to music? How about playlists inspired by your favorite books? I recently joined Spotify (yes, I know I’m behind with the times) and have added playlists for each of my 7 published novels and my work in progress. These are the songs I feel fit the mood of the story or brought me inspiration while writing different scenes. Most of them are Christian-based and would also make for good praylists. In the future, I also plan to move several of my personal playlists over and create new ones to share. If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, I invite you to follow me and share your favorite playlists, too.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that none of the music artists or their production companies have endorsed my books or paid me to promote their songs.
Is That My Samovar?
Last week, my kids and I went thrift store shopping. Originally intending to find some clothes, we came across a very different, yet spectacular find – a samovar. What the heck is a samovar, you ask? It’s a metal urn, used by Russians for heating water and making tea. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, its origins are in the 1830s.
So, why were we so excited to find one? Why not just buy a teapot? A few years ago, my children’s school put on a performance of Baba Yaga, based on the Russian fairy tale of a witch who lives in a house with chicken feet and kidnaps and eats little children. Happy stuff, right? Well, their version was surprisingly comical and involved one line where Baba Yaga asks, “Is that my samovar?” Not only did this provide an occasion to learn a new word, but became an inside joke in our house. The kids spent their own $10 to purchase their new treasure.
For health reasons, we’re not going to actually drink out of it, but it goes nicely with our other antique china, such as the teacup and saucer in the photo above. Those are my great-grandparents’ from Czechoslovakia, which was as close as I had to Russia.
What would you like to see next?
In June, I concluded my series on social media discoveries. Due to the positive feedback received, I would like to continue offering serialized (3-6 month) newsletter articles on topics of interest. At this time, I am planning to include these articles within the Extra Edition newsletter, rather than the main monthly newsletter, and would love to hear your feedback. I’ve included several suggested topics in the form below, along with an area to write in your own ideas. All responses are anonymous. Thank you in advance!
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.
Happy Tuesday, readers! I recently came across a blog share that I just had to join: the Top Ten Tuesday blog share hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl (although I discovered it through Carrie at Reading is My SuperPower). Every Tuesday, they share a topic and multiple bloggers share their favorite books from that topic. Sometimes that includes their own novels, sometimes not. Depending on the topic, most Tuesdays I’ll be joining them, posting both here on my website and on my Goodreads Blog, if you prefer to follow along there. And so, without further ado, today’s Top 10 Tuesday topic is:
Books Featuring Travel
I absolutely love books about historical travel, especially nautical travel. There’s just something about a steamship, sailing ship, or battleship that I find simply delightful. What’s funny is that I’ve actually never been on a cruise and my one attempt at deep-sea fishing left me with my head in a bucket. But I’ve toured lots many a military ships and visited many a museum. If you’ve never walked through an aircraft carrier, that’s my #1 recommendation for your life list. The sheer size is overwhelming.
Here are some of my favorite books that feature ships on the cover:
Across Oceans by Kelsey Gietl – My first published novel takes place in 1912 and prominently features a fictional German steamship along with a side plot surrounding the Titanic.
The Captain’s Bride by Lisa Tawn Bergren – 1890s Norway and America
In Pieces by Rhonda Ortiz – 1790s Boston, Massachusetts
Drawn by the Current by Jocelyn Green – 1915 Chicago, Illinois
Until the Last Note by B.M. Baker – 1912 on Titanic
Undercurrent of Secrets by Rachel Scott McDaniel – 1920s Louisville, Kentucky
My Enemy, My Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes – 1812, England and America
Boston Jane by Jennifer L. Holm – 1850s Washington Territory
A Heart Adrift by Laura Frantz – 1755 York, Virginia
Passenger by Alexandra Bracken – Time travel, so all over the place.
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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:
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
Valerie Rose by Liz Chapman – contemporary Christian romance between a single mom and her son’s school chaplain
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
Something Borrowed by Rachel Scott McDaniel, Allison Pittman, and Susie Finkbeiner – 3 romance novellas bound together by one wedding dress
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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 1st place Catholic Media Association awards.
For more information on my books and where to purchase, visit 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.
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.
My grandparents toasting at their wedding.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Until next month, happy reading!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
Kelsey
Want to know what I’m currently reading? Follow me on GoodReads.
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.
