Kathleen Ernst is a
social historian, educator, and author. Her Chloe Ellefson mysteries reflect
the decade she spent as a curator at a large outdoor museum, and feature
historic sites in the Upper Midwest. Library Journal says, “Ernst keeps
getting better with each entry in this fascinating series.” Kathleen has also
written many mysteries for young readers.
Honors for her work include a LOVEY Award and Agatha and Edgar nominations. Kathleen lives and writes in Wisconsin.
Hi! Would you
tell us a little bit about yourself? J
I’m a full-time writer
who’s passionate about historic places and artifacts and the stories they can
tell. I worked at an outdoor museum for
twelve years, and have channeled my memories into the Chloe Ellefson Mysteries. Chloe works as a curator at the same historic
site, and travels to different sites and museums as the series progresses. I’ve written many other books, but this
series comes straight from the heart.
Otherwise…I was born on
the east coast but have lived in Wisconsin for over 30 years, and love it. What little spare time I can find is devoted
to gardening, knitting, rosemaling, and getting outdoors. My husband and I enjoy traveling to the kind
of places I love writing about.
Do you have
anything you would like to say to your readers?
I am enormously grateful
to readers! I dreamed of being a
novelist from a young age, and I wrote novels for 20 years (yes, really) before
getting my first book contract. My newest
book is my 37th, a number I find astonishing. Readers make it possible for me to do what I
love. Thank you!
Please tell us
about your newest release
My new release is The Lacemaker’s Secret, the 9th
Chloe Ellefson Mystery. Here’s the
official scoop:
Museum
Curator Chloe Ellefson needs distraction from the unsettling family secret
she's just learned. It doesn't help that her boyfriend, police officer Roelke
McKenna, has been troubled for weeks and won't say why.
Chloe
hopes a consulting job at Green Bay's Heritage Hill Historical Park, where an
old Belgian-American farmhouse is being restored, will be a relaxing escape.
Instead she discovers a body in a century-old bake oven.
Inspired
by a courageous Belgian woman who survived cholera, famine, and the most
devastating forest fire in American history, Chloe must untangle clues to
reveal secrets old and new . . . before the killer strikes again.
I’m really excited about
this one!
What was the inspiration behind this story?
I’m fascinated by
immigrant history (the museum where I once worked focused on the 19th-century
immigrant experience) and most of the Chloe mysteries feature a particular
ethnic group. Doing a book about Belgian
settlers had long been on my mental list.
Heritage Hill, a State Historical Park in Green Bay, includes a fabulous
restored Belgian Farm. Belgians are not
one of the largest ethnic groups in Wisconsin, so their stories aren’t as well
known as some. They are compelling,
though.
I often feature folk arts
in the Chloe books. Before I had a
chance to do much research, I by chance met someone connected to the lace
collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
She arranged a tour for me, and I was introduced to Belgian bobbin
lace. Not only was it an important
industry for the country, it kept many impoverished girls and women fed. I knew I wanted to include that art in the
book.
Tell us about
your main character.
When the series began,
Chloe Ellefson was starting a new job as curator at Old World Wisconsin and
trying to recover from a bad breakup.
It’s been satisfying to have her create a new life for herself and gain
her equilibrium again over the course of nine books.
Chloe is passionate about
history too, especially digging out the stories of unknown women who might
otherwise be forgotten. She is a
reluctant sleuth who would prefer not to engage in detective work, but in each
mystery her knowledge of the past is essential to solving a crime. She makes a good companion for Police Officer
Roelke McKenna, who is a dedicated cop but has no background in history or
museum work.
Chloe is not afraid to
speak up for what she believes is right—even if it means antagonizing her boss,
Ralph Petty. She can be a little
impetuous but she has a good heart.
What is your
favorite personality trait of your main character?
Chloe follows her
passions and is willing to speak truth to power. She’s also a bit braver than I would be in
dicey situations!
What is your
favorite personality trait of your villain?
A recurring villain is
site director Ralph Petty. Petty is the
quintessential bad boss! He’s described
as a misogynistic micro-managing megalomaniac, and he is a perpetual problem
for Chloe, who can’t quite bring herself to be as subservient as he wishes.
One of your characters
is going on a shopping spree. Where does he/she go and what does he/she buy?
Chloe’s idea of a good
shopping spree would be going to a farmers’ market and stocking up on fresh,
local fruits and veggies. She’s a
vegetarian, and accomplished in historical and multi-ethnic cooking and baking.
Were you
surprised by the behavior of any of your characters or the direction of your
plot at any point while writing?
I don’t outline, so to a
certain extent I always encounter surprises when writing the books. I start by thinking about where my main
characters were emotionally at the end of the previous book, and where I want
them to be at the end of the book I’m about to write. I think about what settings and story ideas
will reflect the struggle the characters will face. Then I wade in and see where the characters
and story take me.
How long did it
take you to write this book?
I’m on a book-a-year
schedule for the Chloe Ellefson series, although I sometimes work on other
projects for other publishers simultaneously. I’m always planning ahead so I
can plant appropriate seeds for future books.
Of all the books out
there, why should readers choose this one? (What makes your book stand out from
the rest?)
Since there are indeed
many wonderful books in the mystery world, I’ve tried to create something
unique. I write about topics and themes
and places I care about. My first job is
to tell a good story, but readers tell me that they love learning something new
in each installment. The stories are
character-driven, with a strong sense of place.
Chloe and cop Roelke McKenna grow and change in each mystery. I hope they are strong enough characters to
admire, but at times vulnerable enough to make readers care about their well
being.
Most of the books include
a strand of historical fiction, so readers actually learn more about the past
than Chloe can do through her research.
And the books provide a glimpse of life behind the scenes in the museum
world.
Is there an
underlying theme in your book? If so, tell us about it and why/if it’s
important to you.
In The Lacemaker’s Secret, the question of spiritual faith is
considered by several characters.
Wisconsin’s Belgian immigrants were generally quite devout, but the
trials they faced provided fictional strain for my main character in the
historical timeline.
When the book opens
Roelke is wrestling with a decision he made in the previous book, Mining For Justice—one that changes the
way he feels about himself as a cop. He
doesn’t feel comfortable attending church…and yet, it just may be that a
friendly priest can help him come to terms with his moral dilemma.
Roelke and Chloe are also
dancing around the idea of getting engaged; the fact that Roelke was raised
Catholic, and Chloe is more of a spiritual free soul, presents a challenge as
well.
Fiction can often
provide powerful life lessons. What message do you hope readers get from your
book?
I write about the past
because I find the lives of so many of the people who have gone before us to be
inspiring. I’d love to think that some
of my characters might inspire readers as well.
I also hope that the
stories show that history matters; that historic places are important and that
old objects can sometimes tell powerful stories. Nothing makes me happier than
hearing from people who read a Chloe mystery and then felt compelled to visit
the featured historic site or explore a topic further.
Is there an author or book that influenced you
or your writing in any way growing up or as an adult?
I often cite Laura
Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series as a major influence. When I was a child in suburban Baltimore, her
books delivered me to other times and places. (I had fun writing Death on the Prairie, the 6th
book in the series, which has Chloe visiting each of the homesites dedicated to
Wilder.)
Do you think you may ever go into another
genre? If so, which one?
I’ve written quite a few
historical novels for young readers, two nonfiction books, and some poetry—so
obviously I enjoy different formats and different audiences. I wish there were more hours in a day…
What is the
hardest part of writing in your opinion?
I love writing
stories. The business end of things can
be challenging.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Disappearing into my
imagination; visiting fascinating places while doing research; meeting
wonderful readers.
Which do you consider more important, plot or
character?
Character!
What advice do you have to offer to an aspiring author?
Take the time to learn your craft. Then learn about the publishing
industry. Believe in yourself and follow
your dreams.
Where can we learn more about you and your books?
Please visit me at kathleenernst.com; or join me
on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/kathleenernst.author/
Random
Quickies!
Favorite kind of
chocolate?
Dark, fair trade,
preferably combined with peanut butter.
Cats or dogs?
Cats. (My name is ROCCO,
and I approve this answer, meow!)
Do you read more than you
write?
No, although I wish I
could! Deadlines are always looming.
Favorite movie?
I like historical dramas
such as Glory, The Last of the Mohicans, Rob Roy, Foyle’s War, and Poldark (TV).
Favorite book to movie?
I’m a fan of Shetland,
Inspector George Gently, and Longmire.
Thank you so much,
Kathleen!
Giveaway time!
Kathleen will give away a
copy of The Lacemaker’s Secret to one lucky commenter!
To enter, leave a comment on
this blog post with your name and email address (entries without email will be
disqualified). For extra entries, you can do any or all of the below:
* Follow my blog (+ 1 point)
* Follow me on Twitter (+ 1 point) (Link: https://twitter.com/RoccoBlogger)
* Tweet about the contest (+ 1 point)
* Friend me on Facebook (+ 1 point) (Link: https://www.facebook.com/ToniLotempio)#!/
* Mention the contest on Facebook (+ 1 point)
* Mention the contest on your blog (+ 1 point)
* Mention the contest on your blog (+ 1 point)
Winner will be chosen at
random using random.org. Don’t forget to
mention all you’ve done in your comment. Good luck! US entries only please!
Contest ends midnight, September 17!
Nice interview, ROCCO! Chloe sounds like a wonderful character, but as another vegetarian who loves farmers' markets what would you expect me to say? Thank you for spotlighting this series. Marla Bradeen: mbradeen [at] yahoo [dot] com
ReplyDeleteMarla - It sounds like we--and Chloe--have some things in common!
DeleteYes--I KNOW an engagement and wedding are coming. And you know my Stoughton plans. Just let me know! Susan Slinde
Deleteslinsl@aol.com Oh--can't wait to read the new book.
What an interesting post, great interview, ROCCO! This is a new series to me and one I will be checking out - I love history.
ReplyDeleteI follow the blog and we are FB friends. Thanks for the giveaway.
sallycootie@gmail.com
I love history too (obviously), and that's a big part of what makes this series so meaningful to write. I hope you give it a try!
DeleteThis is a great series. Well written and quite informative.
ReplyDeleteWe are FB friends and I've linked this to my page.
I visit regularly.
I don't tweet or have a blog
libbydodd at comcast dot net
Hi Libby - thanks for the kind words!
DeleteThe story sounds excellent and I'm loving that cover art as well. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog by email: crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com
I also follow on Twitter: @carlrscott
I tweeted a link to this post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/1041023776538804226
We are also friends on Facebook: (Carl Scott)
Thanks again, have a great weekend!!
Hi Carl - Thanks for the comment! I love the cover art too--each book is bold and graphic. I'll pass your comment on to the designer.
DeleteKathleen Ernst writes books that all ages enjoy. It would be a pleasure to have her book to add to my read pile. I enjoy following your blog by e-mail - robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com, also friends on facebook - Robin L. Coxon.
ReplyDeleteRobin, thanks so much. I love writing for all ages!
DeleteI love your Chloe books and this one sounds like another winner. It is interesting to learn how you select where each book will take place. I am a public librarian and make sure your hooks are on the shelf. I follow you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Librarians are awesome. :>)
DeleteI love the history combined with present day characters in this series. dbahn@iw.net
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're enjoying the series, Dianne!
DeleteI love this series! Thanks, Kathleen, for such terrific reads.
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Thanks, Karen!
DeleteI love all things Chloe. I hope Kathleen lives a long and prolific life. This series is that good. You wait for the next book to come out and devour it in days. Read any one of them and you'll be hooked! So very happy I heard her on WPR. Not sure how I missed this series up until that point.
ReplyDeletecarolameyer@yahoo.com
DeleteOK, you made my day! Thanks so very much for the shout-out.
DeleteI like mysteries that include history.
ReplyDeletesgiden at verizon(.)net
The Chloe Ellefson mysteries should be a good fit then, Sandy!
DeleteI can't wait to read this book! But now I've seen this blog, I think I will have to follow it too, after all, what's better than cats and books?
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Jane! Cats and books, and life is good.
DeleteI really want to own this book, it takes place where I was born and raised. What a interesting post and awesome cover. I love farmers markets, my grandma used to sell produce and knitting she’d take me with her. It was wonderful.thank you for the chance. Here’s hoping.im a Facebook friend, I visit you a lot. I don’t tweet though. No blog either. But I will request my library to buy it. I tell people about it too.i love the history combined with the present. Thank you so much for the chance.
ReplyDeleteDonnamae, asking your library to carry the book is one of the kindest things you can do for an author. Much appreciated! And I hope you particularly enjoy this one.
DeleteI am a big fan of mystery/psychology/horror thrillers! Thank you for the opportunity to win this mystery series! Yes, I am a book store and cats person
ReplyDeleteYou're entered, Emily! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI love Kathleen Ernst's books!! Wisconsin is my adopted state & I attended college at UW-Whitewater which is near Old World WI. I moved 1st to Fond du Lac WI after college & have been in Oshkosh Wi for the last 10 years or so. I used to drive by Old World WI on my way "home" to Woodstock IL. I love it that this contest is here because I also love Toni LoTempio's books - Rocco is one of my favorite cats!! (I tried the FB link, but it said page not available. Not sure how to follow this blog.)
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to hear you're enjoying the books! Wisconsin is also my adopted state, and for 10 years I lived in LaGrange just a bit east of Whitewater.
DeleteGreat interview, Rocco. I really enjoy reading historical fiction and Kathleen is a new author to me. Would love to read "The Lacemakers Secret".
ReplyDeleteRocco, I follow your blog and on Twitter, we are friends on Facebook, shared on Facebook and Twitter.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Dianne - thanks for stopping by! I love historical fiction as well--I got hooked as kid, and it had a lot to do with why I love history.
DeleteI love historical fiction and mysteries and look forward to reading The Lacemaker's Secret.
ReplyDeletesusiesellner@gmail.com
I hope you enjoy, Susie-Q!
DeleteI so enjoy the Chloe series; can't wait for the Lacemaker's Secret to come out. It's incredible what our ancestors went through.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the series! I agree, it is incredible--our ancestors stories are inspiring.
DeleteI have really enjoyed this series! I spent over half my life in Wisconsin and love to hear about the places I remember so fondly. I am looking forward to reading The Lacemakers Secret.
ReplyDeleteJoanne Buchweitz
Joeybz@aol.com
Joanne - So glad the series prompts good memories!
DeleteVery interesting interview. I love this series because one can learn a bit of history while enjoying a good mystery.
ReplyDeleteI follow you blog by email, I follow on twitter, I'm a facebook friend, too.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Sue - I'm delighted! So glad you're enjoying the series.
DeleteI liked meeting you at my library here in my hometown of Lake Mills. I love your books and have several. But I am a student now and can't afford to buy any right now. Would love to have your new book.
ReplyDeleteHi Katherine! Good luck.
DeleteLove the books I have read and I am following on blog,follow email,facebook friend ptclayton2@aol.com Peggy Clayton
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Peggy. Good luck.
DeleteI'd love to have dinner with Chloe & sample all her historical & multi-ethnic cooking.
ReplyDeleteturtle6422(at)gmail(dot)com
Following your blog
Following on Twitter
Tweeted about the contest
Friends on Facebook
Mentioned the contest on Facebook
Hi Jana - incorporating ethnic food traditions is one of the elements I enjoy the most! :>)
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