I won.

When you read that, how do you hear it? If it’s something in your mind like a soft, shocked whisper, the kind of sound you hear when someone speaks in the stillness of a slow snowfall, then you’re pretty close to how I’m hearing myself say it. I won. I won… I won? ...I WON!?! 

Whether it’s the Sword and Laser’s Tom and Veronica, journalist Alicia Smock, or other authors mentioning my name in their own reader updates or raffle videos, the experience of being exposed and showered with praise for my story has really validated all this hard work I’ve done.

And, …. wow… this campaign has been some hard work.

Somewhere in an article or something I said to somebody that I was back on what I call “The Skyrim Sleeping Schedule.” (I’m sure some former students of mine will recall EXACTLY how loopy I got soon after 11/11/11.) Basically 4 to 5 hours of fitful sleep every night for the past month has really racked my body. Even as I type this, my mind’s eye glances over its shoulder and sees my body tapping its watch, shaking its head. I hear it say “Joe, it’s time, man.” And I’m like, “Hey, wait! I got a raffle video to do! Six new winners, six more $20 giftcard giveaways, six titles gone from my priceless video game collection!” But in this vision, my body wraps its arm warmly around me and escorts me from the premises of health, and it says, “Maybe this weekend, pal.” So I’m about to give in and just get sick…

I am utterly exhausted. ...and I’m kind of numb. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m typing this all right now secretly from my work cubicle, clicking back to the work window whene….. …. …. …. ver someone walks by. But right at this moment, I can’t celebrate. I’m happy. I’m BEYOND EUPHORIA, in fact, but I can’t jump for joy just yet.

I haven’t yet mastered the art of embedding gifs or whatever the cool kids are doing these days - so this little graphic here will have to do to express my current state of existence:

(!!!!)

(What? I’m a man of letters, I tell ya!)

“Thank you all so much.” I know that track’s been on repeat for quite some time, but there’s no other phrase that can contain all of my feelings and gratitude toward your support. Thank you.

Dear Readers,

You amazing, fantastic, beautiful humans!!! WE DID IT!!!!! WE DID IT IN 3 DAYS!!!!!! Do you know how wonderful you are? You made my dream come true today, and I am grateful beyond measure!

Today is a day of great hope. There have been far too many times in my life, and in yours I'm sure, where others have told you that my dream was impossible.  That I weren't smart enough, strong enough or good enough for my dream to come to fruition.  It happened to me while I was healing after this accident, it happened while I was pitching this book - and both times I considered giving up.  But luckily, somewhere inside of me there was this well of hope that wouldn't let me give up - and here I am living, walking and going to publish a book! 

Please take a good hard look at what happened over the last three days, and know in your heart that no matter what anyone else says - there is always hope. 

Also, if you have a minute, can you give yourself the BIGGEST hug. The hug is from me, and make it a good one, because I REALLY mean it.

Love,

Katie 

#Katie1Truck0

Holy. Moly. You wonderful, generous readers! Thank you so much for taking the time to read, comment, and purchase How to Get Run Over by a Truck! With your incredible support we have been able to pre-sell 375 copies of this memoir in less than 36 hours! 

Although I am over the moon about the number of copies that have sold, what I am even more moved by is the number of you who have reached out to share your own "truck" story. Many of you have told me that the first chapter spoke to you, inspired you and even made you feel less alone.  I am so grateful for your generosity of spirit, and for believing in this project, and in me!  With your support, I know that we will achieve the goal of 750 pre-sales! 

Thank you so much! This has been an incredible 36 hours, and its all because of you!! 

Heart,

Katie 

Happy New Year!

So much going on! I hope your year is starting well. I’d like to ask if you would be willing  to take a moment to help me with a design and marketing decision for the second printing (woo-hoo!) of  One Murder More. Very excited that it will be “trade paper”—lighter, less expensive than hard copy & favored by many readers and independent bookstores!  But it does mean that the cover must be redesigned. The distinctive red color and car images of  the First Edition hardback will remain.  But since there is no book jacket (and, thus, no "inside flaps" of the jacket) on a soft cover, all narrative must now be on the front cover, back cover and inside pages of the new format.

Challenge: I’ve been fortunate to receive many generous reviews and quotes about the book.  I’m having trouble deciding which ones to feature in the new format. Any input you have would be greatly appreciated.

Goal: To select *2-3 brief, bold eye-catching quotes for the front cover  and *3-4 strong, strong (did I say strong?) quotes for the back cover. Back cover will also contain the book's synopsis, my bio and photo. 

Your role:  Below are options, in no particular order (not ranked). They are numbered for your convenience in responding, reference preferred quote(s) by number. Which 3-4 are your favorites, the ones that you feel would most motivate a potential reader to pick up and buy the book?  (You may want to consider the content of the quote and whether the person/media outlet that provides it would influence you.)   Any preference for front/back cover placement? ;

PLEASE SEND YOUR CHOICES TO ME VIA EMAIL at kris@kriscalvin.com or share them in the COMMENTS section above  this Update on my Inkshares page. 

Thank you SO MUCH, as always, for your wisdom and support!  Kris

SHORT CLIPS:

1.     “Crisp and entertaining…Kris Calvin sets herself apart as a writer to watch…”—John Lescroart 

2. “Gasp-worthy twists...a real treat of a debut…”—Catriona McPherson

3. “An irresistible political thriller that reminds me of House of Cards.” —Robert Dugoni

LONGER ;

4.  “An emotionally rich and gripping novel that tracks through intrigue, missteps, and false leads to the credible solving of a brutal murder... Meet Maren Kane, and hope you get to see her in action again.”—Kirk Russell, 

5. “From the first page to the last sentence, I was enthralled with this book… it really delivered. One Murder More is truly a great start to what will no doubt be an amazing series by Kris Calvin.” Victoria Colleti, Art Books Coffee

6. “Read One Murder More for Kris Calvin’s details on political life. Read it for the characters that all stand up in an emotionally rich and gripping novel that tracks through intrigue, missteps, and false leads to the credible solving of a brutal murder. And meet Maren Kane, and hope you get to see her in action again.” Kirk Russell, author of John Marquez mystery/crime fiction thriller

7.“A political thriller with an edge… Kris Calvin has the background and know-how about politics, and will keep readers guessing with every page.” —Woman Around Town

8. “Kris Calvin’s debut novel One Murder More will captivate fans of murder mysteries and thrillers alike. With her natural ability to weave an intricate and intriguing storyline, she has established herself as an accomplished and talented addition to the world of murder and suspense…” Skin Deep Exposure Magazine

9. “In One Murder More, Kris Calvin gives us a front-row seat in California’s capitol and exposes the underbelly of the state’s political machine. An irresistible political thriller that reminds me of House of Cards.” Robert Dugoni, New York Times Bestselling Author

10. “I’d have read One Murder More for the setting alone—who could resist such a detailed peek along the corridors of power? ... Totally satisfying.” —Catriona McPherson, Multi-Award-Winning Author

10. “One Murder More investigates the lengths to which some people will go in the pursuit of money and power, while never forgetting the human element of its large-hearted protagonist as she navigates the treacherous, even life-threatening terrain of state politics... a standout amongst political mysteries.” —Criminal Element

11. “A smart, fast-paced mystery… will keep you up reading all night.” —Eileen Rendahl, National Bestselling and Award-Winning Author

12. “In One Murder More, Kris Calvin gives us a front-row seat in California’s capitol and exposes the underbelly of the state’s political machine. An irresistible political thriller that reminds me of House of Cards.” —Robert Dugoni, #1 Amazon and New York Times Bestselling Author of My Sister’s Grave

13. “One Murder More investigates the lengths to which some people will go in the pursuit of money and power, while never forgetting the human element of its large-hearted protagonist as she navigates the treacherous, even life-threatening terrain of state politics. The well-drawn setting makes it a standout amongst political mysteries, lending authenticity to the proceedings and providing fascinating insight to the workings of state government.” —Criminal Element

14. “I’d have read One Murder More for the setting alone—who could resist such a detailed peek along the corridors of power? But add a complex and engaging protagonist, a crisp plot with a couple of gasp-worthy twists, and a fully realized set of relationships and you've got a real treat of a debut. Totally satisfying.” —Catriona McPherson, Multi-Award-Winning Author of Dandy Gilver Mystery series & multiple stand-alone suspense novels

15. “One Murder More is a smart, fast-paced mystery. Calvin's insider knowledge and keen eye for detail make for a heady combination, one that will keep you up reading all night.” —Eileen Rendahl, National Bestselling and Award-Winning Author

16. “Kris Calvin’s debut novel will captivate fans of murder mysteries and thrillers alike. With her natural ability to weave an intricate and intriguing storyline, she has established herself as an accomplished and talented addition to the world of murder and suspense.” —Skin Deep Exposures Magazine

17. “Debut author Kris Calvin so skillfully writes One Murder More that readers might expect her characters to escape the pages and be found in the actual avenues and halls of California’s capital!” Spring Warren, Award-Winning Author

Many people are talking about changes for the new year, but my internal clock runs on a different cycle. I start to think about what is passing from my life and what is to come next when the leaves start to change colors. While the trees are bare and you can see every fractal of nature in their branches, I'm deep in my own head, tending to seeds that won't sprout for a while.  It won't be for a few months yet that I'll come out of my head and maybe you'll see a little green here and there. Then it will be time to start over again! Who am I kidding? I spend most of my life in my head. I like it that way.

There are some writing seeds that have taken shape that you may start to see draft chapters of around summer. I've been swimming in a sea of Southern Gothic fiction lately: Cormac McCarthy and Flannery O'Connor, mostly. I've re-read Beloved and Song of Solomon byToni Morrison fit and even given  Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee another romp to consider whether it might have been called Southern Gothic if it had more care and feeding when Lee first took it up.  The subject matter is often gruesome, but it resonates with me as truth. Having grown up in the South, I see people I've known - many to whom I am related! - in these characters and I love to hate them. Words beget words, and the more I read the more I write. Got Down on my Knees is happening, slowly but steadily. 

And people are saying nice things about Wailing Wall on GoodReads and Amazon! I've also gotten emails from many people saying the story hit home for them: either from their own loss, addiction or parenting. There is no greater honor than knowing that this story has connected with so many people. Human connection, I'm convinced, is why we write. Let me hear from you, won't you?

~D