Author discusses writing, publishing during novel pre-order event
Maria Kelson is already an accomplished writer, having penned two poetry books. She branched out into fiction with "Not the Killing Kind," scheduled to be published in September.
On Saturday, she read excerpts from her upcoming novel to a crowd gathered at Crow & Co. Books and fielded audience questions.
"Not The Killing Kind” tells the story of Boots Marez, a single mother who teaches English classes to Latino mothers in northern California. When her adopted son is accused of murder, she uncovers a small town’s secrets and how far she will go to clear his name.
Kelson explained that manuscripts are usually sent to several publishers who select which books they want. The editor who selected “Not the Killing Kind” already knew her poetry and other writing.
She estimated that the novel is “about 80% different” from when she began writing it over a decade ago. Feedback from publishers who didn’t select the book was “conflicting.” Each publisher had something to say, and often, it differed significantly from other publishers’ comments.
Kelson’s input about the book’s cover art influenced the final design. “The publisher requested ideas,” she said. “I submitted photos from Northern California. They did include the Redwood trees. They did use my suggestion of using an off-white background. Usually, thrillers have bright white backgrounds. The silhouette is not a default white person, which matches the main character’s background.”
An audience member asked about the author’s familiarity with police investigations. She explained that the Mystery Writers of America professional organization brings good speakers to discuss specialized topics, including police detectives and FBI agents.
The rights to “Not the Killing Kind”’s audiobook were sold to an audiobook studio. The audiobook is due on September 10, close to the print book’s scheduled publishing date.
Kelson’s husband, John Gallagher, recently resigned as the Dillon Nature Center director for a position in Jackson Hole, Wyo. The couple will move out of state, but Kelson will stay in her position in the online instruction department at Hutchinson Community College.
Kelson signed bookplates for people who pre-ordered "Not the Killing Kind." Crow & Co. Books will hold them until the book arrives and then contact the buyers. The book can still be preordered through Crow & Co. Books at 2 S Main St., (620) 500-5200, at Bookshop.org, and via links to other booksellers at PenguinRandomHouse.com.
Her two poetry books, “Flexible Bones” and “How Long She’ll Last in This World,” are available at Crow & Co. bookstore and through the University of Arizona Press.