Author to discuss new thriller Sat at Crow & Co
Hutchinson author Maria Kelson’s new book, “Not The Killing Kind,” about a mother’s struggle to clear her wrongfully accused son, is due to be released in September. Crow & Co, 2 S Main St., will host a preorder celebration on Saturday, April 20, from noon to 2 p.m.
Kelson previously wrote two well-received books of poetry, “Flexible Bones” and “How Long She'll Last in This World.” “Not The Killing Kind” is her return to fiction.
She describes the book as “A reflection of things from my life that converged. The Redwood tree — I’ve always thought they were mysterious — and human communities that form within environments.” She also cites working with undocumented families to teach the mothers English while the children were in school, drawing inspiration from their skills for meeting economic needs and keeping their families healthy.
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“I was always very aware that there were so many elements of their lives, not visible to the mainstream culture,” she said. “In this book, readers who maybe are not familiar with that experience will see something they weren’t aware of, and for others who are familiar with that life, they will see something of themselves in it.”
Kelson works in Hutchinson Community College’s Online Education Department. Her husband, John Gallagher, is the director of Dillon Nature Center. He has accepted a position in Jackson Hole, Wyo. as the Director of Wildlife Expeditions for the Teton Science Schools. Kelson will continue to work remotely for HCC.
Kelson described several things she will miss about Hutchinson, particularly book clubs. “I’ve been a Monster of the Month club member at Crow & Co since its inception and the Mystery Mavens at the Hutchinson Public Library. I’ve also been a member of the Hutchinson Chapter of Soroptimists. I will miss helping put on the Lunafest Woman’s Film Festival at the Fox.”
The author will discuss the writing process and publishing and answer questions for people who may want to write a book. She also wants to visit and say goodbye to her friends in Hutchinson. The publisher sent bookplates she will sign and personalize for anyone who wants to preorder “Not The Killing Kind.”
“Not The Killing Kind” can be preordered at Crow & Co. Her two poetry books are available through her website, mariakelson.com.