K Chronicle.com Blog

I read Keef's stuff for free..How does he make any money?"

K Chronicle.com Blog

Thursday, January 26, 2006

*HEY!! I NEED YOUR HELP!!
The C-Ville Weekly in Charlottesville, SC is having a cartoon contest to add a new weekly cartoon to their paper. I NEED YOU TO GO TO THE WEBSITE and vote fer my "(th)ink" strip to be added...Have yer friends, family, significant other, and pet vote too... Here's the link to post to yer browser: http://www.c-ville.com/www/closet/cartoonvote/cartoonvote.asp?Check=True

Also..If you have the time, and you're a member of the cartooning/comic book industry, NOMINATE "THE K CHRONICLES" OR "(TH)INK" (WHICHEVER'S YER FAVORITE) FOR BEST SYNDICATED STRIP OR PANEL, or your humble narrator for BEST CARTOONIST or SPECIAL AWARD FOR HUMOR...Here's the link to post to yer browser:
http://www.harveyawards.org/

I know this is a vain move, but after thirteen years...

*MORE AMAZING "C-WORD" EMAILS!!

>Keef,

Just to wish that everything turns out ok for your wife. I have just one advice - keep her distracted (even if it's hard) - every minute she doesn't think about it is one more minute in her life.

Regards from Portugal,

P.

>Dear Keef -

I hope that today's strip was fiction, but if not... please know that you
have my tearful sympathy and empathy, having been in the same position you
are in now. Will stay anxiously posted.

Keep up the good work!

In Spirit,

A.

>Dear Keef:

I'm a huge fan of the K Chronicles, and I just read the Salon comic for today. I'm so sorry about your wife's medical problem.

I hope everything turns out okay for your wife and yourself.

And I hope they do let you take it home in a jar.

Sincerely,
E.

>Not that an email from a person who enjoys your work (the cell phone in the restroom bit was great) is going to do anything to help; except to let you know people care and empathize. Be strong and we all will hope and pray for a good outcome.

T.

>Good luck, Mr. & Mrs. Keef.

If it's any consolation, I noticed a lump myself, and your strip
prompted me to call the doctor.

Wish us both luck. You might have saved my life.

M.

>Hello Keith,

I went through a similar thing a couple of years ago with my husband - a tumor was discovered in his brain (also at Christmas, oddly enough). Thank God, it was benign, and he's all right now, but those first days were terrifying and overwhelming. I am thinking of you and your wife, and sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery.

T.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

>I can't tell you how much your current "K Chronicles" affected me; my wife was diagnosed in October, and the whole comic was eerily familiar.

What I had to tell you was thats we were figuring out how to deal with it, I told her about this comic I read that talks about "lifes little victories". I told her that, for me, that meant every minute that I still have her.

Good luck to both of you, and thank you.

>We are witchoo, bro.

>Hey there,

I'm a big fan of yours and just wanted to say that I really, really hope everything checks out okay with your wife.

Unhip as it sounds, I'll pray for you guys.

Take care of yourselves.

N.

>I've been reading your comic from the days it first appeared in San Francisco (yeah, it's my adopted hometown too), and today's comic surprised the hell out of me.

Man, this sucks in so many ways. From someone who's been there, done that, and sold the movie rights, hang in there. Both of you. Hold on to the love - but I think you know how to do that.

From my family to yours, best wishes and kick its ass.

-Chris

>I'm so sorry to hear about your wife.

Not to diminish the impact that this has on you and yours, but know that I survived something very similar back in 1998. I had an octopus growing in between my various organs. They beat it into submission with chemo, then removed it.

Keep in mind that a tumor is better than "cancer of the ....." If it stays just a tumor, then they'll be able to remove it and leave her with all of her original hardware.

Please keep a chin up, you guys. It'll be ok.

D.
Loyal reader in San Jose

>I read the comic any time it's on Salon and I've loved every panel so far. It might be silly and pointless for a reader to tell you this, but I'm really sorry about what you and your wife are going through. Take care.

L.
Mexico City
posted by keith at 11:42 PM

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

*EMAILS, EMAILS, EMAILS ABOUT THE "C-Word" STRIP...

I'm sorry If I haven't replied to you, but there's just too many. From the U.S., Europe, South America...EVEN CANADA (gasp!). Thank you. I wanna post em all. I hope you don't mind...

>Hey. I'm a huge fan of your work, only that I can say. You broke my heart with your wife's illness. Please receive all the good will and love I and many many others are capable of giving at you.

Best of luck on this,

--
S. M.

>Hi Keith-
I've been following your comic for a few years now, and I just read the one about your wife's cyst. I've been through a couple of cancer scares, with my wife and with my sister, and while both turned out to be fine and benign, it was terrifying at the time. I wish you and your wife all the best, and I hope that everything turns out well for you both.

Take care,
-m.

>Hi, Keef,

I just read today's comic. I am sorry you are having to go through this.
Good luck to you both, and keep us informed.

Most sincerely,

R.
Columbus, Mississippi

>Hello Keith,

I'm sorry to hear that your wife will need a biopsy. As I'm sure you both
know by now, there's a long path ahead of her with many possible HAPPY
outcomes. I went through all this myself a couple of years ago, and although
I was scared, I had a lot of support from family and medical people. And
even though I turned out to actually have cancer, it turned out to be very
treatable. The only difference in my life now is that I have to take a
hormone pill every day to replace what I lost with the gland.

I just wanted to say that you should take heart in the support of your
family, friends, and doctors, and don't beat yourselves up about being
scared. Scared is normal, and hopeful can often follow soon after. Good luck
to you both.

A big fan, and two-year thyroid cancer survivor,
B.
Redondo Beach, CA

>Keith, I was so sorry to hear of your wife's health worries. Thank you VERY much for sharing it in your strip so we can all tell you how much we've come to care for Kerstin through your strip. I hope it all turns out great and am sending healing thoughts down SF way.

Love,
L.

>Keith,
Just read this week's K Chronicle. Wow, you must have quite an arm, I'd guess that pen felt like ten tons. I'm sorry for your worry. If you take a hiatus you'll be in our thoughts.
May I share my own brush with the C-word? Nine years ago my wife Martha had a precancerous lesion removed from her cervix. Followups were negative, so that was the only treatment she received. She's still fine. Considering that there were moments back then when I'd find myself wondering how on earth I'd adjust to single parenthood -- our first child was nine months old -- I'm amazed now to realize I'd almost forgotten about it. Obviously, I'm wishing the same for you two.
Please give your wife my concern and best wishes, and also keep some for yourself.

T.

>Dear Keith,

I'm sure you don't remember me - I spoke briefly with you at either APE or Wondercon last year. I just saw the comic dealing with your wife's growth, and I wanted to send you guys my best wishes. Good luck to both of you. Your strip brought tears to my eyes, and I can well imagine the terror you are both feeling. I hope that everything turns out well. Please give your wife a hug for me.

Sincerely,

L.

>Keef,

Your comic this week stopped me cold. My and my wife's thoughts and prayers are with you and your lovely wife. I can tell you that we've had some scares in my family this year too. My wife's father is battling cancer and so is my boss. But my father got lucky and his wasn't cancer. You just never know. I know that right now must be crushing for you and your wife, but I try to live by the simple rule that don't worry about something until there's something to worry about...I know that's easier said than done, but it does help.
I've been a Lance Armstrong Foundation volunteer and fundraiser for the past 5 years. It was my way of helping those I care about fight the disease. They're still slugging and so am I. I'll throw a punch for you guys too...and hopefully you won't need it.

Take care and best of luck. Your comic has always been something I look forward to every week. I look forward to hearing that god was just trying to scare the shit out of you for all the sheep jokes. I hear he can be bitchy like that.

Sincerely,

M.
Austin, TX

>Thinking of you and the wife and sending good thoughts your way. My best to you both.

J.

>Dear Keef,

I'm probably like the millionth person to say this, but let me be the million-and-oneth (million-and-first?) . . .

Sorry to hear about your wife's condition, and I wish her a speedy recovery, and to you, as much peace of mind as possible.

Your work on Salon.com is part of what makes me pony up the money to subscribe to that magazine -- I always enjoy it.

I gotta say, the line: "if there's one thing I've learned from this ordeal so far, it's that nothing positive is gonna come out of Googling 'cyst,' 'tumor,' or 'lesion.' ..." is just about the baddest thing that I've read in a while.

Keep up the good work. And your chin.

B.
Northampton, MA, USA

>Keith - or Mr. Knight, since you're now grown up - I've been a fan for years and had the joy of seeing you at the San Diego Comic Con back in 2000. I know that another e-mail from a stranger won't solve anything and may just add to the clog in your inbox, but if it helps then here's my contribution to your pile of well wishes. By sharing your life through your strips, it's like you've grown a nationwide (international?) family. if I may speak for the fam, we're all hoping for the best.

>Hi,

Your comic today hit me really hard. I had testicular cancer 7 years ago, and I remember going through a lot of what you depict.

If it's not too presumptuous of me to offer you and your wife one piece of advice, take advantage of your friends and family: ask for their help and support when you need it, and accept it when it's offered. I guess that's probably a no-brainer for most people, but it wasn't for me.

Best wishes,

D. from Emeryville

>Keith Knight:

I spent New Year's Day in a hospital with my father, who died about 90 minutes after I left. I thought my 2006 started off lousy, but I think you have me beat, judging from today's cartoon. Both my dad and my sister-in-law have been dealing with cancer, so I have some small idea of what you're going through, and all I can say is be strong and let your concern show. I'm a big fan of your work and just wanted to say something to be supportive ... be good and best of luck to both you and your wife.

Cheers,
M.

>Hiya.
I write from Turin, Italy.
I wanted to order a calendar as it was written on your site that for international orders you have to be directly contacted, but it got everything ok wiht paypal, so the order is already on.
I always read your strip on Salon (I find it more difficult to locate (Th)Ink in other mags), today I wish I hadn't. I don't know the exact slang words to say, so... good luck man! Gee, won't sure it be a big little victory? In my city there are going to be Winter Olympics, if you two are in for a trip drop a line for a guide.

Best wishes :-D
D.
Turin, Italy

>I have been reading your comic on salon.com for years, and I always look forward to your irreverent take on life and the world. I was taken aback by today�s installment as it was much more serious than one comes to expect. But, my hat�s off to you for your ability to deal with such a personal subject with just the right balance of funny and sad.

And, my best wishes to your wife and yourself. I look forward to the laughs you will provide when this is all resolved and safely behind you.

-k.

>Keef, I was horrified to read today's strip!

You and Mrs. K are in my thoughts, and I'm hoping they find it's nothing serious and she gets well soon.

G.

>Keith,

I know that there is nothing I can say that will really help, but I am
sorry to hear the bad news that I got from this weeks strip.

Just add me to the long list of people that are hoping that this all works
out well in the end. There are many possible happy endings to the bad story
you and your wife are living right now and I really hope you both have one
of them.

Thanks for all the happiness and laughs that your strip has given me.
People who make a living by smiles are rare, so keep going.

With much concern.

A.

>Hey Keith
all my best to you and your wife
I hope she's OK
love the strip

C.
Mpls

>Keith,

I know at times like this it is difficult to keep smiling, but please know, that whatever happens, you and your wife will manage to deal with it. Also know that there are many people, people you may not even know, such as myself, that have your family's best wishes in their heads and hearts. I wish you love and strength during this time.

Sincerely,
J.

>Bastard. I look forward every week to a new "Chronicles" and now I get a kick in the gut. In all seriousness. My best thoughts for your wife.

It hits home because my wife is going to have surgery on her thyroid. And she/me are nervous. And why do women have to go on the internets to look stuff up? It doesn't help.

Anyway, I really love your work.

>M.

SO MUCH MORE TO COME....

Cheers!
posted by keith at 10:14 PM

*HOLY....COW.

Wow. Thanks to all who are sending their well-wishes to my wife and me and our bad-luck medical issues. It's been really inspirational and amazing.

And thanks to all my cartoonist brethren for calling in and checking on us. All of you rule...

I am gonna post all the messages coming in, cuz it's all really, really cool and generous..and I really want to share. I won't post anybody's name, so don't worry...

Cheers!!

K&K
posted by keith at 12:54 AM

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

*OH..I FORGOT TO MENTION..
That the first day of Wondercon, Friday, Feb. 10th is also the annual Cartoon Art Museum "Comics 4 Comix" Fundraising Spectacular!!

San Francisco's Cartoon Art Museum gallery space is transformed into a comedy club with four great comedians, beer & wine, food provided by local restaurants, plenty o' famous cartoonists..(including folks like Sergio Aragones and me!!), a silent auction of great cartoon art and amazing raffle prizes.

The event starts at 8pm, tix can be procured by going to the cartoon art museum website http://www.cartoonart.org.

I WILL SEE YOU THERE!!

*MORE READER EMAILS...

Dear Keef

..Ikea as the Ring made me laugh so hard. I
love shopping at Ikea's downstairs, but I can't stand the upstairs. I get so
frustrated walking through all those pseudo-rooms. And their meatballs really
are good.

L.
posted by keith at 12:45 AM

Thursday, January 19, 2006

*HEE, HEE, HEE...GOOD STUFF!!

Need a Kidney? - $99999 (marina / cow hollow)
Reply to: sale-124999994@craigslist.org
Date: 2006-01-13, 8:09AM PST

Since my ex of ten years refuses to ever pay a dime of child support for our daughter, although he willingly pays $20K per year for private school for his stepson plus annother $15K per year in airline tickets for the same stepson to fly to Seatlle, WA to visit his Daddy, I need cash for living expenses and would be willing to donate one of my very healthy organs, such as a Kidney...or whatever you need. I am out of options and no longer give a shit.

Please skip the legal advice, been there, done that, no results.

I'm dead serious. Legally I can't SELL it, but I WILL donate it if you pay all my "expenses".
posted by keith at 12:37 AM

*EMAIL OF THE WEEK..

Hi Keef,

Been reading you for a couple of years in Salon, but lost track when I got in financial trouble and couldn't continue my subscription. Just discovered your blog page and had a ball reading your posts instead of doing the updated financials I was supposed to review after lunch. ;)

Sorry to hear you have had medical problems in the family. Amen to the hugging advice - I lost my baby sister at Halloween to a stroke. One day she's there, the next day she's gone. Poof. She was only 47. So even though I'm not a "religious" person, I say thank you to the universe every night when I lay down in my bed, that firstly I HAVE a bed, and that nothing terrible has happened that day. You can't exactly call a non-disaster of a day a little victory, but it beats the alternative.

I can't get the archive links on the right side of the page to work. I get a message at the bottom of the page saying an error occurred while processing my request. In case it is something temporary I will keep trying, but in case you need to fix something I thought I'd better tell you. I'd like to get caught up on your cartoons soon - I have a lot of work here that I don't want to do. ;)

D.from Kentucky

(We'll be sprucing up the website, adding new photos, comics, products and pages in the very new future.-Keef)
posted by keith at 12:21 AM

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

*OKAY, OKAY, OKAY...
Welcome to K Chronicles.com 2006!! Thanks fer stickin' around so long and hello to all you newcomers...

This year is going to be a YEAR OF TRANSITION. Look for new strips, venues, mediums, projects and products throughout the new year. Also..look for plenty of updated pics, comics and krappe on the website.

Here are the list of conventions I'll most likely be attending this year (so look out for me!!)
Feb. 10-12 WONDERCON, San Francisco, CA
Mar. 4 STAPLE, Austin, TX
Mar. 18 ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR, San Francisco, CA
Apr.1-2 EMERALD CITY CON, Seattle, WA
Apr.8-9 ALTERNATIVE PRESS EXPO (APE), San Francisco, CA
June 10-11 MOCCA, New York City
July 20-23 SAN DIEGO COMIC CON, San Diego, CA
Oct. ? STUMPTOWN COMICS FEST, Portland, OR

Also...expect at least one more "Ink, Sweat and Tears" Slideshow/Booktour!!

*HEY!! I'M LOOKING FOR..
an animator to collaborate with...Flash would be cool, but I'm hoping to work with a traditional animator. Either way if you're interested, email me!!

*MY TOP FIVE MOVIES OF LAST YEAR (THAT I CAN REMEMBER) IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER..
-Murderball
-Batman Begins
-The 40 Year Old Virgin
-Grizzly Man
-Brokeback Mountain

*ABOUT THE SPLIT DINER CARTOON...
Ater I said something to the hostess, she started mixing it up a bit...
posted by keith at 1:08 AM

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

*IF YER WONDERING WHY I HAVEN'T POSTED IN 2006 YET...
man...it's been a rough coupla weeks..The wifey's had a medical problem that needed to be taken care of. Some really serious surgery. Heavy, heavy stuff. She's still in the hospital, but she's doing well. Details will surface in some upcoming strips..

All I can say is: hug the ones you love..cuz you never know...

Keef

P.S.
Just reprinted the 2006 Little Victories Calendar..I know it's January, but the peoples just LOVE 'em!! Order yours now!!
posted by keith at 1:28 AM

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

*PSST..YOU HEARD IT HERE, FIRST!!

The Cartoon Art Museum is thrilled to announce its Third Annual Fundraiser with Pixar Animation Studios surveying Twenty Years Behind the Scenes of Pixar's creations on Saturday, February 25th, 2006. We are offering pre-sale tickets to our past attendees for first crack at the latest from these animated geniuses.

As before the event starts at 6pm, gates will open at 5:30pm, with tantalizing hors d'oeuvres and appetizers in the atrium of the Pixar Animation Campus in Emeryville. In addition to the treats, guests can view original artwork by Pixar employees as well as pre-production work from their latest adventure. Last years additions included a story-board corner and the infamous online store only available directly at their campus. At 7pm the presentation will start in Pixar's state of the art 240-seat theater with a new line up of guest speakers followed by coffee, desserts and a bit mingling with the Pixarians.

THIS EVENT IS ALWAYS A SELL-OUT. FOLKS COME IN FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY FOR IT, SO IF YOU WANNA GO, ACT FAST!! GO TO WWW.CARTOONART.ORG FOR MORE DETAILS!!

*EMAIL OF THE WEEK...

hey keith,

it's taken a bit of time, but i finally need to respond to the toon
about the two diners here in cleveland
we were somewhat mortified to read it
no one here in the office goes in there anymore, since a friend of ours
sold it some time ago
tho one of my office mates had an eerily similar experience a few
months ago stopping in on a whim (she a white jewish woman and her
black musician partner and their 10 year old son)
"it was creepy," said she
we showed your toon to our friend, the original owner, who had
previously claimed the place was cursed
this seems to have confirmed it for him
i'm sorry that this is the sort of lasting impression cleveland may
have on you...we struggle with our city on so many levels
i guess i just had to share that

regards,

s. in cleveland
posted by keith at 11:47 PM

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