This morning when my husband and I visited my in-laws' graves, we noticed a young father and his daughter placing flags at their loved ones' headstones. They were kind enough to let me capture the moment.
Hello, Louisiana Educators!
I'll be coming your way soon! Here's all the info:
Hope to see you there!!!
School Visits 2014/2015
It's a wrap-up! The 2013/2014 school year included some fun visits to schools in my own backyard. One of the pleasures of writing books for kids is getting invited to meet my readers. For the last sixteen years I've had that honor. No matter where you're located, if your school would like to be a part of my 2014/2015 schedule, please contact me at kimberlywillisholt@gmail.com.
What Happens When an Editor Interviews One of Her Writers?
A little bit of wicked fun and a few confessions about bad manners. You may have already guessed, my editor, Christy Ottaviano, interviewed me about my new picture book, Dinner With the Highbrows. Christy and I have been working together since 1996. It's a great partnership! Isn't she lovely?
Here's the link to the interview. If you're interested in children's literature, consider clicking LIKE on Christy's Facebook page. Her posts are warm and informative. At the very least you'll get an up-close look at the view from an editor's chair.
Debut Day for Dinner With The Highbrows
My daughter's due date was April 8. She came a little early, but close enough to claim a nine month pregnancy. Dinner With The High Brows has had a longer wait. I sold the story when my daughter was in high school and she's now 27 years old.
Finally the day is here! How ironic, it's on the 8th of April. Although it's not at all like the birth of a daughter, the arrival, for me and the talented Kyrsten Brooker is still a cherished event. I hope you like this topsy-turvy tale about manners.
I Didn't Know That
chickens could growl.
The other day I decided Confederate Jasmine would be nice to look at from my breakfast room window. Off to the nursery I went to select my future view. At home, I positioned a trellis on the fence that borders my neighbor's chicken house. I hammered and hammered and hammered.
I heard a guttural warning from the other side of the fence. Apparently one of the Rhode Island Reds had a problem with the racket. Hopefully she'll forgive me in a few months when the sweet scent is drifting in the air.
By the way, in case you didn't know, Cathy Bonnell is the winner of the 100 dollar gift certificate to The Book Carriage. Now that's something to crow about!
Kyrsten Brooker At Home
Most people find it odd that the illustrator and I don't consult each other during the process of creating a picture book. And some find it perplexing when I say that I think it's the best way to make room for magic. Without exception, each of the illustrators of my stories have managed to delight me with their vision of the text.
Kyrsten Brooker's whimsical interpretation of my words makes me smile and as one reviewer put it, "amp up the madcap humor."
Recently I contacted Kyrsten to ask if she would be my first At Home profile on my new blog. Although she was busy planning a trip to Costa Rica, she agreed. Since this was my first contact with her, I join you as we meet Kyrsten Brooker at home.
Where do you live?
Kyrsten's backyard
I live Edmonton, Canada, in a great community surrounded by ravines and farmland.
Who do you live with?
I live with my husband, John, and two sons, Nicholas (12) and Kieran (9).
Where do you like to work at home and why?
I work in a studio in my basement. I like it because it’s removed from the action of our house , and nobody sees the huge messes I make!
What time of day would we find you there?
When I’m working on a deadline, you’ll find me there very early in the morning – 4 or 5 a.m. I’m my most productive at this time of day, when all is quiet and there are no distractions. I usually work until around 3:00, when my boys come home from school.
Do you listen to music when you work? If so, what kind?
When I’m on the planning and sketch stage of a book, I don’t listen to anything, I need quiet. When I move on to doing the finished artwork, I listen to all sorts of different music, and our public radio station – CBC.
Coffee or Tea?
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee!
Favorite snack while working?
Can’t get crumbs and chocolate thumbprints on my artwork, so I don’t snack while I’m working. When I’m not working, anything salty will do!
How does home feed your work?
To me, home is family. I’m lucky enough to live within 30 minutes of my brother, sisters, parents, and my husband’s family. They are my friends, support system and anchor, without them it would be difficult to work. They are also a huge part of my life experience which I draw upon all the time when creating my illustrations.
What’s around the corner for you?
I’ve just finished the illustrations for a book called Chik Chak Shabbat, by Mara Rockcliff, It’s a wonderful story about celebrating Shabbat, and community. I’m also taking a few printmaking workshops , and would like to start experimenting with using monoprints in my illustration work.
Kyrsten’s collage illustrations have appeared in many award-winning books for children, including The Honeybee Man, a Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the year, and Precious and the Boo-Hag, an American Library Association Notable Children’s Book, School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honour Book.
Win a 100 Hundred Dollar Gift Certificate and Signed Book
How?
Visit my new website.
Tell me what you like about it or what you wish it would include by posting your comment on my Kimberly Willis Holt Books Facebook page.
When?
From now until Monday, March 24, 2014, 8:00 p.m. Central Time .
Who?
All those who post (18 or over) will be entered into a drawing for a signed copy of Dinner with the Highbrows and 100 dollar gift certificate to The Book Carriage in Roanoke, Texas. (Yes, they do ship!)
*While there, please consider clicking LIKE on my Facebook page.
**Scavenger Hunt winners are also eligible.
Winner will be announced Tuesday after 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
Good luck, everybody!
What I Did Between Scavenger Hunt Questions
Posting questions every hour meant I could squeeze in some dandelion pulling. I did this until my neighbor, Penny, said, "I'd leave them alone. They'll die off in the summer anyway."
So I decided to make a wish for you. I wished that you could win a book today at the Scavenger Hunt.
I wished that for each and everyone of you.
Ready to Win?
Details in previous post. Good luck!