A NEW YORK CHRISTMAS

Who would have thought we'd have to return home to find snow?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

From our home to yours!

Best wishes,

Kimberly, Jerry, Shannon,
and Bronte

THE NAPPING HOUSE

The sneaky photographer!

PIPER REED NAVY BRAT BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

When I first thought about going on a blog tour, I was concerned that I'd be asked the same questions at each stop. Instead each blogger wanted to know different things about the story. Some asked about base life. Others wanted to know about my decision to give Piper a learning disability. A few inquired about my writing process.

The interviewers varied as well. One mom joined up with her son to ask questions, while one blogger invited her readers to do the interview. This has been a fun experience for me. I hope you enjoy the journey, too.

Here's the schedule as it stands today. Some additions might happen along the way. If they do, I'll keep you posted.

Monday, December 17

A Texan Abroad

http://atexanabroad.blogspot.com/


Tuesday, December 18

Kim Stagliano

www.kimstagliano.blogspot.com

The Karianna Spectrum

www.karianna.us/blog/archives/2007/12/interview_with_kimberly_willis_1.html


Wednesday, December 19

Cynsations

http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/

Viva La Feminista

vivalafeminista.blogspot.com

All 4 My Gals

http://all4gals.blogspot.com


Thursday, December 20

Scribbly Katia

http://katianovetsaintlot.blogpot.com

Offsprung

www.offsprung.com

Xialinmama

www.xiaolinmama.com

THE CRUSH STARTED HERE

with him.

FOUR MORE DAYS

until the Piper Reed Navy Brat Blog Tour begins. The schedule goes up in the next couple of days. Check back soon!

DECEMBER GIVEAWAY

To have a chance at winning a signed hardback copy of When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, email your name and snail mail address to kwhevents@suddenlink.net. Write CONTEST in the subject line. The deadline is 5:00 pm, Thursday, December 13th. Three names will be drawn as the winners. Good luck!

REREADING BOOKS

When I was about ten or eleven, I discovered Little Women at the library. I reread it so many times that my dad said, "You know, there are other books."

But back then that was the only book I wanted to read. After my dad's comment, imagine my surprise, a few years later, to find a copy of this beloved story waiting for me under the Christmas tree.

When I visit schools, I ask kids if they ever reread books. Many tell me they do. I believe we find comfort in returning to a favorite. We know what to expect and the story gives us what we need at that time. Often we find the unexpected too--something on the pages we'd missed on a previous read. This holiday season, I wish for you a happy reunion with an old favorite.



**December Giveaway** details coming soon. Stay turned!

I CAN'T HELP BUT SMILE

at the Gigglens reader Helen McClure made for me. One is of Bronte reading her er...um...favorite book. The other is of me with my writing companion, trying to find the right word.

IN TEN MORE DAYS

In ten more days, the Piper Reed Navy Brat Blog Tour begins. More details coming soon.

I HAVE A CRUSH

on snowmen!

GOOD NEWS FOR PIPER!

Piper Reed Navy Brat is a 2008/2009 nominee for New Mexico's Land of Enchantment Children's Book Award. Thanks, New Mexico, for giving Piper this honor!

THANKS!

What's it like to have live classical music played at a signing? I found out yesterday when I had a signing at the Amarillo Barnes and Noble Store. The Amarillo High School Symphony was marvelous and added a festive touch to the day.
Of course, they weren't there for me, but I can pretend, can't I?

I appreciate everyone that attended, but I especially was touched by the folks who drove 90 minutes to get to the event. Talk about making me feel special.

I also owe a big ongoing thanks to Community Relations Manager Jim Gleason and his co-workers. They always make me feel welcome and are so good to keep each of my books in stock all year long. Thanks for all your hard work! The picture above is with Jim and assistant manager(and friend and neighbor)Norma Smith.