Kimberly Willis Holt Books

A DOZEN YEARS OR MAYBE MORE

2011-07-17T15:54:00.000-07:00

WHEN ZACHARY BEAVER CAME TO TOWN recently got a makeover--a new cover and a new available format as an e-book. A lot happens in a dozen years. When the book came out in 1999 I didn't realize I'd written a story that would take me on such a wonderful journey. I've visited schools and stood at the podium at conferences all over this country and beyond the United States. To think, it began with a moment in my childhood.

At thirteen, I visited the Louisiana State Fair and paid two dollars extra to see a sideshow boy. The young man was billed as "The Fattest Teenage Boy in the World." I was fascinated by the experience, but I didn't know twenty-five years later I'd write a story inspired by that moment. In a strange way, the book began there--a thirteen-year-old girl visiting a sideshow. Today I share that story with kids, telling them how powerful their lives are. They might see something today that they write about tomorrow or in a few decades.

I'm thankful for that moment and I'm thankful for a book that has opened doors for me all over this planet. Hopefully that story will continue to stir imaginations. Maybe some kid is downloading that book right now and meeting Zachary Beaver for the very first time. Or maybe he's turning to the last page. Either way, I'm grateful.

NEW LOOK AND NEW BOOK

2011-03-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

PIPER REED, RODEO STAR

2011-03-24T05:09:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I secretly pretended I was a small town girl. And every couple of years, I got to live out that fantasy. My dad's military career meant we didn't get to see my grandparents often, but between his assignments, we visited my grandparents in Forest Hill, Louisiana, population 304. During those times, I rode horses, learned to drive in a pasture, hung out with my cousins. Lots of cousins.

Piper Reed Rodeo Star is inspired by those sweet times. Piper and her sisters spend the Christmas holiday with their grandparents while their parents vacation in Paris. Piper is determined to have adventures while she is there. And wherever Piper goes, adventures follows. I hope you'll enjoy this new story with Piper and discover the virtues of small towns, too.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BERNARD WABER

2009-09-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 85th birthday to Bernard Waber!

Your books make me happy!

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-09-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's visit Captain Kangaroo!

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-08-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's play hopscotch!

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-08-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

let's get ready to go back to school!

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-08-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's celebrate being different!

ARE YOU ONE OF THIS WEEK'S WINNERS?

2009-08-14T07:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following people who won a copy of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy! If your name is listed below, please email your snail mail address to kwhevents@suddenlink.net.

Melissa Kaye

KK

Linda(whose first job was pulling weeds in the soybean fields)

Nita1060

Debbie Archer

If you haven't won yet and have already entered, you are still entered for next week's prize. If you would like to enter, it's not too late. Just post a comment below about your first job. If you are an educator, please include the name of your school and you will also be entered in the drawing for the classroom set of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy.>

Next week's prize is a signed copy of Piper Reed Gets a Job.

POSTCARD FROM THE NEST

2009-08-11T17:13:00.000-07:00

HIS AND HERS

2009-08-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made lamb tandoori. After I pulled the chops from the marinade, I asked Jerry how to heat up the grill. His voice rose a couple of octaves. "Oh, you need the grill?"

"Yes," I told him. "I was going to use my George Foreman but I thought why not use the real thing."

I did not know that my husband was so possessive about the grill until I tried to place the chops over the grids.

"I'll do that," he said, attempting to grab the pan from me.

I pulled the pan from his reach. "I'll do it," I said. I'd gone through a lot of trouble. First I was going to make the sauce from scratch. After checking a cookbook out of the library and trying to find an uncomplicated recipe, I soon realized the reason for Indian restaurants. Then lucky me, I found a tandoori seasoning mix in my local grocery store. After that it was easy, but I'd paid a price to get to this cooking step. Like it or not, I was going to barbecue.

Jerry hovered, watching me as if I'd cut off his oxygen. I sighed, turned the heat up to high and handed him the tongs. "Let them cook two minutes on each side to seal in the juices. Then turn it down to the lowest setting."

"Okay," he said cheerfully. Then the barbecue maniac took over.

Clearly twenty-four years had slipped by without my knowing the barbecue grill was his territory.

I guess I can't blame him. I have my own places acquired by squatter rights.
There is the daybed on the screen porch where I take an occasional nap, and the apple green chair in the family room where I watch television. The third bedroom was converted into my office almost fifteen years ago. And I admit I have an uneasy feeling when I discover Jerry sitting in the bedroom chair where I write. When I do see him plopped there with his feet on my ottoman, I feel a bit like lazy Mazie in Horton Hatches the Egg who claims, "But it's mine!"

Now that I think about it, giving Jerry sole rights to the barbecue grill is a small trade-off for the places I claim--the places that help me create stories or, at the very least, nurture my writer's soul.

Do you have something or some place in your home that belongs only to you?

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-08-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's make shadow puppets!

THIS WEEK'S WINNERS

2009-08-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Here are this week's winners. Each will receive a signed copy of Piper Reed Navy Brat.
If your name is below, please email me at kwhevents@suddenlink.net and send me your snail mail address.

DRD

Paul W Hankins

J. Miskec

Carol (carolscorner.blogspot.com)

Georgette

Congratulations!

If you entered last week and didn't win, your name will be entered for a chance to win next week's prize

If you haven't entered, it's not too late.

Just post a comment below mentioning your first job..

Next week's prize is a signed hardback copy of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy. There will be five winners. If you are an educator, include the name of your school and get a chance at winning a classroom set of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy.

So now, what was your first job?

AN ARTIST AT HOME: LAURIE KELLER

2009-08-06T06:31:00.000-07:00

Where do you work best at home?

I live in a very tiny cottage along Lake Michigan so my "studio" is just a corner of the living room. It's fine for now but when the weather is nice my favorite place to write and sketch is by the lake. It's very peaceful and I just love hearing the waves. When it's time to paint though, I have to head to my corner in the cottage. I have lots of little trinkets on my desk that make me smile. I also have to set up an extra table so I have room to spread out a bit while I paint. I love the cottage (where I'm sacrificing space for location) but do look forward to having a bit bigger house at some point with a great studio.

What time of day would we find you there?

I don't have any set hours when I write or sketch, but I do spend good chunks of time each day working. When I'm in the illustration process though, you'll find me at my desk from early morning till late into the evening for about 3 months. I'm really trying hard to do an overhaul on my working style though. I tend to work on one story at a time for months until it's written, with a deadline set about a year away. Then I work on the dummy for a few weeks. By the time I get to the finished illustrations I usually have about 3 months or less to finish them before my deadline so it's always a race to the finish and everything else in my life falls to the wayside. It's an exhausting way to work and I usually feel pretty burned out for awhile afterward. So NOW, after just finishing another book, my goal (REALLY!) is to get several things written so I can illustrate them at a more leisurely pace and try to have more balance in my life. I always figured most author/illustrators worked the same way but I've met enough of them now to know that most of them have quite "balanced" lives -- raising kids, working, having a social life and all the while making as many (or more) books as I do. It's very inspiring to me!

What is your favorite comfort food while you work?

M&M's (plain or peanut). Since they melt in your mouth, NOT in your hands, they are the perfect food for an illustrator because I've found that publishers don't like your illustrations to be stained with food.

What's on your nightstand? (you may include books as well as other items.)

I have an old chair from a flea market that poses as a nightstand and on it is a clock and a tiny metal lamp (and a bit of dust). Under it are always a few books I work my way through for about 20 minutes each night. Right now I have The Adoration of Jenna Fox, The Not So Big House (ha, go figure!), The Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules and, no kidding, Keeper of the Night by Ms. Kimberly Willis Holt.

How does home feed into your writing?

Ever since moving back to Michigan into this little cottage in the woods, I'm very inspired by nature. It was back in Michigan that I came up with the idea for Do Unto Otters, starring a rabbit and 3 otters. I have several other ideas for stories that I'm playing around with that all star either various woodland animals and bugs or inanimate objects like leaves, acorns and sticks, etc. There's a window by my desk and just outside it I sprinkle lots of critter food so I enjoy watching the deer, turkeys, one rabbit, birds, chipmunks and squirrels that come by every day. I love watching the interaction between them and have gotten to where I recognize certain "regulars" in the yard. They've gotten quite accustomed to seeing me around, too, and don't seem that frightened of me....or my cat. She'll dart at squirrels and they've gotten so used to her that they barely move when she ambushes them. Then she'll just sort of stand there looking around like, "oh, lovely weather we're having, isn't it?"

Laurie Keller is the author/illustrator of 7 books including The Scrambled States of America, Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners, Arnie the Doughnut and Birdy's Smile Book (Fall, 2010). She also illustrated the upcoming book, Me and My Animal Friends (September/2009) by Ralph Covert of Ralph's World. Laurie worked as an illustrator at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, MO and as a freelance illustrator in New York City but now lives back in her home state, Michigan, with her boyfriend Scott and cat, Jules. In her spare time, Laurie enjoys traveling, doing yoga, camping, hiking, biking, playing the banjo and spending time with her 4 year old niece.

Want to know more?

Visit Laurie Keller's Website

and read a wonderful interview about her at Seven Impossible Things before Breakfast.

TOMORROW'S VISITOR

2009-08-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

If I could be Laurie Keller for just one day...I'd start the morning at my local doughnut shop and wait for a glazed with pink sprinkles to talk to me.
I'd walk down the street and listen to the lampposts bend over and tell me what they witnessed during the night. Maybe I wouldn't walk at all. Maybe the sidewalk would move and take me to the grocery store where mangoes and kiwis danced the cha-cha. My head would buzz with funny opportunities all day long.

But alas...I can't even be Laurie Keller for one day. I don't have her zany sense of humor or her brilliant talent for making objects come alive. I will have to be satisfied reading Laurie's books. But that can be a very fun place to be, too.

Tomorrow, we'll fly to a cottage perched on the bank of a lake and visit Laurie Keller as she becomes our next Artist at Home profile.

WE'LL MISS YOU, MAPLE STREET CHILDREN'S BOOK SHOP

2009-08-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

I just learned that one of my favorite bookstores is closing. Maple Street Children's Book Shop in New Orleans has meant a lot to me over the years. Many people think that when a writer sells a book, the publisher sends them on a world-wide tour, but usually there is no tour for the first time author. Thank goodness I knew this and I created my own tour.

There are so many people who were wonderful to me on that 16 day journey from Shreveport to New Orleans. One of them was Cindy Dike, owner of Maple Street Children's Book Shop. My old friend Laurie was living in New Orleans at the time and she suggested I contact their store when my book came out. In March of 1998 I called Cindy to ask if I could do a book signing in her store. Wise Cindy knew people don't usually show up for an unknown writer's signing, but she said, "I'll order some of your books and if you want to do a stock signing you can drop by my store."

She also gave me the name of a school she thought might be interested in an author visit. They were. And as a result of that contact, the local SCBWI group asked me to dinner. A year or so later I returned to Maple Street Book Shop and did a signing. Cindy always welcomed me back. This was a bookstore owner that offered more than books. Cindy opened a door for me in New Orleans. And that's the kind of thing an independent book store does well. They go the extra-mile. They thrive on that old-fashioned way of doing business, creating friendships and playing a huge part in building a writer's career.

If you want to read more about this special bookstore and their future plans, Susan Larson wrote a lovely article about them in the Times Picayune. You can read it here.

AUGUST IS PIPER REED MONTH

2009-08-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

Join the celebration by entering The Piper Reed Giveaways!

Week One: Five Winners will receive a signed hardback copy of Piper Reed Navy Brat

Week Two: Five Winners will receive a signed hardback copy of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy

Week Three: Five Winners will receive a signed hardback copy of Piper Reed Gets a Job

Week Four: Five Winners will receive a Cd of Piper Reed Gets a Job

Educators(only sorry) are also eligible to enter the drawing for a classroom set of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy. (If also entering this contest, please mention your school name, too)

How do you enter?

Answer the question: What was your first job?

Post your answer as a comment below. Enter once and be eligible for each weekly giveaway.

Weekly winners will be chosen randomly and announced Friday.

So what was your first job?

For more information on PIPER REED GETS A JOB.

IT'S THE WEEKEND!

2009-07-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's get swept off our feet!

JUST AROUND THE CORNER

2009-07-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

August is the month of the middle child and you know what that means--PIPER REED Month! I'll be giving away Piper Reed books and CD's. And Square Fish Books has kindly offered to give a classroom set of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy to one lucky educator. So check back for details.

Also next week, author/illustrator, Laurie Keller will be our AT HOME profile. Laurie is one of my favorite picture book people. I can't wait to hear what she has to say about how her home feeds into her writing.

Until then, Happy Friday, good folks!

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LETTER TO A YOUNG WRITER PART TWO

2009-07-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

Today I'm continuing my answers to the young writer who wrote me with publishing questions. One of the questions she asked me about was getting an agent.

Should I get an agent before sending my work to a publisher?

One comment I hear often is that writers can't get an agent unless they have a publisher and they can't get a publisher because they don't have an agent. Now that creates quite a dilemma. It's as if you are staring out a window viewing the world you want to be a part of, but you can't quite find the opening. And I can sympathize. Before I sold my first book, I received more positive feedback from editors than I did from agents. Not that the editors were making any offers, but several of them asked to see my manuscript again if I rewrote. So I rewrote while querying agents. All of them responded with form rejections. The most personal one scribbled, "Nice idea, but not for me."

After I'd been sending out my story for about seven months, I heard an agent speak at a writing conference. I was impressed with the agent and the care she had for her clients. Unfortunately she didn't represent children's writers. Later I asked her if she knew of any agents that did and she gave me the name of another agent. I sent her a query letter and a couple of months later, I had an agent. Many conferences offer appointments with agents for their attendees. Usually those appointments go first. So register early.

I obtained my new agent because a friend kindly recommended me. By then I had several books under my belt.

A couple of sources for agents: If you are writing for children, join Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators/ http://scbwi.org. For the price of the postage you can receive a list of agents who represent children's writers. And for all writers of all genres, check out a copy of 2009 Guide to Literary Agents.

Some more tidbits:

1. How to Be Your Own Literary Agent by Richard Curtis is an excellent book for every writer(even if you already have an agent.) Not only does it explain advances, royalty payments and contracts, it also offers advice for finding representation.

2. A writer/agent relationship is a marriage of sorts. Make sure you have a mutual respect.

3. Never ever pay an agent to read your work or represent you.

4. Did I mention never ever pay an agent to read your work or represent you? I'm astounded how many smart people fall for flattering letters by "agents" who would love to represent them, if only the writer would pay a certain amount. Then they would help the manuscript get in shape and ready for publication. It's hard to get rejection letters, but please resist. No agent is better than a bad agent.

5. Just because you aren't one agent's cup of tea, doesn't mean another agent won't be enthusiastic about representing you. When you get turned down by one agent, move on. Don't get mad and waste anytime fretting.

Another question I received from the young writer concerned age.

Will I have a harder or easier time getting published because of my age?

Publishers don't care how old you are. They just want a good story told in an interesting way. If you happen to be very young or very old, your age might become a marketing asset. (After you sell the book.) But thank goodness unlike some fields, there are no age requirements or limitations.

I hope sharing these answers has helped some of you. At the very least, please know you are not alone looking out the window, longing to be a part of the writing world. The very first step toward getting published is easy. All you have to do is pick up a pen and begin.

HOW 19 JOBS PREPARED ME FOR THE WRITING BUSINESS

2009-07-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

I'll continue my Letter to a Young Writer tomorrow, but today I'm blogging at the southern authors blog, A Good Blog Is Hard To Find.

My post is titled HOW 19 JOBS PREPARED ME FOR THE WRITING BUSINESS. Please join me there.

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THIS MAKES ME SMILE

2009-07-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BEATRIX POTTER!

2009-07-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks for bringing Peter into our lives.

Want more? Head on over to Jama's blog.

LETTER TO A YOUNG WRITER

2009-07-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

During a recent visit, I turned onto my grandfather's driveway from Highway 112. The late afternoon light beaming through the branches looked so magical, I stopped the car and grabbed my camera. If I'd not known my grandfather's home waited around the bend, I could have thought the road was taking me anywhere.

When we start to write it's a little like that. We see the road stretching out before us, but we don't know what's around the bend. Pressing on the accelerator will not necessarily cause the journey to move quicker. By doing so, we may even miss the turnoffs.

Recently I received an email from a young writer. She was writing her second novel and wanted to know how to get published. I answered her questions, but I'm not sure they were the answers she was seeking. I hope she knows that I took her questions seriously. Since this was not the first time I'd received those questions, I thought I'd share the answers here this week.

What are the steps I need to take in getting my book published?

My answer is probably not going to be the one that you expect or want to hear, but the most important step on getting published is not making publishing the focus.

Writing a great story should be the focus of any writer. How do you that? Learn everything you can about the craft. Take writing classes. When I started I took continuing education classes offered by the local college and university.

Except for one class, all the classes were taught by published writers, writers who were still in the publishing game. Some wrote in different genres than I read, but I still listened to what they had to say. The beauty of taking a lot of classes is you will find out that not everyone thinks about the craft the same way. My first piece of fiction was a result of taking an intense two-week workshop from West Texas A&M. I'm sad to say they don't offer that workshop anymore because I grew a lot in those two weeks. Robert Flynn, Clay Reynolds, and Jerry Craven have a gift for writing as well as teaching. I'm proud to have learned from them.

Each of the teachers offered me some wisdom that I still use. Two of the Amarillo College classes, taught by Ivon Cecil were geared toward writing for children. I benefited in more ways than one from that class. A year after Ivon taught me, she invited me to attend her critique group.

Which brings me to my second point. Join a critique group. Ivon, Chery Webster, Pat Willis, and Carol Winn taught me a lot. They'd been meeting years before I joined their group, and their main focus was writing for children. I don't believe you have to be in a group that necessarily writes the genre you're writing, but I think they need to read and respect your genre. And you should read and respect theirs. Otherwise I think you are wasting your time. Critique groups can serve many purposes. One obvious reason is receiving feedback, but another is accountability. Knowing you have some folks waiting to read ten pages every week is a huge motivator. Over the years I belonged to a lot of groups. Some with too many people and sometimes it was just my pal Charlotte and me writing at the McDonald's. All of those minutes were like bricks paving my way to publication.

There are people you may never meet who can give you advice. I must have bought every writing book available at the bookstore. You can find a list of my favorites on my writing tips page.

The better writer you become, the better your chances are at getting published. Publishers are always looking for great talent and fresh new voices, no matter what your age. But you must be ready.

SWEET SATURDAY MORNING

2009-07-26T08:44:00.000-07:00

Signing books in bed, a stroll through Pete's Greenhouse, a visit to Art Walk at Sunset Center, arranging roses= Bliss before noon!

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-07-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Let's go to a wedding(Thanks for this, Kathi Appelt)!

BLOG SNOOP

2009-07-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Oh what fun you will have!

Visit Seussville.

PIPER REED GETS A JOB

2009-07-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the UPS man dropped off my first copy of Piper Reed Gets a Job. This one has a number 3 on the spine, reminding me that even though I'm working on number 5, it's the third story that will debut next month.

Here are some of the early reviews:

Piper Reed is back and is as charming as ever. This time, the spunky Navy brat is determined to earn enough money to purchase a clubhouse for her Gypsy Club. Unfortunately, being a birthday-party planner isn't as easy as she anticipated. Soon the fifth grader finds herself in over her head and still without any money. Can she pull it together in time to find a meeting place for the club members, or will they forever be stuck without a home? Occasional black-and-white line drawings capture the girls' expressions and antics. This book is a good addition to the series and is also a natural for fans of Clementine or Judy Moody, as well as readers ready to step beyond Junie B. Jones.
-- Elizabeth Swistock, Jefferson Madison Regional Library, Charlottesville, VA
School Library Journal

To earn money for a clubhouse where she and her friends can meet outside her crowded home, fifth grader Piper Reed sets herself up as a party planner, substitutes for her babysitting older sister and illustrates her younger sister’s book. Not surprisingly, it doesn’t turn out the way she imagines. Fans of the series will recognize Piper’s family and friends, but new readers can just as easily begin with this third volume. They will recognize her disappointment when the school year begins and she finds herself in the same old classroom, sympathize with her frustration when the only person left for the important biography report is Cyrus McCormick (someone even the librarian has never heard of) and admire the way she almost manages to juggle all her looming deadlines. Although the siblings have the usual disagreements, this is a warm and supportive Navy family, and Piper’s friends, the Gypsy Club, work well together. This is another successful entry in what has become a solid chapter-book series. (Fiction. 8-10)
Kirkus Reviews

Though she hopes that fifth grade will bring a fresh start, Piper faces disappointment at school, where she
struggles with procrastination as well as dyslexia. Meanwhile, she leads her friends in a project to raise
money for a clubhouse, but her efforts at both babysitting and party planning go awry on one disastrous
afternoon. Here, as in the other chapter books in the Piper Reed series, Holt balances serious moments
with wit and creates a convincingly childlike sensibility throughout most of the episodic story. Appearing
on most double-page spreads, Davenier’s lively drawings help bring the characters to life.
— Carolyn Phelan
Booklist

SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO TAKE A BREAK

2009-07-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

If you're a writer, it's easy to get caught up in life between the pages. But sometimes stepping away for a bit feeds the soul and eventually the craft. Yesterday, I worked at pals Charlotte and Daphne's booth, The Shoppe. I had a lot of fun selling their one-of-a-kind jewelery to the educators at the Region 16 conference. Today it's back to Piper, but last night I dreamed of teachers returning to school adorned with colorful beads and silver.

(Cheri on the left, Charlotte on the right)

Last year I wrote about Charlotte and Daphne's shop in my post A PLACE OF THEIR OWN

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WANT TO MAKE THE SNOWY DAY A POSTAGE STAMP?

2009-07-23T06:15:00.000-07:00

Sign the petition to help make it happen.

BITTERSWEET SENDOFF

2009-07-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Picture this—a young woman applies for a job that she believes might be a good way to spend her day. The interviewer informs her, "You have a lot of potential, but you’re not ready for this. Think of our company down the road.”

And so she does. Every year or so, reapplying whenever the position is open. Every time, she's told the same thing—“You're not ready yet.”

She takes other jobs, gaining experience, never forgetting her dream job. Eventually she convinces the employer to hire her on probation.

The job is hard. She almost gives up. Who did she think she was to have such a job? She considers quitting, but one day wakes up and decides no matter what, she will prove to herself that she can handle it.

Some days take her to task, but there is also joy in the process. A few months down the road the boss calls her into his office. She fears the worst, but he announces that he’s pleased with her performance and if she wants the job permanently, it's hers.

That’s the way it was for me and writing The Dowser’s Son. The main character, Amos, entered my life the summer of '97. The story was about dowsing, but it was not this story. I don't regret the time put in with that book because it led to writing The Dowser’s Son . That journey had frequent stops and detours. I wrote other books. Each time I finished, I returned for another attempt.

Recently Christy and I talked about my struggle and we both agree. I wasn't ready to finish this story earlier because I wasn't capable of writing it then. I almost put it aside one more time, but then I told myself if I did that again, I should put it away forever. Otherwise it would always be the book I couldn't write. Giving myself that ultimatum made me truly commit to finishing. There were days I wanted to quit, but I didn't(sometimes that was because my husband, daughter, or friends told me I could accomplish this story.)

Last week I received the galley for the book. Somehow I'd made it to the final stage. It was also the stage when I could make changes for the last time. Shannon and Jerry kindly read the story for the last time, too. I finished at 4:45 Thursday afternoon and drove to the UPS store to make copies. As I finished the task, rain started to pour down in sheets, a rare occurrence in the Panhandle. The weather fit my mood.

Driving though the storm, I headed to FED-EX, reflecting on my journey with Amos. This was the end of the road and I was telling him goodbye. A peace mixed with sadness stirred in me. It was a bittersweet moment leaving that package on the counter.

Each book I write teaches me something. The Dowser’s Son taught me that writers sometimes must wait to write a story. If I’d only known that earlier on the path, I would have saved myself a lot of anguish. But that’s usually the way with life's important lessons, isn't it? We sometimes start off confident that we know the destination, and are quickly knocked down a few pegs. Then when we pick ourselves up and weather the storm, we look back and realize we didn't even notice the clouds rolling in. We were too busy chasing the sun.

THIS AND THAT

2009-07-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

If it's Tuesday, this must be a Piper day. That's the way my life has been the last month or so. I was rewriting the fifth Piper when The Dowser's Son galley arrived. Turn around time: 1 week. So with the Piper manuscript tucked away, I turned my attention to The Dowser's Son. This was an important step--the last time I could make changes.

After sending the galley to Christy, I focused on the acknowledgements for the book. There are always so many people to thank. Then I took the weekend off and yesterday switched my gears back to Piper.

Lately I've felt like an obit columnist, but it seems the older I get, the more people I know or admire or dear to loved ones die. Last week my friend Lois "Sug" Grant lost her young son-in-law to complications caused from Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. He left behind a young wife, daughter and step-daughter.

And Sunday, the Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Frank McCourt left this world. I listened to Angela's Ashes on audio while I was on a book tour for one of my first books. McCourt's soothing voice kept me company as I drove the Louisiana highways and back roads. Somewhere between Winnfield and Monroe I became so caught up in the story that I got lost. Months later I picked up the book and got lost again.

Soon after, I had the pleasure of meeting McCourt during the authors breakfast at the 1998 Texas Book Festival. He was lovely and gracious. I was giddy and starstruck. I wish I'd been more sophisticated and calm. I'm certain I scared the man. But he was unaware of the time we'd spent together on lonely Louisiana back roads. So many times, I've thought of how I would act differently, but this week, I've left those regrets behind. I'm just happy I had the chance to meet him in person. In Angela's Ashes Frank McCourt wrote about his poor Irish childhood. It occured years ago on the other side of the world, but McCourt's moving memoir made this reader wonder about the plight of hunger today in my backyard.

If you haven't read any of his books, please head down to your local bookstore or library. Until then, here's an interview with Frank McCourt on the topic of writing about poverty.

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JULY 20, 1969

2009-07-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Could it have been 40 years ago?

Lets do it again!

HE SOUGHT THE TRUTH

2009-07-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Walter Cronkite

1916-2009

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IT'S THE WEEKEND!

2009-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Let's go the ballet!

FRIDAY'S PEEK

2009-07-17T04:40:00.000-07:00

SPRING 2010

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THURSDAY'S PEEK

2009-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Characters

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WEDNESDAY'S PEEK

2009-07-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Research

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TUESDAY'S PEEK

2009-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Setting

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MONDAY'S PEEK

2009-07-13T06:00:00.000-07:00

It started with a story about water.

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INTRODUCING: A WEEK OF PEEKS

2009-07-11T06:43:00.000-07:00

Starting Monday!

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IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-07-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's celebrate Camille Pissarro's birthday!

AS SOON AS I GET THIS KITE OUT OF THE TREE

2009-07-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

I'll be back with a post. Meanwhile have a great weekend!

Kimberly

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GONE KITE FLYING

2009-07-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

Be back soon!

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-07-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July. Let's take a field trip!

ONE OF THE BEST REASONS

2009-07-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

about living in the Texas Panhandle is the beautiful Palo Duro Canyon.

Palo Duro Canyon

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IN THE GARDEN WITH EUDORA

2009-07-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

While I piddle with my plants, I think about other writers who spent time in the garden.

Eudora Welty shared the love of gardening with her mother. And the love spilled over into her work.

Bloom was everywhere in the streets, wisteria just ending, Confederate jasmine just beginning. And down in the gardens! — they were deep colored as old rugs in the morning and evening shade. Everybody grew some of the best of everybody else's flowers…

Eudora Welty

From her short story, Kin.

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WILL I WIN?

2009-07-01T07:08:00.000-07:00

The summer giveaway is going strong at our local grocery store. For the last month whenever the cashier asks, "Are you playing our game?" I tell her, "Yes."

She hands me a card or two and I drop them into my purse.

Yesterday I asked the cashier, "Is anyone winning yet?"

"Oh, yes," she said. "Someone won the motorcycle yesterday. All the winners are listed on the wall."

That's all it took for me to hurry home and turn my purse upside down. I shook out three. There had to be more than that. I dug through the kitchen junk drawer and checked under books on my nightstand. Can you believe one was being used as a bookmark? Good grief. Opportunity tucked between pages.

I hounded Jerry and Shannon. Shannon handed me six. Had I sent her to the grocery store that many times?

Jerry shrugged and continued reading his book. "I don't have any."

"Are you certain? You sure go to the grocery store a lot."

"I'm not hiding them."

"Okay, I said, "but we're one ticket away from a year's worth of fuel prize."

"Really?"

This morning he found four tickets.

I know how to speak this man's language. You don't live with someone for twenty four years and not know what motivates a person.

It is 9:00 in the morning. I'm supposed to be checking some notes on a map for the historical novel. Instead I'm licking tiny little pieces of paper and fixing them on a game sheet.

But how can I stop? I am one ticket away from the fuel, an IPod, an Apple laptop, and two dollars cash. If only I had one more ticket.

I just remembered. I forgot to buy pine nuts and coffee.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO TIME TRAVEL WITH ME?

2009-06-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

I'm reading the Best American Short Stories of the Century this summer. Want to join me?

The nice thing about short stories is you can slide a few in between your other reading. This anthology is a collection of stories from the Best American Short Stories series which began in 1915.

You don't have to read the stories in order. I usually don't when I'm reading an anthology. My usual ritual is to read the first sentence of each story and then choose where to begin. But this time, I've decided to start with the first story and work my way through to the last that was published in 1999.

If you decide to come along for the journey, don't skip the forward by Katrina Kenison and John Updike's introduction. Kenison tells the history of the series and includes an anecdote about the founder Edward J. O'Brien's meeting a young writer who was so distraught after losing a suitcase of manuscripts, he was considering quiting. O'Brien read the two stories that the young man still had. After O'Brien finished, he was so impressed he made an exception and included a never before published story in the series--Ernest Hemingway's "My Old Man."

I think short stories represent one of the best forms of literature. If you've never given them a chance as a reader, why not pick up a copy of the book and travel through the century with me? I guarantee you'll find a story that will stay with you through a lifetime.

DEADHEADING AND PINCHING BACK

2009-06-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Seems my morning rounds in the yard take longer and longer each day. Not because, I'm watering more, but because the plants are requiring a good pinching back and deadheading. Sometimes I am brutal, not even sparing a slightly faded bloom. Off with his head! I declare while I dig my fingernail into the stem. I know the payoff will be a fuller plant with more flowers.

Sometimes I have trouble sacrificing the blooms. Maybe later, I'll reason, maybe this is the best it will look. Isn't a little color from leggy stems better than nothing?

This dilemma extends beyond the garden. As far as first drafts go, I tend to underwrite. Rich details and developed characters require many drafts. Still there are eliminations to face, pinching back scenes and deadheading needless words. Those acts don't happen without a struggle. Maybe I fall in love with a sentence even though in my gut I know the line doesn't fit the story or character. This happened while writing When Zachary Beaver Came to Town. My editor pointed out a paragraph that she didn't think belonged. "The writing is lovely," she said, "but I just don't think Toby would say that."

I disagreed and decided against cutting it. This went on with each draft--Christy gently pleading for me to revisit the paragraph, me refusing to do surgery. Finally at the last step that I could make changes, she asked, "If you won't cut it, would you consider changing the words a bit so that they sound like something Toby would say?"

This time I reread the part with an open mind. She was right. I cut the sentences. The chapter was better because of it, and of course, ultimately so was the book.

Pruning plants brings forth a bountiful garden. Pruning our writing means reaping rewards, too.

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-06-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's twist!

BLOG SNOOP

2009-06-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

Guess who turned 80 this week?

Happy birthday, Eric Carle!

Send your own good wishes by visiting his blog.

THIS AND THAT

2009-06-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Even though the third Piper series book hasn't come out yet, I'm already busy working on the fifth. That book isn't scheduled for publication until Spring 2011. I've turned in each of the earlier Piper books before their deadlines. Not this one. A draft was due to my editor June 1. I'm still working on the first draft.

I've thought about this story a long time. I always knew it would be a part of the series. I knew the plot points, and of course, I've known the characters for quite a while now. (That's one advantage of a series.) However the historical novel took a chunk out of me. When I finished the copy editing stage, my mind needed to escape. It escaped to a new novel. A few weeks ago, I sobered up from my procrastination daze and returned to the Reed family.

Things have been going nicely, but I was still late. Last week I called my editor and fessed up. "I need more time," I told her.

The reason the series deadline is set in concrete more than my novels is because the illustrator needs to see the story before she begins her work. So my being late affects her, too. Thank goodness my editor gave me more time. Oddly enough, that motivates me. Maybe its because I know I can work with this deadline.

This morning Shannon and I went to a coffee shop and wrote. Before I began I made a web of my thoughts about the upcoming chapter. Kids everywhere are taught this pre-writing tool in school. I learned it later as a writer working on a rewrite. Now I use it every day. The process of brainstorming my ideas and thinking of sensory details before I begin empowers me to write a better first draft. I've discovered the days I don't do it, the manuscript suffers.

There are a lot of nice things in store for Piper. Tim from marketing called yesterday to let me know Holt's plans to work with the domain I registered when I first sold the Piper series. There will be a Piper Reed Club and a poster with curriculum suggestions for teachers using the books in their classroom. Exciting news, but I try to forget every bit of it when I'm writing. Otherwise I'd have trouble moving my pen across the page.

For those of you who are wondering about Jerry's reaction to his birthday gift--he liked it. I think. As I'd mentioned before, for years I'd tried to convince him, with no luck, to get rid of the albums. Then to throw him off, the day before his birthday, I called him at work to plead my case.

"Okay," he said, defeated.

Shannon was listening to my side of the conversation. When I hung up, she said, "You are so bad!"

"No," I said, "I'm so good." Then I did a little jig because I knew the surprise would be a success.

When we saw him drive up, we started playing his Don McLean's American Pie album.

Jerry walked in the house with two empty boxes he'd brought home to remove the albums. He stared at the record player and didn't say a word. I think he was in shock. So I guess he liked it. Either way, we had fun digging out the albums.
The next day we had a small birthday dinner with a few friends. They joined in the fun by bringing their old albums for a spin on the turntable. Not a scratch was heard that night.

RED PATENT DREAMS

2009-06-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

She's worn them almost everyday since she's been home. They look so fresh, so French, so sassy. Last night she left them on the family room floor.

I wondered...

Of course, they didn't fit!

DOESN'T EVERY HOME HAVE A FROG PRINCE?

2009-06-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

I slept late this morning (8:00 is late for me) and I'm rushing out the door to write at a coffee shop. I promise to give you an update on what I'm working on and (if you really care)Jerry's reaction to his birthday gift. But for now I thought I'd leave you with a smile.

PIPER IN PAPERBACK

2009-06-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

There are a couple of reasons for me to celebrate when one of my books gets published in paperback.

1. Not all books make it to paperback so that usually means a book is selling at least well enough to justify the investment of another edition.

2. A paperback means that my book will be affordable to more people.

That said, I'm happy to announce the paperback edition of Piper Reed the Great Gypsy goes on sale today. Get off the bus!

More information on Piper Reed the Great Gypsy.

ANOTHER REASON TO CELEBRATE TODAY

2009-06-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

Hey, Jerry, look what I got some nice folks to do for your big day. Happy birthday, sweetheart!

SHHH...CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET?

2009-06-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

Ever since we've been buying cds, I've tried to convince Jerry that we need to make room to store them by getting rid of our old albums. I think I've finally convinced him. Now I've had a change of heart....guess what he's getting for his birthday?

LEARNING TO SIT

2009-06-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

(painting by Daniel Schwartz)

There are times, I spring from bed, excited to meet up with the page. Those mornings I want to shout to the rising sun, "Hello, world! Life is grand because I'm a writer."

But some days I have to dig for that place inside me where discipline lies, the discipline that I had to develop early on as a writer. Sometimes the simple act of picking up a pen gets me there quickly, but after being on the road or finishing a project, I have to search deep. Thank goodness for apprenticeships.

Recently I mentioned that I'd been writing for fifteen years. Please don't ask me what the first story was about. I don't remember. I quickly abandoned it once I started writing the story I was meant to write. What I do remember very clearly is learning to sit.

Sitting is so much a part of writing and we forget that. Maybe other writers began in a fever, sitting for hours while words dropped on the page. Not me. I had to build up the stamina. I had to learn to sit. Let me confess to you, I started with fifteen minutes. I had wanted to be a writer for so many years, but the mere act of sitting still and writing was overwhelming. My first session I listened from the screen porch for the beep of the stove timer to inform that it was okay to stop. The next day, I sat for thirty minutes. That's how it went for awhile--me sitting for daily sessions that increased by fifteen minutes each day, rewarding myself at the end by driving to the closest Pac-a-Sac and treating myself to a fountain Diet Coke.

Those early days of practicing my craft proved that a writer can reap benefits even by writing the wrong story. Because one day I discovered I was not listening for the timer's beep. Like a child who'd learned to ride a bike without training wheels, I stopped setting the timer. I had learned to sit.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad and Jerry! And to all the readers who happen to be dads, too.

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THREE THUMBS UP

2009-06-20T05:12:00.000-07:00

Last night we had buttered popcorn and M&M's for supper.

This is why:

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IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-06-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's take a break from writing.

BLOG SNOOP

2009-06-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Chris Van Allsburg's birthday. Celebrate by watching a webcast with Chris.

And Deborah Wiles is sharing insight into the process of writing her Sixties Triolgy. Want a peek?

Visit Deborah's blog ONE POMEGRANATE

A WRITER AT HOME: SHARON CREECH

2009-06-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Where do you work best at home?

In our recently renovated home, I have an office which faces a lake, and it is here that I work best. Some writers can work in airports and hotel rooms or curled in bed with a laptop, but I am not one of them. I work best with a view of trees (the lake is a bonus) and with my ‘stuff’ around me: favorite pens, pencils, paper, reference books, family photos, filing cabinets, computer (iMac), printer, and doo-dads (a few small shells, several miniature wood and stone turtles, a George Washington bust, a donkey, stone paperweights, etc.)

What time of day would we find you there?

You would nearly always find me there in the mornings, from about eight o’clock until noon. Many days I am based there until nine in the evening, with frequent breaks (outside to the dock or kayak for an hour or two; to the laundry room; to the kitchen; to the bedroom for a nap.)

What’s your favorite comfort food while you work?

I love wickedly delicious chocolate-covered ginger cookies from Marks & Spencer in England, or Dannon’s vanilla yogurt with almonds tossed in.

What is on your nightstand?

On the top of nightstand: pad of paper, black Japanese pen/pencil holder, alarm clock, reading glasses, four back issues of The New Yorker, latest issue of Publishers’ Weekly and The Horn Book Magazine. On the shelf below: Peace, Locomotion (Woodson), Coming of Age (Terkel), Minders of Make Believe (Marcus), Long Life (Oliver), Show and Tell: Exploring the Fine Art of Children’s Book Illustration (Evans).

How does home feed into your writing?

On a very basic level, I work best when I’m comfortable in my home (the plumbing and heating fixed, the roof repaired, food in the refrigerator, bat out of the bedroom.) The views from my windows (trees, flowers, lake, sky, squirrels, birds, chipmunks) make me constantly aware of the presence of nature and often feed into the sensory level of a story. On a more abstract level, Home is essential to who I am and what I write: in most of my stories, I explore some aspect of home and family and how those shape a person.

Sharon Creech is the author of three picture books and thirteen novels, including the Newbery winning Walk Two Moons, the Newbery Honor book, The Wanderer, and the United Kingdom’s Carnegie Medal book, Ruby Holler. Sharon lived and taught in England and Switzerland for nineteen years. Now she is based in western New York, although she and her husband recently spent a year back in Switzerland and will be returning to England for most of the coming (09-10) school year. Sharon has two grown children and two grandchildren.

Visit Sharon's Website.

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THIS WEEK'S VISITOR

2009-06-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Shortly after Sharon Creech won the Newbery Award, I read Walk Two Moons. One of the great things about awards is they draw attention to a book that might have gone unnoticed. Regardless of the award, I doubt this book would have been ignored. I was so caught up in the main character, Salamanca's journey across the country with her grandparents that I believed in her search along with her.

And that's the kind of writer, Sharon Creech is. She is able to pull you into a character's skin and take part in their longing. Somehow I'd never read Bloomability, but I'm reading it now. As a writer, I'm amazed at how Creech shows a setting through her main character's eyes that I can plainly understand is beautiful, while still understanding that the character is emotionally unattached to the place and doesn't recognize its beauty. Even more remarkable is realizing Creech achieves this in first person.

Whenever I visit schools, students ask, "Have you met any other authors?"

I tell them, "Yes," which interestingly always brings wide eyes and opened mouths. I suppose there are writers who live in little cabins on top of mountains that send their goat to fetch supplies in the village, but I'm not sure who those sort of writers are.

One of the wonderful perks about speaking at conferences is that we get to rub elbows with folks whose books we admire. Sharon Creech is one writer that I haven't had a chance to rub elbows with and wish I had. Of course there was that one time...

The summer of 1999, I was in New Orleans attending the ALA conference. A year before, I'd met Coleen Salley. Coleen lived in the French Quarter and invited me to a party that she was giving for writers and illustrators only. I was given strict orders by her not to bring my editor, agent, or any publishing people. "This party is so everyone can relax and enjoy meeting each other."

My head spins remembering all the talent squeezed in her small apartment on Chartre Street. I was new to this world and everything and everyone seemed part of a dream. How did I end up here standing inches from David Shannon, Jerry and Gloria Jean Pinkney, Esme Raji Codell and so many more? These were people I'd read.

I moved into the courtyard only to bump into more talent. I decided to leave. I know that is not what most of you would do, but there is a shy side to me and the moment was overwhelming. Just as I was about to leave, Sharon Creech and her husband arrived and Coleen was greeting them at the door. I waited a second. Then I said, "Thank you, Coleen, for inviting me. I had a great time."

I floated down Chartre Street, pinching myself as I headed back to my hotel. I just saw Sharon Creech! Moments later it dawned on me that I could have met Sharon Creech. The opportunity had slipped through my fingers. Oh the regrets!

But tomorrow, dear reader, we both get to meet her when Sharon is this week's AT HOME profile. Don't miss the opportunity!

AN ANIVERSARY

2009-06-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Fifteen years ago this week, I started writing. I didn't own a computer, but I had plenty of paper and pens. I sat down at a table on the screen porch and began to put words on a page. When people ask me when did you start writing, I tell them, "June 15, 1994." They want to know how I remember the exact date. I explain that I made a commitment that day. When you really commit to something with your heart and soul, you remember.

It's fifteen years later and guess where I'm heading this morning?

TRANSPLANTING

2009-06-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

When I lived in the Houston area I made frequent trips to visit my grandparents in Forest Hill. All of my grandparents were living then. I was a lucky young woman because of that, and I knew it. I wanted to catch up with the childhood years when living around the world meant rarely seeing them.

I never left those visits empty-handed. My grandparents would send me on my way with treasures in the form of fig preserves, Avon products, or plants.

The camellia and azalea plants my grandfather gave me from his garden transferred beautifully in Houston. Not only were those plants adapting well, but also the wild dogwood my dad dug up from my other grandfather's land. When he died the following October, that dogwood meant even more to me.

Two years later my husband's new job brought us to the Texas Panhandle. The change from zone 8 to zone 6 caused a halt to my plans for a garden that included blooms with family ties. I didn't give up so easily though. Logic told me it would be impossible, but on the ride to our new home, some of those plants were squeezed in next to the luggage. Of course once transplanted, my efforts failed.

My grandfather's roses will grow here. But usually I fly, and packing thorny rose shrubs would prove tricky. So these days when I walk through my grandfather's garden, my mind is filled with pipe dreams and what ifs. I settle on his bench staring at pink camellias and wonder if maybe global warming could work in my favor.

A few years ago my grandfather fell in love with amaryllises. Instead of receiving ties at the holidays, he opened boxes of bulbs. Bulbs grow well here, too. Last week, I didn't come home empty handed. Before I left, my grandfather split open a pod from one of his amaryllis plants and dropped the seeds into my hand.

So often when I'm writing, I come to a roadblock that keeps me from moving in the direction I'd planned. For a while it's frustrating. Just like I stubbornly transported those plants north, I try to make my original plans work. Of course, I fail.

Then something will happen, something seemingly insignificant. Maybe someone will say, "The best time was in the summer when the ladybugs arrived," or maybe I'll notice a group of little kids walking around with flowerpots on their heads. A few days later my observation grows into a possibility and is transplanted onto the page. Many times the new way proves better. And the discovery will feel as triumphant as my grandfather dropping amaryllis seeds into my hand.

JUST POPPING IN

2009-06-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

I try to start writing early on Saturdays, but this morning after I piddled in the garden, I browsed through a new book that I had to share with you. Before leaving Louisiana last week I popped into the bookstore to pick up a book from the regional section. So many wonderful books get overlooked and I've made it a habit to purchase a Louisiana book whenever I visit.

This trip's selection was a bit like buying a grab bag because the shrink wrap kept me from thumbing through the pages. This morning I peeled away the plastic and eureka!I got a prize!

You Are Where You Eat by Elsa Hahne explores recipes and stories around New Orleans neighborhoods. These are not four star restaurant chef's recipes. These recipes represent the melting pot and heart of New Orleans.

Hahne's beautiful book gives a personal view of each cook and offers a glimpse into their neighborhood. Some of the folks have moved to other areas after Katrina and Hahne includes this in the map of the neighborhoods. One of the book's charms comes from the listing of ingredients that each participant considers the Holy Trinity. In New Orleans cooking that usually means onion, bell pepper, celery. But to some of these Crescent City contributors it means something entirely different. To Yeu Jwo ("Yo" Chin) from Metairie it means onion, garlic, and ginger. To Thomas Dugan Westfeldt II from the Garden District it means Tabasco, butter, Worcestershire sauce.

Hahne includes a section in the back where each person recounts the food they lost in their freezer or refrigerator because of the hurricane, proving to writers that emotion can be found in the smallest details.

With this book and Nina Simone singing My Baby Just Cares for Me, I may be a little late getting to work today.

May your weekend be filled with good eating, good music, and a good book!

Kimberly

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-06-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's throw caution to the wind!

Or maybe you're more in the mood for a classic.

BLOG SNOOP

2009-06-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Head on over to Cynthia Leitich Smith's blog, Cynsations to read a fascinating interview with Cynthea Liu in Cyn's post New Voice: Cynthea Liu on Paris Pan Takes the Dare

Here's nice morsel of what you'll find there:

A SHORT STORY ABOUT HENRY MITCHELL

2009-06-10T14:53:00.000-07:00

We call him Pa.

A lot of other folks call him Uncle Henry.

He finds joy in the garden.

And sometimes others join him there.

Photo notes: My grandfather, Henry Mitchell at a party to celebrate his 94th birthday, birthday cakes, and my mom sharing the bench with her dad.

DETOURS

2009-06-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I left my uncle and aunt's home in Fenton, Louisiana and headed back to my grandfather's house. I'd booked a late afternoon flight so that I could visit with him a few more hours. Since I was making good time, I stopped at Glenmora to see the new Rapides Parish Library. This is the library my grandmother visited so it's special to me. Gail Goldberg gave me a tour of the building which is four times the size of the former one. The new library carries more books and also displays art from local artists. Those of you that have read Part of Me might recognize the town of Glenmora, the setting of where the book ends.

After I left, I decided to take Cut-Off Road through the backwoods so that I could stop at Butter's Cemetery and see my grandmother's headstone. I hadn't been to her graveside since her funeral last year. You would think these would be the kind of moments where my writer's cap would be off, but as I left through the cemetery gates, I noticed the house across the street. A sentence came to me and as I drove away I began to chase the new voice.

The sun glistened through the piney-woods as I drove past Hurricane Creek, my grandmother's home, Elwood Southern Baptist Church, plant nursery after nursery. Who was the character speaking to me? What was their story? There was one answer that I already knew. I knew where this story would be set. This is the land of my people and it keeps calling me back. I have a pen in my hand and I'm listening.

Daughter Takes Over

2009-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

When Momma suggested over the phone yesterday that I post on her blog to tell the world my recipe for chocolate mousse, I'm sure she secretly hoped I'd do it before the sun rose.

Don't think so.

I have a lot in common with my mother, but the one thing that we do not share is our bed time. While she struggles to stay awake so she can watch Charlie Rose interview the next greatest intellectual, I am struggling with my decision to settle down with a book or head downtown to meet a friend.

But seeing as I am here to discuss food, not sleeping habits, let's get to it.

This is a variation on a Nigella Lawson recipe. She is one of my culinary idols.

SHANNON'S CHOCOLATE MOUSSE FOR THE LITERARY TYPE (...or chocolate lovers. Usually it's the same thing)

You will need:
11 oz of the bittersweet chocolate (the best you can find)
2 oz of milk chocolate (the best you can find)
3/4 cup of unsalted butter
8 large eggs, separated
scant 1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1 tbs vanilla extract
pinch of salt

Crème fraîche

Raspberries

Melt chocolate and butter in a microwave or double broiler, and let cool. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugars until very thick and pale (like mayonnaise). Stir in the vanilla and salt, and then the cooled chocolate mixture. Whisk the egg whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form, then fold into the chocolate a few dollops at a time. Cover bowl with foil, and chill in the fridge. When ready to eat, dish out the mousse and serve with a big fat spoonful of crème fraîche. Top with raspberries.

96...95...I mean 94

2009-06-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

The last couple of years I've claimed that my grandfather was 95 years old. When I asked him recently if it was indeed his 96th birthday coming up, he said, "NO!"

"Ninty-five?"

"NO!"

It seems my grandfather was born in 1915. So today we are celebrating Henry Mitchell's 94th birthday with a party even though his birthday really was June 2.

Yes, I'm certain of that.

Picture note: (my dad, my mom, me, Pa)

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-06-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's catch the ice cream man!

BLOG SNOOP

2009-06-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

The ladies at Through The Tollbooth are discussing summer writing plans. Let them inspire you!

NOT THAT YOU ASKED, BUT

2009-06-04T05:47:00.000-07:00

I heart pink peonies!

PIPER NEWS!

2009-06-04T04:47:00.000-07:00

There's a strange red-headed lady skipping around the house this week. Could it be because she just heard Piper Reed Navy Brat is on South Dakota's 2009-2010 Prairie Pasque Children’s Master List

and

an Oregon Battle of the Books 2009-2010 Selection?

That must be it.

LOOK AT WHAT I MISSED!

2009-06-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I scouted around the yard, thinking of places to plant morning glories and sunflowers. While searching, I couldn't believe all the things I'd missed last week while intensely working on the manuscript.

The spiderweb under the picnic table.

The climbing peace rose blooming high above the fence.

The Italian parsley grew to blue ribbon size.

My tomatoes have appeared!

And (Groan!) the grass has sprouted at Saint Francis's feet.

A MOVEABLE FEAST....WELL...MEAL WITH KATHI

2009-06-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

We bought our dining room table about ten years ago. The first thing I loved about it was the shape. I'd always wanted a round table so that diners could see everyone else while they ate. Round tables promote conversation and cause us to linger even after our plates are empty.

Saturday night we wouldn't have needed a round table. Kathi arrived in mid-afternoon so our conversation began on the screen porch with glasses of ginger white tea. Our backyard is the prettiest this time of year. The roses bloom so abundantly, they distract attention away from the weeds. Thank goodness! It wouldn't have mattered anyway. We were busy talking about our current projects. Both of us had recently sent our manuscripts to our editors and we were sharing that light feeling writers get when their manuscript is off their desk. It is a sort of false sense of relief because we know the manuscripts will return to us again.

I told Kathi about a thread that I'd added to my historical novel. I hadn't meant to share because I want her to read the book (again) when it's published. But we both agreed that sharing at this late stage is not harmful. It's that early stage when writers haven't put pen to paper and they want to talk out their books. Usually when they do, they never write the story.

At schools, I often tell young writers, "Save the energy for the page." Then Kathi told me about a friend whose dad was a minister. When her friend would ask, "Daddy, what are you going to preach about this Sunday?" her dad would say, "Oh, I can't tell you or the devil will steal it!"

I love that!

An hour or so later we moved to the kitchen so that I could prepare the meal. We popped in Kathi's son Cooper's wonderful new CD and chatted while I chopped tarragon and shallots.

We toasted Kathi's Newbery Honor and ate dinner in the dining room. Then we returned to the screen porch for Shannon's delicious chocolate mousse.

I don't know if Emily Post (or the Countess) would approve of my gift choice for Kathi's departure, but since Kathi wrote the delightful picture book, Watermelon Day I think a watermelon was the perfect thing to send on the road with her.

My hope to each of you this summer is to have a moveable meal with a good friend. And if you are a writer with a great story to tell, don't let the devil steal it!

TRUSTING YOUR OWN GUT

2009-06-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

Today I'm blogging at A GOOD BLOG IS HARD TO FINDWon't you join me there?

HOW TO FEED A NEWBERY HONOR WINNER

2009-05-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

Ok. I know I'm name dropping, but when a friend's book wins a Newbery Honor, there should be some privileges for the folks she knows, right? Kathi Appelt, (did I mention that she's my friend?) is coming to our house today.

We still have to plump the pillows and dust the cobwebs, but supper has been planned for days. Tuesday morning the temperatures were cool so Shannon and I sat out on the *screen porch with wraps, reading cookbooks.

Here's what's going to be on the table:

Tarragon Chicken

Bacon and Hazelnut Leeks

Fresh Sliced Tomatoes with Basil

Chocolate Mousse (prepared by Dessert Master Chef, Shannon)

Recipes brought to you by:

I'll share the highlights next week. I just wish I could share the leftovers with you, too.

Have a good weekend!

* Copy editors prefer screened-in porch. That isn't in the historical, but copy editing is fresh on my mind.

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-05-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Let's yodel!

THE FINISH

2009-05-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

I hesitated about posting the above title because a couple of more steps remain before I can truly claim that this book is finished. But since I've dragged you through the copy-edited stage with me and you've had to put up with reading about my cashew butter binges and excessive pencil sharpening, I thought you might appreciate knowing this part is finished. Whew!

If you think that you're exhausted hearing about it, imagine my poor daughter who became an indentured servant yesterday. Here's a couple of sound bytes:

"Shannon, would you listen to this scene?"

"Shannon, what's another word for bounce?"

"Shannon, could you make some more coffee?"

And then when I'd finished, and a mere hour remained before FEDEX closed, "Shannon, could you count my pages while I change out of my pajamas?"

So please forgive me when I brag about my daughter. Now you know one reason why.

FIRST REVIEW

2009-05-28T18:28:00.000-07:00

This week I received the first review of Piper Reed Gets A Job. Here it is:

Thanks, Ashley!

PROCRASTINATION STARTS WITH A P? RIGHT?

2009-05-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Whenever I get feedback from my editor or copy editor, I quickly open the envelopes and read what they have to say. Then I walk away from their advice for a few days(sometimes a week.) Something powerful happens in that time period. I may be doing other things, but thoughts often drift to my story. Usually when I return to the notes, I'm ready to begin.

Two weeks ago when I received both the copy editor's and the historian's notes, I was a couple of days away from leaving for Shannon's graduation. My mind was consumed with that event. But I read the notes before leaving.

Last week, I started back to work. As I explained in an earlier post, I've been tackling the queries, bird by bird, page by page. Making the changes hasn't been too difficult--

Except for three scenes I need to rewrite to make them historically correct. (I will think twice before covering a twenty-six year span in a story again.) Yesterday I rewrote one of the scenes, but today I'm facing the others. The added pressure of already being late doesn't help.

So what's a writer to do?

Escape to the kitchen a few times to sneak a spoonful of cashew butter.

Watch the birds eat outside my kitchen window.

Light a candle.

Then it's back to work!

At this stage, it's important that I use the same color pencil for my changes. Since the copy editor chose red and my editor chose a regular lead pencil, I selected green. Directions on the copy edited notes request that all queries be answered with a sharp pencil. So whenever I get to those difficult parts, I stop and head toward the sharpener.

Several times in the last few days, I've misplaced that pencil.

Yesterday I was in a panic, searching for it. "Have you seen my pencil?" I asked Shannon.

She laughed. "It's behind your ear."

Was misplacing my pencil wishful thinking? I have an understanding editor, but I doubt she'd appreciate a call from me, stating, "I've lost my green pencil so the manuscript will be even later than I thought."

Such go the days of a procrastinating writer.

But even with all the dread of facing those difficult parts, I've awakened every day, feeling such gratitude for those notes and the people that cared enough to write them.

I THINK I'LL WORK INSIDE TODAY

2009-05-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS, ALICE MUNRO!

2009-05-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday one of my favorite short story writers, Alice Munro, won the Man Booker International Prize for Lifetime Achievement. Congratulations, Ms. Munro!

Last year, I posted about Munro: Alice Munro

TASKS OF ALL KINDS

2009-05-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Even when I'm down to the wire, checking facts and changing words,

the birds have to be fed and

plants must be watered.

Thank goodness the scent of the honeysuckle patch eases me back to the chair and the page.

TIME OUT FOR A WEDDING

2009-05-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

I stopped working early yesterday to attend my friend Debbie's daughter's wedding. Misty was a beautiful bride wearing a dress lovingly designed and sewn by her designer friend.

At the dinner reception, we sat at the table with our friends, Charlotte and Doyle, and Jenny and Jeff. After a night of laughing and dancing, we thought we were party animals. Then we left the building only to discover the sun had not set yet!

Back to work (after barbecue at Rudy's, of course.)

STEP BY STEP

2009-05-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today I'm working on the screen porch as I continue to read my historical manuscript, using the copy editor's and the historian's notes. When I first received them the task seemed overwhelming. But as Anne Lamott says, "Bird by bird."

FLIPPED!

2009-05-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

A little change in the cover for the new Piper coming out this August.

WHISTLE WHILE I WORK

2009-05-23T07:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of deadlines are pending so during the next week or two, the nest will be quieter than usual. But I promise to check in daily to let you know how it's going. So please do check back and let me know how things are going with you, too.

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-05-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's go to a concert!

BLOG SNOOP REPORT

2009-05-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Over at Pen on Fire, you can listen to a podcast with Barbara DeMarco-Barrett moderating a fiction panel featuring Janelle Brown, Bo Caldwell, and Lisa Fugard.

Barbara describes her blog, Pen on Fire:

Occasional ramblings about books, writing and life. Answers to questions raised by students and readers. Musings on the life of a writer. A discussion of the joys and challenges of the writing life. And whatever else comes up.

To listen to the podcast or read some of the interesting posts:

Pen on Fire

A WRITER AT HOME: DEBORAH WILES

2009-05-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Where do you work best at home?

I bought a little house in a little woods five years ago, and I made
the entire living/dining room my office, so I'm going to show you my
office in these photos, and how I've tried to make it a place that's
filled with what's important to me and how it speaks to how I live
and write. I work here, sometimes at the desk (which is an old
door), where I do mostly correspondence and administrative tasks, and
sometimes at the green chaise, where I do most of my writing, on my
laptop. (In the deep winter I switch to the overstuffed pink chair by
the family room fireplace for writing stories, and camp out there
until spring comes again).

My office space is filled with afternoon sun, thanks to three
floor-to-ceiling windows. I can shut the doors at either end, and
enclose myself in my own writing cottage -- no one disturbs me, which
is quite a change from the years I was raising four children and put
a sign on the bedroom door, "Do NOT enter when this door is closed
unless you are bleeding or on fire!" It never worked, but hey -- we
have great stories to tell about those days.

What time of day would we find you there?

I tend to write in white heats; when I am in the midst of a project
that has grabbed me by the heart, I will write for long hours, every
day, and not get up from my chair. I don't recommend this, as it's
not good on the back or the circulation, but it is my way -- I have
to grab that story and sling it to the page, wrestle it before it
gets away from me -- and that includes revision and deadlines... I go
to sleep late and I rise early, eager to get back to the page. I seem
to be programmed to write this way. Then, when it's over, weeks or
(heaven forbid) months later, I am totally exhausted, and I may go a
few weeks without writing anything of real substance on the same
project -- I garden, I work in schools, I recover -- then another
white heat. I journal a lot, though, almost every day. I'm a big
believer in keeping a notebook, into which I put everything -- even
grocery lists.

What is your favorite comfort food while you work at home?

I absolutely love everything that's bad for me in the way of comfort
food. Homemade grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup is a
favorite. If I don't cook for myself every day, I start eating badly
-- whatever's handy. So I also cook great food to eat while I'm
writing. (Not that grilled cheese sandwiches aren't great food!)

How does home feed into your writing?

Home, family, and routine feed me, comfort me, ground me, and fuel my
writing. I also write in airports, hotel rooms, and sometimes I go to
coffee shops in my hometown, but there is a special vibe at
home. E.B. White said something once in an essay about writing at
the dining room table sometimes, where the household tides ran the
strongest. I feel that way, too. We have friends over quite a bit,
play music together, cook, catch up, and create wonderful memories.
Then I go back to the page, refreshed.

I've surrounded myself with photos and momentos from family, school
visits, friends, travels, and in no particular order... I think life
is like that (and so are my notebooks) -- there is no real order to
it. I have to structure a story (I think that's part of why I write
in white heats -- structure is hard for me, and I must stick with
it), but a life is lived in the midst of all kinds of delicate,
strong, terrible, wonderful, challenging, terrific, delicious
events... and I want home to reflect that -- in a serene way! I hope
that makes sense... whatever it is, it's all the stuff of story.

Deborah Wiles is the author of three novels and two
picture books. Each Little Bird That Sings was a National Book Award
Finalist and winner of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award. Next year
Deborah publishes the first of three books for young readers in The
Sixties Trilogy: Three Novels of the 1960s for Young Readers. She
lives in Atlanta with her husband, Jim Pearce, a jazz musician. Three of her
four grown children live nearby. They still waltz through her closed
office doors to visit, and she still asks them if they are bleeding
or on fire. She is always glad to see them.

Visit Deborah's website and blog.

And while you're at it, visit Jim's website, too.

Did you miss Gail Carson Levine's AT HOME profile?

THIS WEEK'S VISITOR

2009-05-20T08:26:00.000-07:00

A few years ago a woman approached me at a conference. She said, "I'm hearing a lot of good things about Each Little Bird That Sings."

"Thank you," I said, "But I'm afraid I didn't write that book."

I'd been mistaken for Deborah Wiles before. It always puzzled me because we really don't look alike. But after last summer, I've decided that Deborah and I were hatched from the same egg.

Even though we'd spoken on a few panels together, Deborah and I really hadn't shared any personal time. But the death of our dear friend, Coleen Salley changed that. The night before her funeral in New Orleans, I met Deborah at the Lafitte Guest House where she was staying. We walked down Bourbon Street, crossed Esplanade and strolled through the neighborhood of bungalows. It was late September when the Crescent City's summer evenings are the best--warm and filled with the fragrance of orange jasmine. Jazz music drifted from the small clubs as we talked. Both of our fathers had served in the military, causing us to move often. And we both claimed the south as home because it was the place where we always returned.

By the time we reached the Indian restaurant, we'd learned that we cared about the same things--the South, family, and our affection for the late great Coleen Salley. I'm sure Coleen is smiling, knowing that her funeral made it possible for Deborah and I to finally break bread together.

It's nice to become friends with someone whose work I admire. And it's extra special when she allows me a peek into her process. You can have a peek, too. Join me tomorrow when I visit Deborah Wiles' southern home and she becomes this week's AT HOME profile.

MISPLACED THINGS

2009-05-19T06:26:00.000-07:00

It was my daughter's graduation day and I'd misplaced the camera. After turning the hotel room's drawers upside down, I retraced my steps, thinking of the last time I'd used it. I remembered placing it on a chair at Shannon's apartment the day before. We called her. She did a quick search, but she couldn't find it anywhere. Moments away from leaving for one of the biggest events in her life(and ours)and we'd have no photos for memories.

The realization of the missing camera gave me an even greater sense of loss. When my daughter was a baby, a friend who had adult children told me, "You start letting go of your children the day they are born." That was wise advise, but that morning my mind was consumed with regrets that extended beyond the camera.

I wished I'd realized that every moment of childhood was precious and that things I thought mattered didn't amount to a hill of beans. I wish that I hadn't traveled so much even though Shannon convinced me she was so busy that the time flew when I was away. Over the years I'd missed some of her school events. And had she forgotten about the choir dress that didn't fit the day of the recital? I was visiting a school in the Dallas area that day. Some of my regrets bordered on the ridiculous. Does it really matter that I opted for store bought birthday cakes instead of baking one? All those thoughts made me feel like I'd somehow misplaced my years of motherhood.

Before heading to the coliseum we swung by my daughter's apartment complex to pick up her camera. She met us at the bottom of the stairs. I don't know who I was expecting to meet us--the little girl with a china doll cut and overalls or the twelve-year old with braces and purple rubber bands. Those girls didn't show. In their place was a lovely young woman, dressed in a white strapless dress and red shoes. Her steps projected confidence and joy. She handed us her camera and right there in the middle of the parking lot we had a big family hug. Somehow through all the missed events, ill-fitting choir dresses and store-bought birthday cakes, we'd arrived at this moment. And it was a good one.

Later my daughter found my camera. It was in the glove compartment of our rental car. I hadn't lost it after all. And the daughter? She may be grown but I haven't lost her either.

A PROUD MOMENT

2009-05-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

IT'S THE WEEKEND

2009-05-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

Let's learn to cook!