Kate Willis's Blog, page 100
July 21, 2017
A Tale of Two Beginnings
I quake in my metaphorical boots every time I share an excerpt with you all because a) it hasn’t been through a million rounds of editing yet and is definitely cringeworthy, so b) I’ll probably change it at some point.
Last year, about this same time, I took the plunge and published the first scene of my WIP “Kiera” for all of you to see. (Here’s a link if you missed it.) And I did change it.
I enjoyed writing all the sensory descriptions and setting a peaceful but intriguing tone. Several others who gave me feedback loved these aspects as well; but as I recently turned to editing it, I realized it was lacking a few important aspects for a solid first scene.
So I rewrote it. 
July 19, 2017
Book Review: The World of Pooh
[image error]“Here’s where Pooh’s adventures all began. Published in 1926, this is the original Winnie-the-Pooh with illustrations by Ernest H. Shepard. Beginning with “Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees,” here are ten classic tales featuring the whole gang: Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Little Roo, and Christopher Robin. Rmember when Pooh visits Rabbit and “gets into a tight place” as he attempts to enter Rabbit’s house? Remember Eeyore’s very eventful birthday party? Piglet’s water-filled rescue? The beloved stories are all here, as A.A. Milne wrote them more than 70 years ago.” (from Goodreads)
I got to rediscover the 100 Acre Wood with my youngest sister. ❤ Here’s what we thought…
Our Review
We love it! It was the little sister’s first time hearing a lot of the stories. We like the relationship of Pooh and Christopher Robin and all the others and all the others. It was funny how all the animals sign their names because they can’t spell. We’ve played Pooh sticks before. Eeyore was actually really funny like how sarcastic he was. We cried at the end.
My Review
To tell the truth, I want to be Winnie-the-Pooh when I grow up. For a bear of very little brain, he’s got a lot of heart. He’s loyal, adorably honest, and a good friend to everyone. In fact, of all the characters, he’s probably the least remarkable or unusual; but his blundering, good-natured contentedness is what makes the story (with a little help from the delightful others, mainly Piglet and Eeyore). As an artist myself, I enjoyed Pooh Bear’s poetry and how he claimed you don’t make poetry it “just comes”. And the literary quality! Oh, I loved every minute.
July 17, 2017
The #Voices of YA Tag
Zane from Simple Impossibilities (a super awesome blog) did this blog tag the other day and left it open for anyone to consider themselves tagged. 
July 14, 2017
Sarah Holman Interview
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Today I’m excited to be interviewing author Sarah Holman and introducing you to her latest book in the Tales of Taelis series!
July 12, 2017
Book Review: Martin and Marco
[image error]“The Lord of the Rings meets Calvin and Hobbes in The Dragon Lord Saga, a new five-part graphic novel series from Jonny Jimison!
Martin the soldier wants an adventure. Marco the stableboy wants to stay at home. Adventure takes them both by surprise as they encounter all the dragons, curses, thieves, and monsters the outside world can throw at them.” (from Goodreads)
Filled with danger, the occasional dragon, and a lot of humor, this was a fun read. My younger sister and I were in stitches over some of the lines, especially the exchanges between the brothers. My favorite character was Marco (darling eleven-year-old). He was so cute reading in the stable, “not hiding” under the bed, and discovering he had a slightly rotten talking horse.
July 10, 2017
My Weekend at the Generation Rising Authors Booth
Last weekend, six independent authors and I came together to form a booth at our local homeschool convention selling ten different titles. We had a profitable and encouraging weekend (and a ton of goofy fun to boot)! Here’s a recap.
July 7, 2017
Convention Time!
I’ve been at the convention all day and will be again tomorrow!
July 5, 2017
Book Review: The Mystery of the Mansion
[image error]“Attacked by a bear, Hunted by murderers, Trapped in a Secret Room… Why did Nookie murder Don? Why were Brian and John captured? And how will they escape? When Brian and John meet up with a bear, get chased by two murderers, and are captured in an underground chamber, things look pretty hopeless. How will they find their way out of a chamber with too little oxygen? Read this fun, adventure-filled book with mysteries and other short stories, to find out!” (from Goodreads)
I am so excited to see this young author publish a book of her own! I had the blessing of reading some of her short stories as she wrote them and even got to do transcription for a few.
The Indian Tribe
This one was neat! I liked how John was willing to be a missionary and his wife supported him.
Helpful and Ham
This was probably my favorite story. Helpful is sooo funny, and I love what Ham says to him at the end.
July 3, 2017
The Twin Arrows Release Day!
Happy release day! Happy, happy release day! (Sung to the tune of “Allouette”. Complete with happy, birdlike arm flapping.)
The Twin Arrows is out!!!!!! My precious is available on Amazon in paperback and eBook and all the other places.
June 30, 2017
Plate Update: Proofreading, Espionage, and Camp Again
June, how I love you and hate you! You were quite too busy for my liking, but extra exciting too–so you can stay on the calendar this year.
(You know something’s wrong when you start talking to your calendar.)
