Kate Willis's Blog, page 111

The Notebook Trick

This past week has been so busy with life happenings and some beta-reading for others; but I’ve still managed to get some writing done! I’ve accomplished this by using the old Notebook Trick.

Basically when my brain is getting computer fried from all of the projects and communication that must happen on it, I take a break with notebook and pencil. I can still keep working even if it’s slightly slower and give myself a rest. For some reason this also makes me feel so much more creative. Maybe it’s my pretty notebook, the act of actually forming letters with a little piece of graphite, or the fact that scribbling out sentences is good for the soul. (It’s also more socially acceptable to sit in the middle of the room writing this way.)

Goals for 2017

Just for grins (and to keep myself on track), I wrote up my goals for this year. Consider it more of a “suggested personal to-do list” than a “hard and fast do or die assignment”; since I’m learning to be flexible so I can leave room for spontaneous projects, life happening, and whatever else God decides to throw in.

Book Review: Counted Worthy

[image error]“Heather Stone lives in fear of repeating the past, yet she continues doing the one thing that could trigger another disaster. When the police trace an illegal Bible to her house, Heather’s world begins to crumble.

Her father’s life hangs in the balance. No one with the power to help knows or cares. If she tries to save him, she could lead her friends to their deaths. If she does nothing, her father’s fate is certain. Can she evade a hostile police force and win public sympathy before it’s too late?” (from Goodreads)

Why did I not know this book by Leah Good existed??!!! It has all the elements of my favorite dystopians–banned books, bicycle chases, sneaking past security, and some broken down infrastructure–with no love triangle or adult content to make me throw it out the window. Seriously good. The writing style was so fun, my Kindle highlighter and I went on a spree together after the first chapter pulled me in to the point of no return. Quite the surprise twist there! Heather was so real. She struggled so much but turned to God for her strength, and her friends (especially Bryce) were there to remind her of the Scriptures she needed. I liked Bryce quite a bit, and Ansley was a fun side character. The part that had me most flipping “pages” was when they discovered the SPOILER ALERT!  raid on Miss Lucinda’s house. Awful. Grrr, Alden. I did find the book slow and heavy on the dialogue at some points; but the Christian message, amazing action, and great characters made up for everything. *big fangirl grin* Not recommended for younger readers because of intense action, flashbacks to SPOILER ALERT! a violent death, and SPOILER ALERT! medically induced execution. Also, one character swears under his breath although the word is not mentioned, and there are a few woman leaders in the resistance.

Best quote: “I looked up and found an expectant expression on his face. He wanted me to sound spiritual, but I only felt scared.”

And this one just because: “He put his hand over my mouth. I considered licking him until I heard the rhythmic thump of running feet.”

Altogether, I LOVED this fantastic, God-honoring read! Anyone want to build a printing press with me?

Plate Update: Christmas, Mysteries, and a Scary Climax

Wow! Happy New Year, everyone! I already did my year in review, so this Plate Update might feel a little repetitive; but we can’t leave December out, can we?

Happy Year’s End!

Anno Domini Two-Thousand and Sixteen draws to a close, ladies and gentlemen! Time to look back on the blessings and happenings of this past year.

In the blogging sphere…

I launched this blog in June with this introductory post. Since then I have had the privilege of interviewing authors, reviewing books, and getting to interact with all of you wonderful readers.

Book Review: Wind Chimes

“[image error]Christmas is a day of forgiveness, love, God, and family, no matter where you live or when you lived. These stories will take you somewhere long ago, and yet much like today.

With a touch of humor and a family-loving gentleness, these stories carry all the hope of Christmas.“ (full description on Goodreads)

I enjoyed reading this sweet collection by Victoria Minks over the weekend of Christmas. Although the writing was slightly rough in a few places, I found the stories full of warmth and heart.

Short Story: The Least of These

Merry Christmas again! It’s still close enough to the actual day, right? Good, because here is a Christmas story for you all…

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! May you be very blessed as you embrace the coming of Christ our Savior!

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” (John 1:29)

Book Review: Our Christmas Bear

[image error] “For three years, the widow and her two daughters, Rosetta and Bianca, have lived alone in the cabin on Mr. Heaton’s vast estate. But this winter they have a visitor. What would bring a man to their lonely home in the bitterness of sub-zero weather? Is he the only man who is in the forest this winter? And why does he have such a mysterious name?

Loosely based on the old tale of Snow-White & Rose-Red, this is a Christmas story the whole family can enjoy. When good and evil come face to face in the snowy woods, which will prevail?

*Note for parents: this story is based on the original fairy tale, and there is brief reference to death in one scene.” (from Goodreads)

This book by Sarah Brazytis was such a sweet, non-magical retelling of one of my favorite fairytales! I loved the sweet portrayal of family life and the cozy, winter descriptions. The illustrations were a nice touch too. I found the mystery surprising, and I loved the way everything turned out. My favorite part was definitely the description of mother and daughters making presents with their backs to each other, but the SPOILER ALERT! mismatched mittens were adorable too. I didn’t trust him for a little while, but Bear ended up being so sweet! Just a note that there are children in brief danger and a mention of an SPOILER ALERT! outlaw being shot.

Best quote: “Where will you sleep tonight?” Caroline asked suddenly. Bear turned to look at her. “Out,” he said laconically.

Altogether, I really enjoyed this Christmas-y short story! Something I will definitely be reading again.

6 Free eBook Deals to Snap Up

Can you believe it’s only six days until Christmas?!! Merry Christmas!