Kate Willis's Blog, page 120

I Write MG/YA Blog Tag

So far I’ve only published one book, but seven out of eight of my projects are geared towards MG and YA readers. I’m not much older than these age groups myself, so I still enjoy reading and writing a good adventure with a happy ending.

Through the magic of Goodreads, I ran across this blog tag one of my friends had liked. (Small world.) Here are my answers to the questions. I would love to hear yours!

Who are your favorite authors, and do they influence your writing? Some of my favorite au...

Master Storyteller

I’ve been thinking a lot about denouements lately.They’ve been cropping up in articles, workshops, and even everyday conversation as Mom helped us fix our French pronunciation.[image error] Everyone says this is one of the most important parts of your story. It’s the summation. The tied strings. The tinypuzzle piece that can make or break the whole picture. Never skip it.

Then the thought struck me:The story of Jonah hasno denouement. No resolution. Neither does the parable of the older brother!

Jo...

Story Excerpt: Bringing in the Plants

When I first started this story (currently titled “Kiera”), I had quite the love/hate relationship with it. Now that it’s over 15k words, I’m beginning to see some potential. I hope you enjoy this first scene!

The water trickled out of the spigot into the old watering can. Nearby a young woman rose to her feet and dusted her hands off on her denim skirt, turning to find another task while she waited. Giving the spigot one last glance, she left the porch to inspect her garden.

Two large, raise...

Book Review: The Princess and the Goblin

“Princess Irene’s discovery of a secret stair leads to a wonderful revelation. At the same time, Curdie overhears a fiendish plot by the goblins. Princess Irene & Curdie must make sense of their separate knowledge & foil the goblins’ schemes.” (from Goodreads)

I enjoyed this book by George MacDonald so much! The writing style was delightful; I felt almost as if I were a child having it told to me. I loved the parents. It’s rare to find wise, supportive, and loving parents that are so involved...

An Adventurer’s Packing List

Hello, adventurer! Before you set out, there are several items you need to pack. Of course, if you have a towel all non-[adventurers] will automatically assume that you are also in possession of a toothbrush, washcloth, soap, tin of biscuits, flask, compass, map, ball of string, gnat spray, wet-weather gear, space suit etc., etc. Furthermore, they will then happily lend the [adventurer] any of these or a dozen other items that the [adventurer] might accidentally have “lost.” (Adapted from The...

The Old River Road

People on Goodreads have been killing me–specifically all the beta readers leaving reviews for The Old River Roadby Ivy Rose. I am so thrilled that this book finally released today! There’s a great blog tour celebrating it complete with a giveaway…

I am so excited to try this book! It sounds like my cup of chai tea; and, after reading this author’s blog post about writing romance,I’m curious to see how she handles it!

Are you excited about any upcoming books?

The Lady of Shallot

I am fascinated by the way stories grow, change, and impact people. Onethat intrigues me is the tale of Elaine of Astolat (better known as the Lady of Shallot), and its differentreferences hidden in pop culture.

The Story

Elaine of Astolat is a character in Arthurian legends who dies of her unrequited love for Sir Lancelot. (Bad move even liking that guy, Ellie. Stick to Galahad or Percival.) Meeting Sir Lancelot at a tournament, she is fascinated and asks him to wear her token. Sir Lancelot...

Garden Day

I got to review my first picture book today!

5 Literary Lies

Everything I read affects me in some way. My “career” has been short but jam-packed. I’ve lived innature stories, mysteries, historical fiction, sci-fi, light romances, biographies, etc. I’ve learned history, theology, witty quotes, and even British spelling. (You do realise they are different, right?) I’ve also learned some things that are not so good. Even good books can inadvertently teach subtle lies.Only through writing have I been able to identify some of the humdingers I’ve swallowed.

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Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day, fellow patriots! Have a blessed day praising the Lord with your family and friends!