Kate Willis's Blog, page 84
July 23, 2018
I’m Crazy (About This Project)
Camp NaNoWriMo has been a key factor in me finishing my books, so I signed up to do this July’s session again. I joined a cabin, set a 10,000 word goal, and made a tentative game plan for my next project.
Fast forward to it actually being July, and I’ve been happily swamped by the aftermath of a book release and a booth at the homeschool convention. I did manage to read through my first draft and take notes, as well as read the first book in this series and take notes on that for continuity. But no writing…
Until July 18th when I decided it was a good idea to finally start on my project! XD Yep, I’m crazy.
But as my cheesy title suggests, I’m really crazy about this project too. 
July 20, 2018
When All I Can Say Is Thank You
Thank you. Thanks. Thanks so much!
I’ve used all of these variations and many more (including more emoticons that just my usual winking face) over the past month and a half.
So many people, people close to me and people I’ve never met, have encouraged me and enabled, spread the word about, and even helped in my endeavors.
And each time, all I could say was “thank you”.
Those words began to feel a little worn out for me. How could I convey all of my gratefulness in just two short words repeated over and over to many different people? Wasn’t there a better way?
So far, I haven’t found one, but please know that if you ever receive those words (or a new variation!) from me, I am truly grateful for you and everything you do. 
July 18, 2018
Book Review: A Home in Drayton Valley
[image error]“Fed up with the poor quality of life in 1880 New York, Tarsie Raines encourages her friends Joss and Mary Brubacher to move with their two children to Drayton Valley, Kansas, a booming town hailed in the guidebook as the land of opportunity. She offers to help with expenses and to care for Mary and the children as they travel west by wagon train. But when tragedy strikes on the trip across the prairie, Tarsie is thrown into an arrangement with Joss that leaves both of them questioning God and their dreams for the future. As their funds dwindle and nothing goes as planned, will Tarsie and Joss give up and go their separate ways, or will God use their time in Drayton Valley to turn their hearts toward him?” (from Goodreads)
I borrowed this from the library because it looked interesting.
I read the blurb and guessed at what would happen.
I started reading it and knew what was going to happen.
And I still loved it and need a copy because this book is not about the events but about the people. I think I’ll review the characters…
Mary
Mary was so sweet and hopeful and kind. I’ll hide this spoiler in case you didn’t guess it, but MAJOR SPOILER ALERT! Mary dies of breast cancer ¼ of the way through the book. *cries* END OF SPOILER She was truly an inspiring character, and I loved how she touched lives in small ways throughout the book. I want to be her when I grow up.
Tarsie
She was a feisty one!
July 16, 2018
The Generation Rising Team Rides Again
Last weekend, I sold books at our local homeschool convention with my amazing Generation Rising team members. Here’s a quick recap and picture fest!
While some of us set out decorations, arranged books, and fiddled with the tablecloth, Paul and Tanner rigged up our banner. It was my special job to cut tape for them. XD #skills
[image error]
Our super cool Maggie pinned another banner (with an awesome quote!) to our tablecloth. Anna was working with her, but she paused to take this picture. 
July 13, 2018
Christmas? In July?
[image error]
What’s this all about? Why are we celebrating Christmas in July?
Well, some authors, bloggers, and I wanted to give you all some sweet deals.
When it is scorching hot outside, we need a reminder of cold and cozy days.
It’s never the wrong time of year to celebrate Christ’s birth.
July 11, 2018
Booksthetic Photo Contest WINNERS!
It’s time to announce the winners!!! Thank you all for your patience and participation. This has been very fun, and I can’t wait to share the winning (and runner-up!) photos with you.
[image error]
Before you view the lovely pictures, I’d like to introduce you to my amazing volunteer judges!
Elise Parsons, award-winning photographer, graphic designer, ceramic artist, and lovely human. (Her Facebook page for her pottery makes me so happy.
July 10, 2018
Convention Prep Time!
Hey, y’all! Big doings coming up this weekend!
July 6, 2018
Angela Watts Interview
July 4, 2018
Update :)
Hello, y’all!! Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! Happy (late) Independence Day to my Canadian friends! Happy Treason Day to my British friends! (Sorry, not sorry. Y’all have some great shows.) And Happy Regular Reading Day to everyone else.
Book Review: When You Reach Me
[image error] “Four mysterious letters change Miranda’s world forever.
By sixth grade, Miranda and her best friend, Sal, know how to navigate their New York City neighborhood. They know where it’s safe to go, like the local grocery store, and they know whom to avoid, like the crazy guy on the corner.
But things start to unravel. Sal gets punched by a new kid for what seems like no reason, and he shuts Miranda out of his life. The apartment key that Miranda’s mom keeps hidden for emergencies is stolen. And then Miranda finds a mysterious note scrawled on a tiny slip of paper:
I am coming to save your friend’s life, and my own.
I must ask two favors. First, you must write me a letter.
The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her, including things that have not even happened yet. Each message brings her closer to believing that only she can prevent a tragic death. Until the final note makes her think she’s too late.
Winner of the 2010 Newbery Medal.” (from Goodreads)
Soak that title in. Have you ever heard anything so unique and beautiful? The inside of the book is even more so. I knew it right away from the very originally named chapter titles and the use of second person perspective. (Hats off to the author–no one ever does that!) I knew even more with the odd clues and the references to A Wrinkle in Time.
This book left me stunned and thoughtful for a week afterward.
There were sweet moments to the story–working at a restaurant with friends, baking a ridiculously awful but fun cake, and Miranda’s interactions with her mom. (It was also heartwarming to see how she and Richard were totally in cahoots.) I loved how, through the events that happened, Miranda learned to love those around her in small but tangible ways (prime example: Alice). It was especially neat to see how her opinion of certain characters changed as she looked at them in a more nuanced way (prime example: also Alice).
This book was next-level sci-fi–seriously poignant and utterly fascinating. I liked the emphasis and value it placed on both friendship and self-sacrifice, and I was pretty moved by the end of it. *sobs*
Just a note, there were four blasphemies and h*** was used twice out of context. Also, there were some minor things such as the main character’s single mom having a boyfriend, some not-described teenage kissing, and a mention of “lifting the veil” in your mind for concentration. Two big things that stood out to me as possible problems, especially for young readers, were racism (portrayed as wrong) and a [heartbreaking death (hide spoiler)] though it was handled tastefully. Also, if you haven’t read A Wrinkle in Time this book includes spoilers for it.
