When I was a child, the thing I wanted more than anything was to grow up and live in one house. Since my dad was in the Navy, that wasn't possible. Instead, I lived in a different home every couple of years. Kimberly Willis Holt childcoupledad share on social
My days are filled with writing, reading, and being a mom. Some days, I get to visit schools around the country and talk about what it's like to be a writer. I often feel like I'm pretending, because it's still hard for me to believe it when I see someone holding a book that I've written. Kimberly Willis Holt bookcountryday share on social
Although I always loved reading and putting words on paper, I never thought about becoming a writer until I was twelve. Kimberly Willis Holt lovepaperputt Change image and share on social
I like the fact that I'm from the South and that I have this rich history behind me. I come from a family of storytellers. They can't just tell you how someone went to the store. They have to tell you who they saw, what they were wearing, what they said, what they had in their grocery cart. Kimberly Willis Holt cartfactfamily share on social
If you haven't taken a writing class, take a writing class. I took every class that was available in my area. I went to conferences inside and outside my area to network with people. That's how I got my agent. I found my agent through another agent who was at a conference. Kimberly Willis Holt agentareaclass share on social
When I was young, I was very shy and quiet, because we moved all the time. My dad was in the Navy, so we moved every two years. Kimberly Willis Holt dadmovenavy Change image and share on social
One of the reasons I write is to be in other people's skin. Kimberly Willis Holt peoplereasonskin Change image and share on social
Other writers definitely influence my writing. What encourages me and inspires me is when I read a good book. It makes me want to be a better writer. Kimberly Willis Holt bookencouragegood Change image and share on social
I always tend to write about outsiders. And what's been fun for me is, as I travel around and visit schools, is that other kids that feel the same way relate to some of my characters, and so I hope in some way that's helping them when they want to read about somebody that they can relate to. Kimberly Willis Holt characterfeelfun share on social
I have to re-write a lot. I couldn't tell you how many drafts I write, but I know I've done at least twenty rewrites on each book. Kimberly Willis Holt bookdrafthave Change image and share on social