That 'Encouragement and Inspiration' factor

“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

 

 Born into a Navy family in Pensacola, FL on this date in 1960, Holt once said her biggest disappointment as a writer is that once she's finished working on her characters she really expects to see them in the flesh some day, finding it hard to let those characters go.

 

Best known for her novel When Zachary Beaver Came to Town – winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature – Holt spent most of her “growing up” years in Forest Hill, LA, inspiration for her award-winning first novel My Louisiana Sky.   And her experiences as a “Navy brat” are reflected in her Piper Reed series of books.   The author of nearly two dozen books, her most recent is The Hurricane Girls.

 

 “I come from a line of hardworking people who never made much money but were rich in stories," Holt said.  "My family's roots are very important to me.  When you're looking for stories, look to your own heart.”