Blogger KRISTI HOLL is the author of 35 books, including WRITER'S FIRST AID.

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October 15, 2008

Kristi Holl
Kristi Holl

 

 

 Kristi Holl is an award-winning author of 34 books for children, one nonfiction book for writers, and over 150 stories and articles for children and adults, as well as conference speaker and web editor. Her stories and articles have appeared in Jack and Jill, Child Life, Hi-Call, Your Life & Health, Touch, The Writer, Children’s Writer, and the SCBWI Bulletin, among others. She also wrote a mystery column and self-coaching column for the magazine Once Upon a Time.Kristi Holl was born in Iowa, graduated from Marshalltown High School and has lived in Mason City, Cedar Falls, Red Oak, Knoxville, Conrad, and Story City (all in Iowa). In July 2003, she moved to San Antonio, Texas, where she and her husband live near two of their daughters and their families.

Kristi started as an elementary teacher after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in l974, and began writing as a hobby when staying home with her children. She has taught writing for children for the Institute of Children’s Literature since l983. In l998 she created and became Web Editor for the Institute’s web site where she monitored Open Forums, wrote articles for the Writer’s Support Rooms and Writing Tips, and moderated online interviews with editors and writers. In 2000 she added web editing for the Long Ridge Writers Group web site. She retired as web editor in 2002. She now spends the majority of her time writing books. She also has a small number of Institute students, does freelance editing for Zonderkidz/Zondervan Publishing, does manuscript critiques, and speaks at writers’ conferences.

Kristi has always combined writing with parenting; personal experiences figure prominently in her 150+ stories and articles for magazines, as well as her 29 novels and 5 nonfiction books for middle graders, plus her adult nonfiction book for writers, Writer’s First Aid. In her spare time, she loves to read, quilt, canoe, visit museums and historical sites, and hike.

Her books are on many recommended reading lists and have been nominated for numerous Children’s Choice Awards. Her first book, Just Like a Real Family, was nominated for children’s book awards in five states; it and its sequel, No Strings Attached, both were released in Japan in l996 and l997. The Rose Beyond the Wall was on the Children’s Book Council list of Outstanding Books for l985, and The Haunting of Cabin l3 won the l990 Maryland Children’s Book Award. Two of her books, Footprints Up My Back and Perfect or Not, Here I Come, were Junior Literary Guild selections.

In 2000 and 2001 four novels were published in Tommy Nelson’s TodaysGirls.com books, including Tangled Web, Chat Freak, Fun e-Farm, and 4GIVE & 4GET. Most recently, four best-selling middle grade devotionals were published by Zonderkidz: No Boys Allowed (2004), Girlz Rock (2005), Chick Chat and Shine On, Girl! (2006). Another devotional, What’s a Girl To Do? was published in September, 2007. A mystery series (Fading Tracks, Secrets for Sale, Smoke Screen, and Pick Your Poison) was published in 2008.

 “After my children started school, I intended to go back to teaching elementary school, but being your own boss and setting your own work hours is just too much fun. How else can you get paid for staying home and making up stories?” Holl asks. “I love Iowa, and sometimes use Iowa settings for my novels, especially the mysteries. The Haunting of Cabin l3 is set in Backbone State Park, Danger at Hanging Rock is set at Effigy Mounds National Monument, and the Carousel Mystery Series is set in Story City.”

Kristi Holl loves to write mysteries. Mystery by Mail (1983), Cast a Single Shadow (1986) and The Haunting of Cabin 13 (1987) were all from Atheneum. (Cabin 13 won the Maryland Children’s Book Award.) David C. Cook published Danger at Hanging Rock in 1989. Ms. Holl’s Carousel Mysteries include A Spin Out of Control (1998), Deadly Disguise and Stage Fright (l999). A mystery series (Fading Tracks, Secrets for Sale, Smoke Screen, and Pick Your Poison) was published in May, 2008.

 

 

Disclosure: I (Kristi Holl) am the blogger and an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, who hosts this site and who publishes books I may review from time to time. Regardless, I only recommend books that I have personally read and believe will be good for my readers. I am not paid to review books.

 

 

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40 Comments »

  1. Hi, Kristi. Serendipity at its best. Caught sight of your link on the ICL Newsletter. Yours it the first web site that covers every detail imaginable in the writing life. I, too, have been sidetracked and distracted by physical problems, but I still have a lot on the back burner. I’ve filed all of my short stories, poems, and blogs to compile them for my heirs, working on memoirs and Book 6 as well as working on a project with our Historic District. Lots to do. FYI check out my blog at http://www.capecodtoday.com/blogs/index.php/HistoricHarwich . Many thanks for all the work you do for writers. Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year.

    Comment by John Prophet — December 11, 2008 @ 5:38 pm

  2. Hi, John,
    Nice to catch up with you! You sound like you’re keeping very busy with writing and life and family too. I will check out your blog! Merry Christmas to you too!
    Kristi

    Comment by Kristi Holl — December 12, 2008 @ 1:51 pm

  3. Hi Kristi,

    I’m an avid daily reader of your blog. It’s wonderful, and in my opinion one of the best on the web.

    I’m a published author, ghostwriter, and former project director, editor-in-chief, and President of two book packaging houses–only nonfiction books mostly for children and YA, some for adults. This preamble is to ask you a question in context. While in college I co-wrote a book which in 1968 was published and distributed by Time Life Books and General Learning corporation. Its name is HOW BABIES ARE MADE. In 1983 distribution was taken over by Little, Brown. The book remained in print until 2003. It’s still quite popular as a used, out of print book on a slew of sites including Amazon.com. My question — have you read this book? If so, what do you think of it? I have a tough skin so you can be brutally honest.

    I wish you knew the entire story behind HOW BABIES RE MADE, it’s fascinating and illuminating. Do know that it was the first children’s book responsible for breaking the many taboos then associated with teaching the basic facts of life to youngsters–many of which have resurfaced.

    Thanks for your time.

    Comment by Steven Schepp — December 25, 2008 @ 4:35 am

  4. I’m sorry, Steven, but I haven’t read your book. It sounds as if it really met a big need for many years though! It must have been a ground-breaking book.

    Thank you so much for the compliment about the blog too. I hope it helps other writers. We all seem to struggle with the very same issues, no matter how long we’ve been writing or publishing. 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — December 25, 2008 @ 1:30 pm

  5. Kristi,

    I love your website! That is all I can say. I look forward to reading anything new that you have written. It is inspirational along with being informative.

    Sincerely,
    Lynn

    Comment by Lynn — December 27, 2008 @ 6:43 pm

  6. Lynn, thank you so much for leaving your kind comment. I really appreciate it. I’m glad you find the blog helpful!

    Comment by Kristi Holl — December 27, 2008 @ 11:43 pm

  7. Hi Kristi,
    I’ve been subscribing to ICL newsletter for years, wouldn’t be without it. And I just wanted to say “thank you” for all you do for writers and also that I just looked at your blog, very helpful. I too suffer from back, neck, arm pain. I wanted to share with you the name of the Yoga DVD I find helpful — Rodney Yee’s Back Care for Beginners. When my VCR ate up the tape I hurried out to get the DVD. —- Per your blog, I’m scheduling my writing first thing in the morning, starting Monday. And I think I’ll try pairing up with one of my critique partners to make sure I stick with it. — Thanks for the nudge.
    Happy Writing,
    Terri Hoover Dunham

    Comment by Terri Hoover Dunham — January 24, 2009 @ 10:18 pm

  8. Terri, thank you first for your kind comments about the blog. I’m glad writers find it helpful. Although I’ve been writing nearly thirty years, it always amazes me how much the issues stay the same, despite the changes in circumstances and experience. We all need support! And secondly, thank you for the name of the back care yoga DVD. I hadn’t heard of that one. Oh, I wish I had discovered this “easier” yoga years ago! (Enjoyed your website, by the way!)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — January 25, 2009 @ 7:31 am

  9. Yes, the issues are the same, year after year, time after time, like submitting manuscripts and getting rejections. Many people think that once you’re published, editors accept everything you write. As you know, that’s not so. — I wanted to comment about your leaving your Christmas tree up so long. If I hadn’t put up a real one, I probably would’ve done the same thing. — Since my book is a Christmas book, I am so busy during the Christmas season, I hardly have time to enjoy the usual Christmas activities and spirit.
    Happy New Year,
    Terri Dunham

    Comment by Terri Hoover Dunham — January 26, 2009 @ 9:17 pm

  10. Yes, Terri, it is a big shock to many that getting published isn’t the end of the struggle. The writing life is filled with challenges, just like any career. We’re more successful if we figure out how to live with the challenges than moaning about having them.

    I absolutely hated going to an artificial tree, but where I had moved that year didn’t permit a real tree. So letting myself keep it up forever was my way of finding something positive about the fake tree. Now I actually enjoy it because when the Christmas season gets too full to enjoy, I remind myself that Christmas can last as long as I want it to, and I can watch my movies later. 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — January 27, 2009 @ 7:01 am

  11. Dear Kristi:
    I hope you recall me. You sent me a book. Do you remember? I am from Argentina. I write in http://www.losbloguitos.com and in http://www.iguanamagazine.com from Arizona. I have my bilingual blog: http://laflacaquevuela.blogspot.com

    Nice day for you.
    Leticia Pontoni.

    Comment by Leticia Teresa Pontoni — February 19, 2009 @ 9:40 am

  12. Sure, Leticia, I remember you! You have a most unusual name. 8-) How neat that you have a bilingual blog! That’s a new one on me–it would certainly be popular here in Texas. Nice to hear from you again!

    Comment by Kristi Holl — February 19, 2009 @ 10:31 am

  13. It’s nice to be related to a world-famous author. :) I seem gifted just by association! Someone at Willow was trying to explain the publication process with Zondervan and I responded without even thinking, “Yes, my mother in law is a prolific author and has done editing work as well with all the publishers you just mentioned…I’m secondarily familiar with the process.” Suddenly I was “Mike, son of a famous author and editor.” :)

    Comment by Mike — March 7, 2009 @ 7:02 pm

  14. Michael, I’m glad I can return the favor in some small way. 8-) I’ve been bragging on you for years! I fully expect that someday, when you have time, you will also write books. I’ve suspected that since you were in college. Then I will be m-i-l of the famous author! 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — March 8, 2009 @ 6:06 am

  15. Hello Kristi,

    This is my first time on your blog. It is very interesting and educational. I want to read all of your entries. I started a blog a while back beyourbest2006.blogspot.com. I plan to put my writing into a book. I am finishing up with the advanced children’s writing course with the Institute. I am amazed how one little story was taken to another level and made into a manuscript. Now I need to work on being able to release into someone else’s hands (publisher). Thanks for the excellent information and sharing our passion for writing and learning.

    Comment by Linda — March 19, 2009 @ 6:01 pm

  16. Linda, it sounds like you are making very steady progress with your course work, your blog (I’ll have to check it out!) and moving into the marketing stage. Each stage comes with its own challenges, doesn’t it? I hope you find the entries here helpful to you along the way!

    Comment by Kristi Holl — March 19, 2009 @ 8:32 pm

  17. Hello Kristi,

    If you could, clear me up on something that I’m confused about. As an aspiring YA author, I write with a christian world view. And at times, the spritual world would play a part in the stories. Would the book be considered as YA-Fantasy? Could it be marketed as a general YA novel, or would it be classified as a YA-Christian Novel? A little confused on the subject. Could you offer your opinion to me on the subject?

    Comment by Irish B — March 20, 2009 @ 4:46 pm

  18. Irish, I’m not the final word on this, but from having published in both general interest and Christian markets, I would say that the difference is in how specific you are. My general interest books all have a Christian world view–I couldn’t help that if I tried. (And I don’t want to.) If your spirit world references talk about the Holy Spirit specifically or use Bible verses, etc. it would probably be classified as being for the Christian market. If it plays a big part in the story–more than instinctive gut reactions or praying for help–but no specifics are mentioned, then I suppose it could get classified as fantasy. If there’s not a lot in there, and if relying on the Spirit doesn’t really affect the plot, it might well be marketed as “general” only. It’s fuzzy, isn’t it?

    Comment by Kristi Holl — March 21, 2009 @ 6:57 am

  19. Hi, Kristi,

    It’s interesting to read about another writer who lived in Story City! I grew up there and graduated from Roland-Story High School (but my last name wasn’t Perez back then.)

    Marlene

    Comment by Marlene Perez — March 31, 2009 @ 4:41 pm

  20. Hi, Marlene! Always great to meet another Iowa writer! People used to joke that I made up the name of the town to go with my career. 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — March 31, 2009 @ 6:44 pm

  21. Kristi, I’ve been writing for three years now, well, actually taking ICL courses. I keep wondering what the divorce rate is for female writers. I don’t want to give up gardening, quilting, etc. I’m one of 15 children and we have many events to attend with birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I’m beginning to think that writers are selfish, at least I’m feeling that way. How can one write as you suggest and put a nice meal on the table, keep up with laundry, clean the house, play with grandchildren and work a job? I guess I mean, have a life. I love to read and get up at 5:30 every morning. While doing everday things my mind is on plotting, characters, or a word or phrase I heard or thought of. I think my mind is ruined and my direction in life has changed, but yet my life has not changed, nor do I want it to. I never hear you mention a husband. I’ve been married 39 years. We honeymoon after church every Sunday, doing things together and never let the kids or life interfer with that day. Even on this day my mind is geared to writing thoughts. How do writers’s balance a real life and writing? Just wondering! Colleen from Michigan

    Comment by Colleen — May 4, 2009 @ 5:25 am

  22. Hi Kristi - I’m am new to the field of writing but an old pro at multi-tasking and, believe me, it has taken its toll. Over the course of time, multi-taskers really believe it is the way to live. While I am a long way off from being cured, I have devised ‘baby steps’ to wean off the hectic style of living.

    Changing too much of ours lives cold-turkey will not work for most of us but I found that making an appointment with myself to enter into the state of mindfulness usually works for me. Those appointments are saved for true joys of life…husband, grandchildren, my writing time, a delicious bubblebath (rare), a good book and a stroll with the dog in the park, ec. You have touched on these needs in your past blogs. Maybe once we get in the habit of enjoying and sticking to one period of mindfulness at a time, we can expand it to more of our lives. Giving ourselves permission to be mindful is the door to self-preservation and a peaceful, really fulfilled existance.
    Thank you for all your advice and wonderful information. I make your blog one of my mindful exercises each week. Blessings!

    Comment by Sue Eyerman — June 4, 2009 @ 12:34 pm

  23. Sue, I LOVE your idea of baby steps to wean yourself off the multi-tasking crazy cycle/track! “Making an appointment with myself to enter into the state of mindfulness” is brilliant! Yes, maybe once we get used to some periods of mindfulness, we can expand it into other areas of our lives. Giving ourselves permission is certainly key. I’m so glad the blog is one of your “mindful exercises”!! 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — June 4, 2009 @ 12:49 pm

  24. Hi, I just wanted to stop by and let you know that I learned a lot from you when I had you as an instructor at the Institute of Children’s Lit. I am happy to let you know that as of October 2009, I will finally be published. My book is called The Ghosts of Bear River and will be for sale on Amazon.com. Thanks for everything you taught me and your publishing record impresses me. Good job! By the way, I mentioned your name in my dedication. Take care and your blog looks wonderful. I just found it and can hardly wait to read everything. Bye, Tonya Tingey from Colorado

    Comment by Tonya Tingey — September 1, 2009 @ 10:55 pm

  25. Tonya, how good to hear from you! I will be one of the first to buy your book! I love mysteries myself. And how very kind of you to mention me in the dedication. That means more to me that I can say. I bet I can order it early right now! 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — September 2, 2009 @ 6:09 am

  26. Kristi–

    This may be completely out of line, but I need to find a good editor–all the one’s I know don’t know as much as I do and that’s a reversal! I have four books published, but no great sellers–I need help.

    Thanks

    Rollie

    Comment by Rollie Jones, Jr. — September 8, 2009 @ 1:10 am

  27. Have you written books for children or young adults? If so, you can look at the SCBWI website at http://www.scbwi.org and post your need there. Or Google something like “book doctor” or “book editor.” You’ll get lots of links that way. I also edit books–there’s more about that at my website.

    Comment by Kristi Holl — September 8, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

  28. Hey, how do I e-mail you privately? My e-mail address is included with this, can you e-mail me back? Or add me as a friend on Facebook if you have one? I’m in a yellow shirt on my profile on Facebook. Just wanted to talk to you about my book that I dedicated to you. Thanks and happy new year! — Tonya Tingey

    Comment by Tonya Tingey — January 4, 2010 @ 4:03 pm

  29. Tonya, I did email you yesterday, but haven’t heard back. If you check back here, you can go to my website at http://www.KristiHoll.com and email me from there. Looking forward to chatting! 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — January 6, 2010 @ 12:44 pm

  30. Hello
    I am about to start a three year writing course and i am feeling out of my depth please help I have wanted to do this for a long time .I am a mother of 5.
    from 26 to 11 .So I am in my late 40s is it to late for me to be a great writer and get published
    Need help to get org
    gina

    Comment by gina — January 14, 2010 @ 5:18 pm

  31. Hi, Gina,

    Good luck with your writing course! No, late 40s isn’t too late! I had new students in their 70s who went on to publish books (and I don’t mean self-publish either.) With raising five kids, you have a ton of material to draw upon. For getting organized, there are good articles on this blog and many other blogs. There are books like my WRITER’S FIRST AID: GETTING ORGANIZED, GETTING INSPIRED, AND STICKING TO IT, which I wrote expressly for writers who are starting out. Here’s the link for that:
    http://www.thewritersbookstore.com/M3990/

    Best of luck pursuing your dream! 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — January 15, 2010 @ 7:13 am

  32. Hello
    I left a message on this board did you get it
    gina

    Comment by gina — January 15, 2010 @ 2:34 pm

  33. No, Gina, I didn’t. Can you repost it?
    Kristi

    Comment by Kristi Holl — January 15, 2010 @ 7:49 pm

  34. Hi Kristi,

    I read Decidophobia and had two questions: what time do you get up in the A.M. and go to bed in the P.M. to meet your daily schedule of “to-do’s”?

    Thank you.

    Comment by Trudi Gardner — January 30, 2010 @ 2:42 am

  35. Trudi, I actually get up earlier now than when my kids were little. My husband’s job starts early, so the alarm goes off at 4:30. Lights going on in the house wake me up. In order for me to get enough sleep, I crawl into bed by 8:30 and read for a while and then sleep (except the nights I have to be gone.) This is NOT my preferred schedule, mind you, but at this time of our lives, it’s necessary. 8-) I have a chronic pain issue that is made worse if I don’t get enough sleep.

    Comment by Kristi Holl — January 30, 2010 @ 1:06 pm

  36. Hi Mrs. Kristi!
    I don’t know if you’ll remember me…I used to live in San Antonio, and went to Shearer Hills. We met whilst setting up for a walk through Nativity scene one year. We discussed Jane Austen and the Institute, if I’m not mistaken :)
    I wanted to ask you a question. (I’ve recently moved back overseas, so I can’t ask you face-to-face.) But here’s my situation: I received a letter from the Institute today, asking if I’d like to re-instate my account and finish the course. I began the course in 2004 or 2005 after applying to Long Ridge Writers Group, passing the apptitude test, and then being referred to the Institute because I did not meet the minimum age requirement. I discontinued my work on the course a couple years ago, due to extensive travel (we moved overseas twice, and were bouncing around the States in between contracts, waitng on visas, etc.) Now that we’re settled again, I’m considering taking the course back up. However, I’ve discovered that the age I wish to write for is older than the target age of this course. Do you have any suggestions as to what I should do? Should I finish the course? Or apply again to the Long Ridge Writers Group? (Age probably won’t be an issue this time; I turn 18 in April.)
    Thanks for your time. I hope you and your family are doing well. I miss ya’ll and San Antonio so much.
    My email address is gypsy_dance_ocean@yahoo.com if you’d perfer to correspond that way. I look forward to your reply.
    Take care, God bless and I hope you feel better soon!
    -Ashley Hahn

    Comment by Ashley Hahn — February 17, 2010 @ 5:13 am

  37. Ashley, HI! Of course, I remember you! And since you’ll be 18 soon and you want to write for adults instead of the target age of this course (kids and teens), then I would explain your whole history with the school again and ask about doing Long Ridge instead now. It’s what you wanted in the first place, and now you’re old enough. I can’t think of any reason that would be a problem. I remember other students who have switched courses.

    You’re such a world traveler! Oh, the settings you’ll have for stories, and the ideas everywhere! Yes, I remember our Jane Austen conversation! I made it back to England last May and visited Jane’s two homes and C.S. Lewis’ home. Heaven!

    Bless you, Ashley! 8-)

    Comment by Kristi Holl — February 17, 2010 @ 7:59 am

  38. Hi Mrs. Kristi!
    Thanks so much for the advice :) I don’t have that much to go on the course, and it will be good for college credits, so I think I’m going to finish the course before I switch. It will be good practice anyway :)
    Haha! That’s so awesome! I’m so jealous!! Oh we have to talk about that sometime. Did you get pictures??? I think I remember talking to you before you left, and you said something about hoping to come back inspired to write The Great American Novel. :D How’s that going? Or have you been writing other things lately?
    Miss you lots! God bless!
    - Ashley

    Comment by Ashley Hahn — February 19, 2010 @ 5:33 am

  39. Dear Kristi:

    I would like to get your opinion on the following.

    For Assignment 1, I had posted on the board that I wanted to write a story (based on the two teenagers at the bus stop) about these two kids who skip school to go see a taping of the Maury Povich show, only to get caught by their school’s principal. I have attached your response from the Post-a-Note board, and I’m kind of confused about it.

    From Jan Fields-Post-a-Note
    It’s actually fine to have characters go to the taping of a real show. The only issue with a “real” show is that it might not be something parents would approve of. But there is ZERO “copyright” reason for not having a real show. And if you decide to make up a totally pretend show, never ever make it SOUND like the real show name. That’s when you actually can run afoul of copyright

    I have used real-life pop culture references in my short stories with no intention whatsoever to defame anybody or violate copyright laws. The two kids in my story won’t even get to talk to Maury Povich personally, and he won’t even show up in my story. The two kids will be standing line waiting to get into the show before the principal catches them.

    Please give me a much clearer explanation of your response. What do you mean by “But there is Zero copyright reason for not having a real show.” I really would appreciate this. I am also going to pass this message on to my instructor, and get her opinion as well before I decide to write this story.

    Take Care.
    Nan

    Comment by Nan E. Fagan — July 29, 2010 @ 10:40 pm

  40. Nan, I honestly don’t know the answer to your question for sure. I’d only be guessing. You could ask Jan for clarification, if you like. Also, I copied your message and question and sent it to Counselor Services at ICL. They’ll get the message on Monday and someone will get back with you. Sorry I can’t be of more help!

    Comment by Kristi Holl — July 30, 2010 @ 4:19 pm

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