Bill's Letter

Dear Friends,

I hope winter finds you well. We haven't had much snow around here, and personally, I don't see the point of winter in New England if there's no snow. I can only hope.

I'm at home most of January and February, with the purpose of writing. You never know what's going to happen (some bear said). Everyday I sit at my desk and try to write songs or stories. Sometimes it works, sometimes, I do a lot of staring. But come March, I'd better have some new songs or stories for performance or I'll go crazy.

What else is going on around here? Unfortunatley, I discovered sudoku this Christmas and have been fighting my addiction. When I can get away from those little squares and numbers, I've been reading a lot (see books below)– and much of it has been about bees. I hope to get some hives this spring. A friend says “Why do you want bees? They'll sting you!” She's right. But I think they're so fascinating, I'm willing to get stung a couple of times. More on the bees if and when I get them. Maybe I'll even take a picture of me in a bee suit. Martians land in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

I am finishing up editing Flyboy, which will be published as a book this fall. Some of you have been reading it online, a chapter every two weeks, through the Maricopa County library system. The book coming out on Peachtree Press will have some changes in it, but will be essentially the same story. I'm very happy that Darius, whom I first wrote about twelve years ago, has found a life as a book. If you're interested in the online version, you can get to the Maricopa county library website via my homepage.

I finished writing and recording a song for the American Library Association, called “@ Your Library”, to help in their campaign to get kids in the library. (This song isn't available at the moment, but we'll keep you updated on when and where you can hear it.) I'll be performing this summer at their national convention in New Orleans. I'm really happy to be working with them.

Books 

With my time off the road, I've been busy reading all sorts of stuff. Tops on my list have been The White Castle by Orhan Pamuk, Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, The Town That Forgot How to Breathe by Kenneth J. Harvey, The Mammy by Brendan O'Carroll and The Beekeepers Handbook by Diana Sammataro and Alphonse Avitabile.

I've recently discovered Barbara Park, an absolutely great children's writer – many of you probably know her from her Junie B. Jones books - just a riot for second, third, and fourth graders. Her books for older kids, like Mick Harte Was Here, are great, too.

The writer in me has enjoyed Jane Smiley's new book, Thirteen Ways of Looking at the Novel. Boy is she smart.

Debbie has been devouring all of Jennifer Weiner's books and absolutely loved The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.

Let us know what you're reading. Like they say – so many good books, so little time.

On the road 

I have a full concert schedule this spring, including a trip to Idaho; Delaware and North Dakota are the only states I haven't performed in. A dubious accomplishment. Click here to look at the online calendar.  

Songbook released

After a little delay, a book of my songs, Do It Together, will be released in February. The folks at Hal Leonard have done a wonderful job – it's a relief to me, since I've been meaning to get something like this done for years. It has thirty-one songs I've written in it, with the words, melodies, and chords. Good for teachers, parents, and guitar players who want to play some of these songs that follow me around and end up in your car and house. You can order it on my website.

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. Please come and see me if I'm close by – recordings are fine, but everybody being in the same room is much, much better. Tell stories to your kids, too – ‘cause I don't know the ones you do.

From the Office

Big News

Sarah's Story is now available in Paperback!!! If you've been looking for a copy of Sarah's Story, you know that there are none to be found. Fortunately, the publisher has released it in Paperback and they are available now. Click here to go buy one now.

Book News

Now you can find out more information about the books we've read and recommend by clicking on the title. The information is provided by barnesandnoble.com, but it is not necessary to purchase from them. In fact, we encourage you to go to your favorite bookstore (chain, independent, used) just as we do.

We love hearing from you

Do you have a book you'd like to share with Bill and his fans? Is there a story that you tell to your family? Do you sometimes find yourself in a situation that reminds you of a Bill Harley song or story? Well, let us know. We love hearing from you and sharing your thoughts with Bill's fans. We also love pictures

Word of Mouth

We're working hard to let everyone know about Bill Harley, but it's not easy. That's why we depend on his fans to help spread the word and you've been doing a great job! Thanks for your help and keep up the good work.

While cleaning out our file cabinet, Michele came across these illustrations of "The Great Sled Race" submitted by the 4th and 5th grades at Mechanicsville Elementary in Maryland.

We thank them for sharing and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.