Her name was Emily and she had the courage to approach me after a school presentation this week and hand me the first two pages of her story about a wizard. She’s in seventh grade. She shyly asked me to read it, which I did, and I gave her my thoughts, my compliments and some suggestions. Wow, it had so much going for it: tension, mystery, great dialogue. I love that she, like many students out there, is quietly writing and hoping to continue growing as a writer. I also hope she, like any other aspiring writers out there, will check out my new website that holds a youth writing contest: Enter and win, and you receive one of my books autographed to you: http://www.keenreaders.org/youth/writing-contest
I was seven when I announced to my grandmother that I intended to be an author when I grew up. (She responded, “That’s nice. How do you intend to support yourself?”) It took me a few decades, but here I am. So keep writing, teens. It can be hard work sometimes, but I have never found anything more fulfilling.
Sometimes kids ask me what I like best about writing. I say that going into a room and playing with imaginary characters and getting paid for it is as cool as life can get. But the true answer on what I enjoy most is going to schools and presenting to students, hopefully inspiring some to read and write. Writing is a lonely profession, and I’m a very social person. So being able to get out and meet people (especially kids who have actually read what I’ve written — which I still find a strange concept!) is an honor of which I never tire.
This week, after three months of being laid low with back problems, I feel like a groundhog popping out of my hole and sniffing the air with delight. After several months of being unable to write or give presentations, I’m finally doing both again, with far more appreciation for it than anyone could imagine. So, Emily, it was super to meet you, and do keep on writing!
P.S. For those who read my entry, “The Sendoff,” yes, my son returned from the Middle East safely, after some adventurous and hair-raising experiences.
