Ms. Fitz's AIG students talked with Heidi Schulz, author of Hook's Revenge. Earlier in the week students watched Mrs. Schulz read the first chapter from the book, did a close-read of an excerpt, and are planning a trial for the character Jocelyn to see if she is guilty of being too emotional.
In talking to the students she explained that when creating anything we all begin with the question, "What if?". The author used the analogy that writing is like building a house: there are layers and many parts. Mrs. Schulz then read the students a portion from the follow up book that just came out in September. Mrs. Cunningham will need to order that for the media center for sure!
Students were given the opportunity to ask questions, and had some great brainstorms of things they were curious about. Mrs. Schulz explained that she has used some personal experiences in her writing for her characters. The students were excited to hear that she does listen to music while she writes, though it is instrumental "piratey" music. Ms. Fitz's class was a wonderful audience and they will surely keep the books checked out for the rest of the year.