Author Peter Lerangis visits Westorchard!

Today Peter Lerangis, author of the newest book The Sword Theif: book 3 in the 39 Clues series coming out this March as well as many childrens books including the 6 book Watchers series, the Spy X series, and the secret boy ghostwriter for the Baby-Sitters Club series (approximiately 40 titles), came to Westorchard to visit the 4th grade classes and tell about his "True Life Story of a Writer." His passion for writing spilled out into the audience as he showed my students black and white photos of him growing up in New York and also copies of stories started at the young age of 10.

He was engaging, inspiring and very funny as he told the story of growing up as a young writer. He taught my class that writing can open the door to many creative possibilities. He also lead a workshop where the students had to piece together a story map with on the spot character development and cohesion throught a story idea.

Some major points Peter addressed:

• "Writing is like acting!" - my personal favorite quote from today
• "Never name a character Neglogleegoglook!"
• Every story is indeed a Mystery.
• Don't ever lose your obsessions. (especially for your superheros)
• Editing helps your story peel away to the wonderful final product.
• Writing should always be fun.
• Creativity is the path to drive your story.
• NEVER give too much away in the begining. You need to be good at keeping secrets.

I had my students relfect on Peter's workshop as well as his True Life Story of a Writer. They truly loved hearing of his journey and I feel they now see writing as a career that can open doors as well as open your heart to an inner voice that wants to be heard. If you ever have the opportunity to invite an author to your school to speak, I recommend Peter for he was truly brilliant. He related to the students, made them feel something towards writing and inspired my whole class to reflect on their own passions and creative minds.