Nina Ruiz
In Motion Staff Writer
Daytona State welcomed a variety of authors of different genres, from children’s books to sci-fi, in the Hosseini Center to enlighten and share their stories and processes in becoming published writers. The October Writer’s Conference hosted by DSC professor Dr. Lynn Hawkins gave local writers the chance to be around authors with experience.
Their wise words let students and other participants feel as though becoming a published author isn’t so unrealistic or a far-off fantasy after all. Author of “White Sugar/Brown Sugar,” Mike Pyle headlined the event and set the ball rolling to introduce the rest of the enthusiastic authors, who were happy to attend the program.
Asked when he writes, the young adult/sci-fi author Frank Ceravolo did not have to hesitate.
“Whenever an idea strikes. I’ll even turn back home when I’m driving so I can go back and write because it’s so important that you catch things right as you think them, right off the top of your head,” he explained. “Inspiration comes from deep inside of you and you have to feel what you’re writing.”
He said there is no set time of the day that should be set aside for writing or confining creativity, but that it is important to grasp the thought the second it arrives. “Now you can just pick up your phones and write — in the grocery store, waiting in line. It’s so easy.”
Mary Kay Pyles, a children’s author, shared a story close to her heart that emphasized the importance of reading in a person’s life, regardless of how old a person may be. She recalled her teaching days and “reading time,” to her elementary school students. There was an instance where one of the students was off-task, reading another book while she was reading aloud.
“I said, ‘Please let me see what you’re reading while you are supposed to be listening to me.’ To my surprise, it was the same book I was reading aloud and he wanted to read along. Reading is important to children and I think we forget that now.”
With humility and kindness, conference presenters allowed aspiring authors to feel welcomed and they listened to each breath of conversation from seasoned writers. Hearing authors tell their stories inspired young and other would-be writers to believe in themselves as they continue onto their future endeavors.
Authors told of their strength and determination when struggling with things ranging from the common “writer’s block” to how to persevere when searching for a publisher. Dr. Hawkins hopes the success of the inaugural event will make it an annual gathering at Daytona State College.