Nina Ruiz
\nIn Motion Staff Writer
\n Daytona State welcomed a variety of authors of different genres, from children\u2019s books to sci-fi, in the Hosseini Center to enlighten and share their stories and processes in becoming published writers. The October Writer\u2019s Conference hosted by DSC professor Dr. Lynn Hawkins gave local writers the chance to be around authors with experience.
\n Their wise words let students and other participants feel as though becoming a published author isn\u2019t so unrealistic or a far-off fantasy after all. Author of \u201cWhite Sugar\/Brown Sugar,\u201d 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.
\n Asked when he writes, the young adult\/sci-fi author Frank Ceravolo did not have to hesitate.
\n \u201cWhenever an idea strikes. I\u2019ll even turn back home when I\u2019m driving so I can go back and write because it\u2019s so important that you catch things right as you think them, right off the top of your head,\u201d he explained. \u201cInspiration comes from deep inside of you and you have to feel what you\u2019re writing.\u201d
\n 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. \u201cNow you can just pick up your phones and write \u2014 in the grocery store, waiting in line. It\u2019s so easy.\u201d
\n Mary Kay Pyles, a children\u2019s author, shared a story close to her heart that emphasized the importance of reading in a person\u2019s life, regardless of how old a person may be. She recalled her teaching days and \u201creading time,\u201d 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.
\n \u201cI said, \u2018Please let me see what you\u2019re reading while you are supposed to be listening to me.\u2019 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.\u201d
\n 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.
\n Authors told of their strength and determination when struggling with things ranging from the common \u201cwriter\u2019s block\u201d 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Nina Ruiz In Motion Staff Writer Daytona State welcomed a variety of authors of different genres, from children\u2019s books to sci-fi, in the Hosseini Center to enlighten and share their stories and processes in becoming published writers. The October Writer\u2019s Conference hosted by DSC professor Dr. Lynn Hawkins gave local Continue reading Writer\u2019s Conference helps launch publishing dreams<\/span>