Last School Visit

Thanks to Ms. Supran for inviting me to spend time speaking with her and Ms. Crew’s third grade students at Jupiter Farms Elementary.

They were attentive and enthusiastic and came prepared with great questions, like, “How long did it take you to write your book?” and “Did your sons help you with it?” (Answers: Research, writing and revisions took about a year. And our sons did come up with a couple good ideas while I was writing.)

To top off a fine visit, the students created these wonderful thank you cards. Here is a picture of my cat, Jasmine, admiring them:

I’m grateful to the teachers, principals and media specialists who invited me into their schools this year.

During one of the visits, groups of students were talking and laughing. One student stood off to the side. Before I went over to chat with that student, I reminded myself that this is the student I’m writing for -- the one who might not feel part of a group. The one for whom a character in a book can feel like a friend. The student I was so many years ago.

Now that school visits are over for this year, I’m looking forward to writing, writing, writing and to enjoying the relaxed pace of summer with family and friends.

Hugs,
Donna