Numerous local hidden gem opportunities exist for aspiring young authors to explore, such as the workshop with author Adi Alsaid. This impactful event was hosted at the Kane Co. Regional Office of Education on Feb. 8.
“Having someone [at author events] in real flesh and blood creates a greater sense of connection to students, especially if they can interact with them,” said OH English teacher Elizabeth Prigodich.
During the event, Alsaid provided insight into his background and publishing career, explaining how his life events shaped him into who he is today and helped him achieve his dream career. He even did book signings at the end, as each attendee received one of his published pieces.
“I’m trying to tell stories that carry a message with it,” said Alsaid. “The main message of my stories is about how it’s okay to be lost and not know how you fit into the world around you, because eventually, you do find that,” said Alsaid.
Alsaid has published ten books, ranging from young adult fiction to middle-grade fantasy stories, all of which have unique contexts of how they were drafted.
“Well, my favorite part of these events is understanding who authors are as people because we don’t often get the backstory of why they wrote a book, or where their ideas originated from,” said Kristen Walsh, executive board member of the Fox Valley Reading Council.
The event went into detail about how the writing process can be tumultuous at times, but once you truly focus, it can be a true joy and gift to hold.
“I’m usually writing in a coffee shop with earphones in, or at home late at night when everyone’s asleep and I have very little interaction,” said Alsaid. “The best part about these events is interacting with people, many of whom have read what I’ve written.”
Getting to know authors as people and not solely by their profession encourages and provides insight for young writers. Many authors describe themselves as having been confused or angsty teenagers like them at one point, making their ambitions or goals seem all the more real.
“Our goal is to promote literacy and the joy it holds, and we try to engage the members of our organization and the community,” said Walsh. “So we enjoy having events where we can bring a variety of people and expose them to different parts of literature they haven’t read.”
Through these events, community members can learn and even write with an author, and share their work aloud if they’d like, allowing themselves to be heard and known.
“The more we can get this out to students, teachers, and parents then that excitement travels with us,” said Camille Lutz, president of Fox Valley Reading Council. “I can’t wait to return to my classroom on Monday and share the quotes I wrote from Adi.”
This is my first year as a staff reporter on 42Fifty and I am a senior at OHS. I am also involved in NEHS, Best Buddies, and Reading Corner at the school and in my free time I volunteer at the Naperville Area Humane Society. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
