Students throughout Lynbrook North Middle School had the opportunity to hear from author Jen Calonita on April 17 during their lunch periods. Facilitated by librarian Kelly Napolitano and library aid Antoniette Levine, those that were interested in learning more about the writing process and the life of a published author visited the library where they were greeted by Calonita.  

Calonita is the author of a number of books including the Fairy Tale Reform School series. The small meet and greet allowed students to learn more about Calonita’s life, career and writing process, while asking any questions that they had. Through a short slideshow, she shared personal photographs from her journey to becoming a published author. In addition, Calonita spoke about her newest book coming out this fall, “Misfits” and how the cover was designed. “Misfits” is the first book in her new Royal Academy Rebels series. 

Calonita has traveled to many different schools to share her story, hoping to encourage future writers.

“I think it’s important for them to know that the biggest part of writing is rewriting,” said Calonita. “I always want them to realize that no author writes a book and then it immediately gets published. There is so much revision involved in the process and I want them to see that anyone can do it. You just have to put in the time and the effort and find your own story.”

Each student that attended a session received a raffle ticket to win one of Calonita’s books. Winners had their books signed along with those who purchased one of her books prior to the visit.