All Purpled Out!
Dear Jarman Elementary,
Wow! I’ve finally read every single one of your notes, and I am really impressed.
You all came up with some great book ideas! Many suggested a sequel to Paris Pan. I might have to do that now that you’ve given me plenty of material to work with. I also LOVE one student’s title suggestion: Paris Pan 2: The Dare Returns. Awesome.
The animal story ideas were amazing, too. I do have a thing for animals – dogs, cats- you name it. Kira, thank you for noticing!
Watch out for a book from me one day featuring an animal as the main character. Maybe Go, the dog from Paris Pan, can get a starring role!
I was very happy to hear some of you think you might write a book one day. When you do, be sure to tell me all about it. I will be the first in line to buy it!
Finally, I wanted to show you pics from the visit and just a few of the many great letters you wrote (scroll down). Wow, seriously, thank you. Your enthusiasm means so much to me. I hope we’ll see each other again one day.
Happy reading and writing,
Cynthea
Check out those tattoo faces!
P.S. A.J., to answer your question, the best time to write is when you want to write! There are no rules about when you should write and when you shouldn’t. Write when inspiration strikes!
P.P.S. Tea and A.J., to find out how to get a publisher, do check out my articles at www.writingforchildrenandteens.com. Also Jarman Elementary library has a copy of WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS: A CRASH COURSE. Check out the chapters on how to find an agent or editor.
P.P.P.S. Lexie, the amount I write a day really depends on how much I can get done. Some days, I can write about eight pages. Some days, I can write only one sentence! (Though usually I can get in at least one paragraph.) If I feel like I am out of ideas or words, I still try to write SOMETHING just to keep the story going. Even if it doesn’t make sense. I know I’ll have to fix it later, but that helps me get to the good parts. Some days, I just have to stop and start again the next day. Again, there are no rules. Do whatever works for you! If whatever you’re doing doesn’t work, keep trying something else until it does! 
P.P.P.P.S. Micah, I live in Chicago, Illinois, but I return often to Oklahoma to visit family!
My last P.S.! A special thank you to Jessica Smith and Patti Pitcock for all of your help in making the visit a great day for everyone. Union rocks! I’m so proud to be a former student!
PARIS PAN, nominated for Texas Lone Star Reading List 2010
Paris Pan Takes the Dare draws you in and won't let you go until the end."