We interviewed members of the Chardon Middle School Power of the Pen team and will be sharing their responses throughout the summer. Next up, Maggie B.
Geauga County Public Library: Why did you decide to join Power of the Pen?
Maggie B.: I decided to join Power of the Pen because ever since I was a toddler I loved books. My mom told me stories of me taking all the books off the shelves creating a big pile, and just sitting there trying to comprehend the words on the pages until she would come over and read it to me. By the time I could write I would think up my own stories. I have boxes full of character sheets, character designs, setting designs and plot lines. Some of them date back to even first grade. All in all, Power of the Pen allows me to pursue something I’m passionate in.
GCPL: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
MB: My favorite part of writing is seeing the characters, setting and plot develop. My writing style is very messy. I often work in bursts of energy, writing everything down in one sitting and then going back to revise and rewrite any mistakes in both grammar, plot and characters.
GCPL: What is your least favorite part of the writing process?
MB: As mentioned before, my writing style is very messy and I always have to go back through my work. My first draft is always very different from the final product. It’s not that I do not like it but fixing mistakes can often be very tedious and boring, especially in the grammar department.
GCPL: Why do you think writing is important?
MB: From persuasive to creative, writing affects all of our lives in many different ways. Basically all the arts do. One of the most underrepresented aspects of the arts is writing. You oftentimes don’t see people who are not authors picking it up as a hobby, unlike sketching, sculpting or painting.
GCPL: Who are some of your favorite writers? Why?
MB: I like George Orwell, Ray Bradbury (which is funny because oftentimes the two are often compared), and S.E Hinton. The Outsiders and Animal Farm are simply amazing books everyone should read
GCPL: Why do you think libraries rock?
MB: Libraries are extremely important as they a great place to immerse yourself in a good book. They can also improve the education and happiness of people living in those towns.
GCPL: What book would you like to recommend?
MB: I would love to recommend Animal Farm. It is an expertly made story with a strong and engaging narrative. The characters are genius and it is an expert allegory for Communism.
Maggie is entering 8th grade at Chardon Middle School. You can read her Power of the Pen stories in our Young Writers of Geauga County collection.
