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Ohio University Freshman Publishes Novel
By: Bianca Hillier
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Most college freshman are struggling to keep up with reading their assigned books. Ohio University freshman Summer Schmier however, recently found time to publish her own.
Inspired by her grandfather, who she says "was an excellent story-teller", Schmier began writing when she was eight years old. "I would just pick up a pencil and go," she said. "Whatever came out would be the next part of the story because it was kind of subconsciously already plotted in my head."
Her book, "Lilah Keeper and the Deceiver's Heir", won 3rd place in a book competition. This rank gave Schmier the confidence to publish the 211-paged novel. The plot follows a teenaged girl whose dreams become reality.
Schmier says the writing process, however, was anything but a dream. "I was ten years old, writing these short stories," she said. "My Dad would say, 'Oh, good job, but it's not going to go anywhere'." After seeing the book's success, however, Schmier says her Dad is supportive of her work.
Co-owner of Little Professor Book Center Rich Purdy says ever since the book hit the shelves, it has exceeded expectations. "Summer is a great promoter. We've seen very good success with it so far," Purdy said. "I think a lot of it is due to her and her go-getting attitude."
Schmier says the positive responses to work her have been humbling and beyond her own expectations. "When people read the book, I've gotten some really heart-touching responses," she said. "I'm just really thankful to have the opportunity to have other people read my thoughts."
Schmier will be signing copies of her book at Little Professor Book Center on Saturday, October 4. The autograph session will be from 6 to 7 p.m.