I spent the past two days at Thayer Academy, a private school in Braintree, MA, as part of their Bailey King Author Series. As their 2020 guest author, I had the opportunity to speak with seven classes of high school students, from 9th through 12th grade. We talked about character and conflict and empathy and mental illness, I gave them a short writing exercise that forced them to look at an argument from different points of view (which they found… difficult, especially when the other point of the view was a parent’s!). I also got to hear about their projects, everything from short stories to speeches to personal essays. The kids were quiet at first, and I learned that asking them to introduce themselves at the beginning of class is key. I have such a renewed respect for teachers and what they do every single day! The second evening, there was a lovely event for faculty, parents and alumni, where I gave a well-received presentation. Lots of great questions, and everyone seemed to think EHIB would make a great movie! Well, can’t say I disagree. For an author, there really isn’t anything better than talking about your book with enthusiastic readers!