Mastic Beac, NY - November 12, 2013 - Melissa Kuch, author and creator of the new four-part young adult series The Hypothesis of Giants, recently visited four William Paca Middle School classes to talk about the craft of writing and to inspire students to view literature in a whole new and exciting way.
Kuch, a Long Island native, spoke to students about the process of writing a compelling story from creating the main characters to determining the conflict and the sequence of events. “For me it all started with a dream about a giant,” she said, referring to how she first got the idea for the book. In many stories, Kuch noted, giants are often the antagonists. However, in The Hypothesis of Giants, the protagonists are a giant and two teenagers. “Don’t be afraid to change it up!” she said. Kuch also challenged the students to carry a journal, read more, believe in themselves and write a little each day – four things that are key to being a good author.
“The purpose of our author visit with Melissa Kuch was to demonstrate to students that it is possible to follow their dreams and most importantly believe in themselves,” said Roseann Magrane, William Paca Middle School Library Media Specialist. “Creative inspiration can come from anything and happen at any time. We must be open to these moments, be patient and persevere.”
At the end of the presentation, students participated in a creative writing session and three students from each class were chosen randomly to win a signed copy of The Hypothesis of Giants. Kuch also donated a copy of her book to the William Paca Middle School library. Students also had the opportunity to preview a trailer for The Hypothesis of Giants: Book 1, which is scheduled to debut in select Long Island movie theaters beginning November 22 prior to screenings of “The Hunger Games 2: Catching Fire.”
Pictured: Author Melissa Kuch (far left) is pictured with students from Jason Melito’s social studies class from left to right: Ethan Fitzgerald, Diavian Crawford, James Perou, Shannen Kaufman, Shannon Miller, Zaneya Hamilton, Benjamin Yulis, Mr. Jason Melito, William Paca MS teacher and Mrs. Roseann Magrane, William Paca MS School Library Media Specialist.