Author holds writing workshop at M’ville library

MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Library will host author Suzanne Selfors Nov. 14, at 3 p.m., when she’s set to speak about writing for teen audiences.

Selfors’ novel, “Coffeehouse Angel,” was recently selected for an “Indie Best Picks” award given by independent bookstores nationwide, and she looks forward to offering advice on getting published to both starting and seasoned authors.

Selfors has been writing all her life, including plays that she wrote and performed in elementary school, but work, marriage and becoming an at-home mom took precedence. Once her daughter started going to school, she found herself with free time during the day that she used to return to writing. Although a University of Washington extension course that she took in the fall of 2002 gave her the courage to submit her first novel by the fall of 2003, the 12 rejection letters that followed let her know that she still had work ahead.

“I was writing for adults at first,” Selfors said. “I didn’t set out to write for teens.”

Selfors nonetheless found herself receiving bids for her first novel for ages 8-12 in 2007. In “Saving Juliet,” Selfors wrote about a modern girl who was transported into the story of “Romeo and Juliet,” and how she changed the story.

“I tell fantasy adventure stories,” Selfors said. “They’re set in the real world, but with elements of magic.”

Selfors acknowledged that the process of submitting writing can be overwhelming, which is why she plans to discuss the resources that are available to writers and the areas that they need to research. She also looks forward to answering other questions about her stories or writing process.

“A lot of writers try to do too much too early,” Selfors said. “In many cases, they’re not thinking about what genres or age groups they’re writing for, and they don’t know where to find information or an agent.”

Disney recently purchased the film rights to “Saving Juliet.” Selfors’ Web site is www.suzanneselfors.com.

Contact Marysville Globe Reporter Kirk Boxleitner at kboxleitner@marysvilleglobe.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5052.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.