Student Novelist Discusses Her Craft
Writing a novel is not a simple un dertaking for even a professional writer Getting it published is a much more back-breaking task Yet Jessica Erbe a student at Cypress High School has done just that
When she was 13 and attending Lexington Junior High Erbe completed a science fiction novel titled Rylath Two years later in 2011 the book was released by Southern California-based TriNet Publishing
According to Erbe the publi cation was personally fulfilling I was very proud of myself for finishing she said in an inter view Writing the novel was a challenge though Before she even started she spent a whole summer making an outline
I would write some and then I wouldnt write for months I was in give-up mode very of ten she said
Getting published was another obstacle that took even longer than it took to write the novel
I made the mistake of telling my age when I sent the manuscript to publishers No one wanted to publish a 13-year-old s writing she stated
Despite the complications she eventually found Tri-Net Today Rylath is available at Barnes and Noble Amazon com and as an E-book
The novel includes a preview of a sequel The Raaka but Erbe has not announced any plans for its release In a January interview with The Event News she said [My publisher] wants me to but I dont know Theres a lot of other stuff I would like to do
According to her biography she hopes to explore new knowledge and ideas that encompass her pas sions in life As a junior at C ypress High she has a perfect GPA and is involved in sports and extracurric ular activities She is the firstchair trumpet player in band
Erbe also gives advice to aspir ing writers like herself and re cently gave a lecture at an event held by Cypress Highs Silver Quill Creative Writing Club Her advice to her fellow members: Dont give up trying to write or publish just because youre young
Daniel Seung-
Hyun Chung 10th University
High