As the child of writers, Jane Yolen thought that everyone grew up to be a writer. "By the time I found out, it was too late," she said.
Yolen has written more than 150 books for children and adults during her career.
More than 1,600 students were able to meet Yolen, Walter Dean Myers and David Harrison at the 16th annual Children and Young Adults' Literature Festival Thursday. The event continues today at Southeast Missouri State University.
"We hope to increase their interest in reading because they've met a `live' author," said Dr. Ann Porter Gifford with the Department of Learning Resources. "They can see that authors come in all ages, both male and female and will expand and broaden their horizons."
After talking to the authors, Amber Berry, a third grade student, had learned a lot about the book-publishing business. Berry attends school at Twin Rivers Elementary, near Fisk.
"It's fun, but I know it takes a long time," she said. It takes about a year for a book manuscript to make it to the published stage.
Yolen explained how book manuscripts are selected and often rejected by publishing companies.
The first book Yolen had published was rejected 13 times before a company accepted the manuscript, she said. "I still get them, but I know to turn around and send them again."
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