Local writer inspires Schofield girls

When she was seven, Holly Turner wrote a poem for her mom.

"She liked it so much she made me write a couple more," said the Schofield Middle School 7th-grader.

Holly has been writing ever since and, with about 35 other girls, was delighted by the visit Tuesday of children's author Christine Hurley Deriso of North Augusta.

In recent years, Deriso has written children's and "tween" novels. She donated about 20 copies of the novel "Do Over" to Schofield so the girls can read the book over the Christmas holidays. Deriso plans to return to the school in January and discuss the book with the girls.

She describes her career as an author as the culmination of a long journey. A 1983 University of Georgia graduate in journalism, she once worked for the Augusta Chronicle.

"I really wanted to make up my own stories and submitted some to publishers," Deriso said. "I got some nice notes, but always 'No thanks.' It was really hard, but I knew I wanted to write, whether anybody else knew what I wrote or not."

A few years later, she began volunteering in her son's fourth-grade class and reading her stories to the kids. The process became interactive as Deriso began including the children. They would even suggest ideas and she included them in the next stories.

The kids soon suggested that she should compile the stories in a book. This time a publisher accepted the book and Deriso dedicated it to the elementary students. She has been writing ever since - with most of her books related to observations of her own children.

"I'll never be rich or famous from my books," said Deriso. "I have an average life that's not exciting, but that's OK. I can still draw on my own experiences. You can do that, too. Tap into a skill or passion that helps you put your best foot forward. Work on your communication skills, and a good way to do that is through reading."

Helen Richard, Schofield's career specialist, said English teachers nominated girls for the program based on their interest in writing. She chose to do an all-girls' event, because it's usually the girls she finds reading in the library.

"This was a great opportunity to bring in an author who is home-grown and invested in the community," Richard said. "It's so important for these girls to write and get their feelings on paper, to be able to express themselves."

Seventh-graders Modesty El and Alexis Thomas joined Holly in talking with Deriso during lunch.

"Oh yes, I like writing," Modesty said. "I tell myself that's what I want to be when I grow up."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.