Former journalist and current author Brooke Lea Foster visited NHP on November 12, 2024. She shared her experience as a journalist and an author, her creative process for novels as well as writing advice to the seniors.
Dr. Otton’s and Ms. Kaspar’s AP Literature classes attended the author visit. Student facilitators Deborah Aderibigbe, Joseph James, Evyn Roliz and Madison Washington led the discussion by asking Ms. Foster questions about how she started her writing journey, advice she has received and the process of writing and publishing a book.
Students shared their thoughts on the author’s visit and their overall experience learning about Ms. Foster’s work.
“I loved getting to see and hear from such a successful and inspirational author! I liked the way she discussed the difficulties of her career and kept reminding us that life would work itself out sometimes,” senior Eliana Park said.
“It was great being on the panel! Brooke Lea Foster was so personal, and I really enjoyed hearing her in-depth answers to our questions. She demonstrated the amount she’s learned and grown throughout her career, and her advice to not be too hard on ourselves struck me hard. Speaking to such a humble and successful author was an experience I want to remember for a while, and I know I will,” senior Deborah Aderibigbe said.
English teachers Ms. Kaspar and Dr. Otton planned the visit and the discussion, ensuring that the event ran smoothly.
“I was fortunate to meet Brooke Lea Foster this past summer as she was on a book tour on Long Island’s North Fork, promoting her most recent novel, ‘All the Summers in Between.’ When I asked her to come for a visit to NHP, she immediately said yes as she was eager to converse with students about her career as a journalist and now novelist,” AP Literature teacher Ms. Kaspar said.
Ms. Kaspar shared how she enjoys inviting authors to visit and talk to the students, giving them the opportunity to learn about various authors’ writing journeys and the creative process behind writing.
“I am always trying to connect with authors and invite them to school. I think it is so important for students to meet and talk to authors in person as it brings to life the craft of writing. It is helpful for student writers to learn about an author’s journey, inspiration, fears and challenges,” Ms. Kaspar said. “It was so beneficial to hear about Brooke Lea Foster’s writing process and the advice she was given that ‘revision is a gift.’ All writers have a voice and it is important to keep rewriting to develop its strength.”
Brooke Lea Foster’s visit was able to provide insight into what it is like to be an author. Students enjoyed hearing her story and learning from her expertise.
