The HHS Creative Writing Club attended the book launch party for Hawthorne resident and rising author, Sandy Hall, on October 29 at the Louis Bay II Library. Hall’s book, Signs Point to Yes, is her second young adult novel published by Swoon Reads, an imprint of Macmillan Publishing.

Hall’s first book, A Little Something Different, was the first book published based on crowd sourcing popularity. After posting a novel on the Swoon Reads site, fans voted on their favorite, choosing which one Macmillan would publish. Hall’s book won the contest and soon 100,000 copies of her book  (now translated into four languages) hit the bookstores.

Hall then jumped on the opportunity to write a second book for Macmillan. The first attempt was rejected, giving Hall an opportunity to talk to Hawthorne students about the value of persistence and confidence. On the next try, Signs Point to Yes was accepted for publication.

The novel takes place over one summer when Jane’s new job babysitting for the little sisters of her main crush turns to romantic possibilities. Jane’s Magic 8 Ball says the signs point to yes!

Hall offered advice and words of encouragement to the young writers. First on the to-do list: Finish. This is often the hardest part of writing, so Hall encouraged the students to just keep going. Hall does this by using an outline so she knows where the story is going, which makes it easier to get there. “I’m an outliner and a plotter,” she admitted to the group.

Although the title and plot of her third book is still a secret, Hall told the students to keep their eyes open for the upcoming announcement.

At the library launch party, Hall raffled off a Magic 8 Ball; winner Phillip Rodrigues took home the prize. All attendees were given a Magic 8 Ball pen to tell their fortunes and enjoyed the snacks and good conversation.