Albany Avenue Students Meet ‘Fairy Tale Reform School’ Author

LINDENHURST, NY - From Lindenhurst Union Free School District: Students of Albany Avenue Elementary School in the Lindenhurst Union Free School District recently explored the writing process with Jen Calonita, author of the “Fairy Tale Reform School” book series among others.

Calonita spoke about her early days of writing as an entertainment journalist, a position she held for 10 years prior to writing her first young adult series, “Secrets of My Hollywood Life.” She shared with the students how she came to write the current series which revolves around Gilly, a girl who made a bad choice and was sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School where her teachers are all reformed fairy tale villains.

During each of the two school assemblies, the author explained the process of writing and publishing a book, as well as, the ingredients for a good story such as engaging characters, an exciting premise, a conflict and “the ultimate villain.” Later in the day, Calonita expanded upon this information as she conducted a writer’s
workshop session with fourth-grade students in teacher Jeff Ventura’s class.

Photo courtesy of Lindenhurst Union Free School District