Central Coast local and best-selling author Wendelin Van Draanen, creator of the Sammy Keyes series, will discuss her new book, Hope in the Mail, during two upcoming book signings: Saturday, Jan. 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library; and Sunday, Jan. 26, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Book Loft in Solvang.
Hope in the Mail is Van Draanen’s first nonfiction book, which she described as “part memoir, part craft guide, and part publishing insight” in a press release. The book explores the various roadblocks the author endured while trying to become a published author, persistently submitting her writing to New York publishers and agents over a 10-year period.
“The purpose of Hope in the Mail is to help people find ways to pursue the things that really matter to them,” Van Draanen said in the release. “Life and adult responsibilities tend to shove our creative pursuits to the back of the line. They don’t belong there.”
Van Draanen’s career launched with her first Sammy Keyes novel, which evolved into an award-winning 18-book series. She’s also the author behind Flipped and Shredderman Rules, which were both adapted into feature films.
Hope in the Mail: Reflections on Writing and Life is suitable for teen and adult audiences alike. To find out more about the book, visit wendelinvand.com.
This article appears in Jan 9-16, 2020.