An Author’s Dream

A good writer is like a wizard. A wizard transforms a cat into a frog. A good writer transforms a pile of blank paper into a bestselling novel.

Late one night, Abby was writing a story. “For homework, I have to write a story about the future!” Abby exclaimed. “How can I write about something that hasn’t happened yet?” Abby asked.

“Sleep on it,” her mother urged.

Abby fell asleep and dreamed she was at the bookstore. A big banner was spread across the window with a picture of a girl on it. Abby noticed that the girl in the picture looked very familiar, but older. The girl held a silver book in her hands like a trophy. That’s weird, Abby thought.

She opened the door, and found a line of people. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the award-winning author of The Jake Chronicles, Abby Stephens!

Abby’s gasp was drowned out by legions of fans clapping. “Thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here,” Adult Abby said. “The Jake Chronicles started as a seventh-grade writing project.”

Abby found her way to the front of the line. Adult Abby stared at her, startled. She recognized herself from the past. Adult Abby smiled and whispered, “Mom was right; stick with it.”

After hours of staring at a blank sheet of paper, I thought of The Jake Chronicles.

“Take this.” Adult Abby slipped a copy of the book into Abby’s hand. “Good luck!” Adult Abby said as she winked.

Abby awoke with a start. Her unfinished story sat on her desk. She felt in her pajama pocket and withdrew the copy of The Jake Chronicles. Abby stared unbelievingly at the shiny cover. She hugged it to her chest, but then decided to place the book in her desk drawer, waiting for the perfect time to reveal it to the world.

Abby thought of the book and inspiration hit her. She would write about her dream. After an hour of writing, the completed story, “An Author’s Dream,” was completed. Abby was proud of her introduction: “A good writer is like a wizard. . . .”