Prodigy

She was impressed and advised us to apply to the CATE contest. When Gabrielle’s work was recognized by CATE and she received a “Writer of Distinction Award”,  I knew it was my responsibility to publish it. And when she wanted to organize a first writer’s club in school, I helped her make the flyers and distribute them at school.

At the end of each year, we give a complimentary certification to each club member. And recently, when she wanted to apply for a copywriter position on the yearbook, I helped her out with the resume and the interview process. I always try to encourage my kids to pursue their dreams and to not be afraid of any challenges that they may encounter on their path as I’m always there for them and always supportive of all their endeavors.  

1. Who are you? And what are you currently up to?
I’m Gabrielle Begun. I am almost eleven years old. I live in San Francisco. I’m a 6th grader. I am currently working with an independent publisher, Lekha to publish my first book. Four years ago I started the first writer’s club and have been running it every year since. I have been offered a copywriter job in our school year book two times. In 2012 I participated in the CATE contest and won a “Writer of Distinction” Award in April 2013.  I am currently working on a few novels and focusing mostly on school.

2. What is your biggest source of inspiration?
Books I have read and movies I’ve seen.

3. How do you keep your social and school life at balance?
I just write at home, and the rest of the time I’m at school with my friends. I’ve been taking piano lessons for 6 years and guitar lessons for 4. I also have been taking volleyball and tennis lessons during school break. And whenever I get a change to go horseback riding – I take it!

4. What is one piece of advice you could pass on to others about following your authentic self?
Don’t stop believing and never give up. You have to finish what you started.
In the Writer’s Club, I tell them not to erase what they think could work, and to never stop thinking.

5. What do you do for fun?
I read, write, watch TV, play volleyball & hang out with friends & family.

6. What is a typical day?
An early rise, a great partly cloudy weather, and no tests or surprise quizzes.

7. Who is your support system and how do they support you on your unique path?
My mom, my dad, and my brother. They never stop believing in me. And they are always there when I need them.

8. How have your peers or adults felt about your early accomplishments?
They’ve been really proud of me.

9. Have you always known this is what you wanted to do? When did you know? Was there a moment?
I found out that I had a talent for writing when I was eight. We had an assignment in class to write a story from the point of view of a penny. Then the rocket blasted off.

10. Where do you want to be in five years from now?
In a futuristic house with a dog, lots of money from my books, and a free scholarship to Stanford. On a serious note, I do want to publish more books and expend my writing into screenplays for future movies.
 

My Fave Five Books/ Authors

1. Divergent (Veronica Roth)

2. Percy Jackson Heroes of Olympus (Rick Riordan)

3. Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events)

4. James Dashgner (the Maze Runner)

5. The Giver (Lois Lowry)

Margarita…It took me a year to find a publisher who would was interested in taking on a younger writer. I mailed out a lot of manuscripts to children’s publishers in USA and even United Kingdom.  In September of 2013, we signed the contract with a small independent publisher, Lekha Ink. While they work on the book publishing process, I had to take on a few more responsibilities such as the book release party, marketing and distribution. I was astonished at how many people were willing to support and sponsor my family on this journey.

Our future plans to bring our beloved “Freddy the Penny” live to the big screen.