CASPER, Wyo — Dean Morgan Junior High student Hunter will head into summer with two tremendous accomplishments: 8th-grade graduate and published author, according to a release from the Natrona County School District (NCSD). Hunter spoke with NCSD educators about his process, influences, and success in the release.
Hunter’s novel is a Western entitled, “Brooks Battle.”
“It’s about a group of criminals who take things way too far when injuring one of the ranch hands on the land they were trying to take over,” Hunter said. “Throughout the novel, Buck, along with his ranch hands, try to get revenge. As more information about the gang comes to light, it is not only revenge they are fighting for!”
The first edit of Hunter’s book took him around 5 months to write. “Whenever I wasn’t playing outside with my brothers or spending time with family, I would write. Anytime I see something so pretty that I just had to write about it, I would take notes, and use it later for in my book.”
After the first draft, Hunter began to edit his novel and prepare his work for professional editing. “When I found out that my book would move forward to publishing, my first thought was, ‘Wow!’ I was excited that my writing would go further than just family and friends reading it. I am glad to have the opportunity to share my stories and characters.”
Hunter started out writing poetry for the annual Young Author’s Competitions, “After I started winning awards for my writing and creating more ideas, it became something I loved to do,” Hunter said. “I started writing my novel because I wanted to challenge myself with my writing, and got tons of support.”
He credited the development for his passion for writing and literature to his 7th and 8th-grade English teacher at Dean Morgan, Mrs. Deal. “She showed support by guiding me in class to make sense in my writing, and by showing up to my award ceremony for Young Authors, which she really didn’t have to do,” Hunter said.
“I look forward to learning more about what I love to do,” Hunter said about continuing to write in high school, including in the field of journalism.
“As I write, I can picture everything I am talking about and I love it. The feeling of being many people (the characters in my book) all at once is amazing to me,” Hunter said. “I think people should definitely read my book because I want them to see what is in my mind!”
Becoming an author is an incredible feat for Hunter. “I am proud of myself and I think my hard work is reflected in my writing,” Hunter said. “I am thankful for all of the support everyone’s given me.”
