Guest Speakers @the virtual library

How long does it take to write an award-nominated children's book? Is it easier to draw robots using pen and paper or using a digital tablet? These were some of the great questions posed when the 7th grade library classes this week Zoom called with a professional author and graphic artist.

Justin Leiter, the graphic artist, shared some of his cool art with several classes, showing off designed he has done for popular clothing stores as well as personal art he displays and sells at shows. A graduate of MS 202, he told students "he was always drawing something" when he was young, but began his journey to professional artist while in high school. He studied both art and film in college. Justin encouraged aspiring artists to keep drawing, "but not during your classes!"

Graphic Artist Justin Leiter, far left and

Author, Daphne Benedis-Grab.

During one of her sessions with students, author Daphne Benedis-Grab's cat made an unscheduled appearance on the Zoom call. "She likes to know what I am doing," the writer laughed. Daphne shared her thoughts about the writing process and how important planning can be. "I am very organized. I like lists. I use an outline. I include everything. What the characters will do. What they will say. When they will say it," she said. Since the 7th graders are working on a mystery writing unit, Daphne advised students to be sure to "plant those little seeds, those clues, throughout the writing, so that when it all comes together at the end, it makes sense." She also revealed that her novel, The Angel Tree, is being made into a Hallmark Mystery Movie for television, expected to air in December, 2020.

Both Justin Leiter and Daphne Benedis-Grab have a strong online presence. You can find out more about the work they do by visiting their websites:

https://daphnebg.com/

http://www.justinleiterillustration.com/

You can also catch Justin on Istagram. He is @kamenliter.