Jersey City-resident and author Walter Dean Myers graciously gave his time to speak at the Greenville Branch Library on Thursday, February 9, 2006. An audience of 75 adults and children listened intently to his approach to writing novels, and what it means to be a working writer.

HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH – Kenny Uko, branch manager of Greenville, took the podium to introduce Theodore Brunson of the Afro-American Historical Society Museum, which is located on the top floor of the Greenville Branch Library. Notice the wonderful backdrop of photos, including those honored on postage stamps, of successful African-Americans.

FROM ONE HONORED GUEST, TO ANOTHER – Theodore Brunson, director of the Afro-American Historical Society Museum who has taught African-American pride through geneaology research, introduced the man of the hour, author Walter Dean Myers.

MEET THE AUTHOR – Comfortable at the podium, Walter Dean Myers easily launched into his presentation.

WARMING UP TO HIS SUBJECT – When Walter Dean Myers spoke he became animated with his love of writing, stating he couldn’t have done anything else for a career that would make him as happy.

WARMING UP TO THIS AUDIENCE – Clearly, Walter Dean Myers enjoyed the response given to him as he spoke.

PROLIFIC AUTHOR – Walter Dean Myers used one of his many books that were on display to illustrate a point he was making.

THE WORKING NOVELIST – The looseleaf organizes all the information collected as Walter Dean Myers begins writing a novel. The author emphasized how story development before actually writing the book is crucial to the process…and that includes much research and character development.