LT student writes book

Sarah Grier, Assistant online/social media editor

After assigned to write a creative writing piece in an eighth grade English class at Park Junior High School, Grace Dekoker ’19, began to write a short 23-page story. This school project would soon develop into a 280-page book trilogy; she would hope to get published over the next three years.

“I just kept going and then when it got to around 100 pages I was like ‘Oh my gosh I’m not even half way done this is going to be a book’ and that’s when I got really involved with it,” Dekoker said.

Dekoker’s book, Shattered, is a dystopian novel centered around a teenage princess, Cassandra, and her life-changing journey following her older sister’s assassination. Now, next in line for the crown, she realizes the corruption and unethical decisions happening within her country forcing her to flee for her safety. She joins a rebel society and becomes an influential leader hoping to take down the current government.

“There is a lot of action and internal conflict in it because her whole family and life is a lie,” Dekoker said. “Everything she has ever known is not true and she has to live with the repercussions of that.”

It took Dekoker five months to finish her first book and is currently in the process of looking for a young adult publishing agent in Chicago to represent her book.

“My goal is to be secured with an agent and everything in a year and a half,” Dekoker said.

Dekoker has sought literature advise from Kate Dillon ‘19 during her revision phase and she is one of the few who have read the entire novel.

“I read her book over the summer and it was one of those books you couldn’t put down,” Dillon said. “She told me a lot about the plot while she was writing it, but reading it as one continuous piece was an awesome experience.”

The protagonist is a relatable character for young adult readers, despite being a princess, bringing a unique aspect to the story, According to Dillon.

“You see her grow and mature so much throughout the first novel when she turns into a rebel who’s trying to figure out her purpose in this world,” Dillon said. “I think the idea of finding who you are is such a relatable thing for young adults today.”

Dekoker has had to learn how to manage the responsibilities of schoolwork and swim team with working on her novels.

“It has definitely been tough,” Dekoker said. “I always try to bring a little to school and find time during the day. Time management and making the books a priority has been a lifesaver for me.”

Receiving lots of support from family and friends Dekoker keeps a positive outlook on getting her book published.

“She’s so dedicated to this book and it’s awesome for me to see her dedication leading her places,” Dillon said.