Thomas County Upper Elementary students welcomed author Lois Ruby to their media center on Wednesday, September 26. All fifth grade students were able to meet with Mrs. Ruby in the school media center in an event hosted by Erin Rehberg, Library Media Specialist at TCUE/TCMS. 

During the meetings with Mrs. Ruby, students were able to learn about how authors create characters, stories, conflicts, and plot lines. She explained to students that many times she begins a story with a character and lets the story flow from that character. Students also learned of the challenging process of getting a book published. “I had to write the book twelve times,” said Ruby as she encouraged students to listen to their teachers when asked to revise their own writing. She even told students that one publisher sent the book back with 150 sticky notes containing suggested changes to her work. Mrs. Ruby introduced students to some of her other novels as well. 
 
In leading up to the author visit, many students prepared comments and questions to ask Ruby. One fifth grader, Kenzie Gilbreath, said she was excited about the visit because, “I like her book and she’s a very good author. Whenever I read one chapter, I just have to keep reading more and more.” Some of the questions asked by students included, “What inspired you to create these characters?” and “Why do you like to write about history?” Nancy Grieb, fifth grade language arts teacher, said, “The amazing part is that every fifth grader in TCUE is reading this very book right now. What a thrill to meet the author and have a first hand account of her life and her inspiration for the book.”
 

Lois Ruby is the author of Steal Away Home as well as several other novels including The Secret of Laurel Oaks, The Moxie Kid, and Strike! The Story of Mother Jones and the Colorado Field War.