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“I’m so writing more!”
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April 25, 2024How does someone become an author? Well, first, there must be a love for stories. Julia Marie Lathrop, 11, just published her first book and has ideas for many more. It all started with bedtime stories that her parents would read to her and her younger sister: “Julia would always ask for more; she was always looking forward to that moment,” says her father, Pratt Lathrop. No wonder English and Writing are her favorite subjects in school.
Now, Julia has published her first book, The Treasure of Richard Julius Maximus III. It is about a preteen girl moving to Salem, Massachusetts, who is not happy that she has to live in an old house—until she gets pulled into a treasure hunt with a new friend… The book has 38 pages and several illustrations created after sketches that Julia provided.
How did this project start? “I like mysteries, and my sister and I always create stories,” says Julia. “My grandfather said, ‘If you write a book, I’ll get it published.”
Julia spent the last summer writing, “Every day a few hours, with some breaks when I had other things going on.” And her grandfather kept his promise – he found a publisher who would even consider accepting direct submissions: “And they liked it!”
The publisher suggested a few changes, and a graphic designer created illustrations. This spring, Julia can call herself a published author. The first batch sold out quickly, so the publishing house has already reprinted it twice.
“We are really proud of her,” says her father. “She has a creative mindset and gets the job done.” He also credits St. Patrick’s for this accomplishment: “She is a reflection of the school.” Principal Evelyn Burton affirms, “Julia is such a sweet girl and a hard worker.”
The young author had book signing days in school, and it is not her last book: “I already have many ideas – I’m so writing more!”
The Treasure of Richard Julius Maximus III by Julia Marie Lathrop is available on Amazon.
