Student publishes third book

Thursday, May 10, 2007
Council President John Lanie listens to the concerns of a residents about a smoking ban in Greencastle. The City council voted 3-2 in favor of approving a citywide smoking ban.

FILLMORE -- Carlie Nichols won her first writing contest when she was 9.

Now, her work will be included in the Putnam County Museum.

Nichols is one of a handful of authors the museum has received donated work from. Her three children's books will be on display at the museum until the end of May.

Nichols, 12, has written three books that have been published by Creations by You, based in Colorado.

Her mother Marcia said Carlie spends most of her time writing.

"She writes and doodles all the time," Marcia said. "She's so dedicated. She puts her whole heart into it."

Carlie, a sixth-grader at Fillmore Elementary, wrote her first book, "Dog Creek School," when she was 9. She then wrote "Dog Creek Swim Team," before writing "Cold as Ice."

Her first book was dedicated to former Fillmore guidance counselor Carol Emery while her second was dedicated to former Fillmore teacher Jan Swingley, who currently teaches at Reelsville. Her current book was dedicated to Fillmore teacher Cathy Deaton.

On Monday while reading to students in Deaton's second-grade classroom, Carlie said she dedicated her first book to Emery because the counselor stressed to her to "never give up."

Carlie has written one book each year for the past three years. She said she enjoys writing.

"I just like to write a bunch," she said.

Carlie also handles all the illustrations in her books. The main characters in her books are generally dogs, especially her beagle Bonnie.

According to its website, Creations by You has been "developing educationally based, creative projects for schools for more than 13 years, with a specialty in publishing student writing."

When Carlie's mother told her about the publishing company, she admitted she was slightly apprehensive.

"At first, when my mom told me about that, I was kind of nervous," Carlie said.

Carlie said she wants to become a teacher and make a movie when she grows up.

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