The Ink Splat is our monthly activity letter filled with inspiration sparking challenges and resources guaranteed to inspire your creativity. In this Ink Splat, the book and author spotlighted is School of Charm By LIsa Ann Scott along with an author interview! Submit a response to a challenge and you may have a chance to be published online! What are you waiting for?
The Challenge: Southern Charm
The setting of your story is a very important part. School of Charm is set in the Southern US, which plays a big part in shaping Chip’s story. Try describing a particular setting in as much detail as you can. Then, write a story set there where your character is really affected by it! 
Do a little digging:
Setting your story somewhere you don’t know? Do a little research on the area. What’s the weather like? The culture? The landscape? Once you have a solid image in your mind, it’ll be much easier to describe it.
Submit your response HERE!
School of Charm By Lisa Ann Scott
Eleven-year-old Chip has always been her daddy’s girl, so when he dies she pins her hopes on winning a beauty pageant to show her family of southern belles that she still belongs. But she’d rather be covered in mud than makeup! Can a rough-and-tumble girl ever become a beauty queen? A universal story about finding your place in the world, School of Charm explores themes of loss, family, and friendship.
Interview with Lisa Ann Scott:
“At the School of Charm, everyone has a wish to whisper. With an enchanting small-town setting, lively storytelling, and a hint of magic, this debut novel is perfect for fans of Ingrid Law, Clare Vanderpool, and Rebecca Stead.”
Q: What made you decide to set the story in the South? Are you from there?
A: I am not from the south, I was born in upstate New York and have lived here most of my life. I wanted Chip to move somewhere very different, and I liked the idea of her being in the so-called best little town in America, but hating it.
Q: The front cover of the novel is beautiful. What was it like transferring the scene in your head onto to paper?
A: The illustrator did a great job capturing that moment where Chip finds the school think my process is different for each character. I definitely “see” the story as I’m writing it, so I try to pick out interesting details to set the reader in the moment. It was very exciting seeing that come to life when I got my first look at the cover. I asked for the dandelion puff to be added. If you read the book, you’ll figure out why.
Q: Why children’s books?
A: I read once that you should write the age you feel you are in your heart. Moving from elementary school to middle school was such a transformative time full of angst and excitement. I can still remember all the confusing feelings from that age, so writing for kids going through that is very exciting and satisfying.
Q: Any advice for young authors?
A: Find as many opportunities to write as you can. I wrote for the school paper in high school and college, I’ve had essays published, short stories, even greeting cards.
Check out the trailer for School of Charm!
“Your life will be much richer and exciting when you read and write. Welcome to a fantastic club!” – Lisa Scott
Thanks Lisa Ann Scott!
School of Charm is available at Amazon! And be sure to check out Lisa Ann Scott’s website.
