Letters to Julia - Hardcover

While there may be many novels about teens who dream of becoming writers, this may be the only one to take readers deep into the writerly process. A tentative Liz sends an introductory letter to Julia, an editor in New York, after her English teacher connects the two. Liz never dreamed that Julia would have time to coach Liz on her writing (twisted stories based on life with eccentric, divorced parents), yet a dialogue develops. After each chapter Liz submits, Julia writes back in affirming prose. Liz may actually have what it takes to become a writer--if she can untangle the web that grows between her and her new editor. In the course of this correspondence, Barbara Ware Holmes chronicles a journey of hope, misunderstandings, dependence, and craft. Liz may have more to teach her editor than either of them realize.

Barabara Ware Holmes is the author of several novels for young people, including Charlotte Shakespeare and Annie the Great, illustrated by John Himmelman. She lives in Collingswood, NJ, and Port Clyde, ME.