DARLINGTON - It was a dark and stormy night in Darlington - really - when Katlyn Weaver, then 17, had an inspiration to write. That inspiration on a stormy January night in 2009 came to fruition the following November when she finished her romance/mystery novel, "The Forbidden Mansion."
She started writing short stories when she was 9 and completed her first novel at 14, although she admits that one is for her eyes only. Despite attending high school from home, being a busy teenager and having a few moments of writer's block during the process, Weaver pushed through.
"Not finishing was not an option," Weaver said.
She said she immediately knew this book was not only her best work, but was something special: She felt a deep sense of purpose and inspiration from God to communicate a message, not just to entertain, her readers.
Weaver used Tate Publishing, a Christian publication company, to put her words into print. And while enjoying her success, she said she's humbled by it.
Weaver offered some advice to other aspiring authors. "Write when you feel inspired and write about what you know," she said.
Following her own advice, Weaver is currently writing a sequel to "The Forbidden Mansion."
Along with that, she's set her sights even higher: While her initial goal was to become a published author, she's raised the bar for herself: She now wants to reach the New York Times bestsellers list.
Her next book signing is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at Foundry Books in Mineral Point.
Weaver's book is also available online at tatepublishing.com. A Kindle version is also available at amazon.com.
She started writing short stories when she was 9 and completed her first novel at 14, although she admits that one is for her eyes only. Despite attending high school from home, being a busy teenager and having a few moments of writer's block during the process, Weaver pushed through.
"Not finishing was not an option," Weaver said.
She said she immediately knew this book was not only her best work, but was something special: She felt a deep sense of purpose and inspiration from God to communicate a message, not just to entertain, her readers.
Weaver used Tate Publishing, a Christian publication company, to put her words into print. And while enjoying her success, she said she's humbled by it.
Weaver offered some advice to other aspiring authors. "Write when you feel inspired and write about what you know," she said.
Following her own advice, Weaver is currently writing a sequel to "The Forbidden Mansion."
Along with that, she's set her sights even higher: While her initial goal was to become a published author, she's raised the bar for herself: She now wants to reach the New York Times bestsellers list.
Her next book signing is planned for 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at Foundry Books in Mineral Point.
Weaver's book is also available online at tatepublishing.com. A Kindle version is also available at amazon.com.