Students participate in author Melanie Crowder’s writing workshop. (Carolyn Zhang’20/Staff)

On Monday, April 16, Columbus Academy hosted Melanie Crowder, acclaimed author of Audacity, Three Pennies, and Parched, as the annual “Voices of Authors Series” guest speaker. Crowder is also the recipient of the Jefferson Cup and the Bulletin Blue Ribbon awards.

In the morning, all upper schoolers attended Crowder’s special assembly that focussed upon Audacity, which all freshmen and sophomores read this year in their English classes. During the presentation, Crowder discussed the research process involved in searching for Audacity’s main character, Clara Lemlich, via online historical records and eventually reaching out to Clara’s descendants for more information and permission to write the book. 

Several English classes had the opportunity to take part in one of Crowder’s three writing workshops, held in the library. 

During a Q&A lunch session with Crowder, students learned more about her work and personal experiences. She also gave students an invaluable, behind-the-scenes account of the publishing process. Those who attended this lunch forum gained both advice and inspiration as they were captivated by Crowder’s success in her field.