On March 5th, Young Adult novelist Mindy McGinnis came to speak to students at Capital City High School.

Students from several English classes in 5th, 6th, and 7th period got to hear McGinnis speak about her experiences with mental health and her inspirations for writing in the library.

McGinnis told students about her struggles with withdrawals from depression medication, and how this informed her writing. She often emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness and treatment in her books, such as in How Girls Are Made.

After telling some stories (complete with pictures of her dog and cat), McGinnis spoke briefly about each of the novels she has published. Some of her bestselling books include The Female of the Species, The Initial Insult (a retelling of Edgar Allan Poe stories), and Under This Red Rock. Then she opened the floor to student questions.

Students in the 5th hour session asked about McGinnis’s experiences with publishing, and she shared that it took her 10 years to find a literary agent and get published. When asked how she became a writer, she said that she had to stay determined and passionate for those 10 years.

Finally, after questions, students were allowed to purchase autographed copies of many of the author’s books, and invited to subscribe to her newsletter, https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog.