WILMORE, KY—For the second time in less than a year, Asbury College students are published authors. Freshmen Ali DeSpain and Lucinda Laughlin of Henderson, Ky., began writing short stories together their junior year of high school. Last month, their Christian fantasy novel Calitare hit bookstore shelves.

“It’s cool to be able to say I’m 18 and have written a book,” Laughlin said.

Calitare is the first in a seven-book series called Restore. The main characters, twin sisters Evadne and Willow, are based upon DeSpain and Laughlin’s personalities. They borrowed atmosphere for their kingdom from their experience at Asbury College. DeSpain said, “Each kingdom is known for love between the people and how they take care of and protect each other.”

Laughlin added, “Everybody there cares and you all have a common bond…it’s an encouraging place.”

As for the next books in the series, the women say they have plot lines established, but school and college life will come before writing their next book. “Once you finally get your first book out there, you feel like you can do it again. It’s not as overwhelming,” DeSpain said.

The pair offered advice for future writers after having difficulty finding a printer because of their young ages. Laughlin, “Do it anyway, even if people don’t take you seriously.” Laughlin and DeSpain have also found support and constructive criticism through a writing group at Asbury called Inkings.

Calitare can be purchased through the Barnes and Noble online store or from the printer Xlibris.

Asbury College’s other student author, junior Emma Sleeth, published It’s Easy Being Green, about creation care through Zondervan.

Story courtesy of Asbury College. Read the original piece at Asbury.edu.