Exhibitor Gage Shepherd. Age: 14. Current occupation: Author.

Hey it’s Gage Shepherd and this is my first time at Gaithersburg Book Festival.

When I was in fifth grade, our class took a trip to the cafeteria to meet an author. Jason F. Wright had published a book called “Penny’s Christmas Jar,” and he read it to us and explained the impact it had had. He had filled a jar with change and helped a woman pay for her groceries. Later, he had two students from every class gather into a room and finish a story he had started, and the results were amazing! The activity was the most fun thing we had done at school, and whether it was about lizards or wizards, the stories were all interesting in their own way. That night, I planned to write books in order to educate younger children about obscure science subjects they would not usually learn about in school, like Halley’s comet and goblin sharks. I used my new kitten, Comet, as inspiration, as he was small and cute. He may be lazier and less adventurous now, but he has remained the main character across my books.

My writing has led me to many fun activities. I have been to two book signings with Nora Roberts. I also have been to many festivals and celebrations, where I meet lots of new people and pets. I was able to autograph a book for my inspiration (Wright), and have him autograph one for me.

I have been across the East coast visiting schools, from Rochester to Fairfax, and if Comet has his medicine, he comes along too! (He gets carsick easily.) I speak with kids and adults about publishing processes and encourage them to write.

I hope my writing will help me get into a college of my choice. I want to be an engineer or architect. Please stop by and visit me at the Gaithersburg book festival.

Learn more about Gage and his books on his website. Then come out on May 19 to meet him in person.