• Mull shared tips about writing process and developing imagination.

New York Times Best-Selling Author, Brandon Mull, visited Star Valley High School, Star Valley Middle School and Cokeville High School on Monday, speaking with students about his experiences with the writing process and developing imagination.

Eighteen of Mull’s books have been listed as New York Times Best Sellers. His “Fablehaven” series has been translated into 30 languages, and he has collaborated with such heavy hitting young adult authors as James Dashner and Rick Riordan.

While at SVHS, Mull answered students’ questions and shared experiences that molded him as a writer. He also shared inspirational thoughts about living life well despite unanticipated complications and challenges.

Mull talked about his fascination with all things fantasy as a youth, when he was entirely captivated by dragons, fairies, and mythical creatures. He reminded students that “being a nerd” can set you up for success with things that you love. Though some social and academic expectations “can be intimidating,” you can create amazing things from the experiences.

Students discovered that descriptive language is the key to painting a picture with words, and a good author learns to describe his characters and the worlds they live in with details about what things look like, smell like or sound like. Descriptive details take a reader places.

“A book gives us a different way to experience life,” said Mull. “It can be like a mirror” when an author brings ideas to the reader that help them understand and see themselves more clearly.

You never know where creation might take you. “Writing ‘Fablehaven’ taught me that if you create something and share it, you never know who you might reach.”

Reading books builds a strong imagination in the reader. “It’s different from movies and TV because you have to interpret it and bring it to life inside your mind in a unique way.” An author uses “words to paint” a picture in your mind. “When a book I am reading is written well, I feel like I become part of that world. Keep reading books ‘till you find one that resonates with you. Try it. I try very hard to write the kind of book I would read.”

Mull told students that “creating keeps your imagination strong.” Whether you are creating with film, food, sports, movement, writing or building, it keeps your imagination sharp. “With a creative mind, you live a rich inner life” free of boredom.

Sharing tips to becoming an accomplished author, Mull encouraged students to write with the following practices in mind:

-Good writers pay attention to their experiences and exercise their imaginations by creating stories from those experiences. “In my mind, I have a bunch of big stew pots with stuff cooking for future books.”

-Good writers read and write a lot! The more you write, the better you become. Share your stories. It will help you improve. “With time and experience, I learned to communicate the scenes in my head.”

-Mull reminded students that editing and drafting are important parts of the writing process. “I have been writing for 20 years. I always have edits.” Use those to “find opportunities to make your work better.” There are “always improvements after the first draft.”

-“There are different kinds of brains in the world,” he shared as he compared and contrasted his brain to a mechanic’s brain, that can hold an entire car in his head. “I’m the right kind of crazy to create this kind of thing in my head.”

Following his presentations, Mull answered questions and greeted some students personally, shaking hands and signing bookmarks. He took time to speak  with a homebound student by Facetime. Another student proudly gifted him with a 3D printed dragon that the student had created. Mull was amazed by the gift and was complimentary of the libraries and students in the district.

“We are so fortunate to be able to host Brandon Mull in our district today,” shared Shelley Hunsaker, LCSD No. 2 District Librarian. “He is such a kind and genuine person as well as an incredible writer. Our students love Brandon’s books, so meeting him was just an added bonus!”

Mull left a resounding message with the students he visited. “Share the stories in your head. You could be the next person who uses their creative talents to do something new or interesting.”

For more information about Mull and his works, visit BrandonMull.com.