Author Lynda Mullaly Hunt visited Newtown Middle School on Thursday, March 2, to meet with students and offer two presentations in the school's auditorium.More information about Ms Hunt and her books is available on her website, .lyndamullalyhunt.com

NMS library/media specialist Jeanne Bugay welcomed students to the first presentation of the day, sharing that some of the students had already met Ms Hunt in the school's library. Ms Bugay thanked the school's PTA for bringing Ms Hunt to the school for the day.

Ms Hunt, who lives in Glastonbury, has published two books. Ms Hunt spoke about her experiences from childhood through becoming an author during the presentation, and she shared some information about both her books, One for the Murphys and Fish in a Tree.

After sharing a story about a boy who volunteers to hit for a friend at a baseball game despite knowing he would probably not win the game for his team, Ms Hunt told the students she is proof that they should always try to do what they want, despite thinking they may not be able to do it.

"You have absolutely nothing to lose from trying," said Ms Hunt, adding that she understands the feeling of not trying out of fear or not being good enough.

One day, she shared, she was at her local Dunkin' Donuts working on what would be a draft of One for the Murphys. She began grumbling about not having talent and she packed up all her things. As she walked to her car, she saw a license plate with the word that was her working title for the book at the time. Ms Hunt explained she took it as a sign. She continued working on the book until she was finished with the first draft.

"Do not hold yourself back by expecting perfection up front," said Ms Hunt.

Ms Hunt shared how her experiences as a child drove her to achieve what she wanted in life. After having a trouble with reading and writing, her sixth grade teacher not only inspired her to study, but also to become a teacher one day. She also shared a number of other life lessons she learned from her childhood and some of the inspirations for her books.

Ms Hunt read to students from the first chapter of her next book, Shouting in the Rain, which will be published soon. Students listened as she read from the first chapter.