Dreams Start Early

When Katherine Williams stands, she crosses her legs, putting one foot on top of the other, and bounces with excitement. She's usually smiling and her movements are relaxed, but she always stares intently at the person she's talking to. Whether Katie, age 8, is looking for answers or making sure the other person is listening is uncertain.

Katie is affectionate even around strangers. Within minutes of meeting you, she will hold your hand and write you notes saying "I love you." And she asks endless questions, so it's not surprising she dreams of becoming a writer.

"Writing is my favourite thing to do because it's fun," she says. "I like writing because nobody tells me what to do. Nobody says do this or that. I can express myself."

Katie lives on Whidbey Island in the United States with her parents and twin brother Shawn. Every Thursday, the grade-three student meets with other kids from her school in a group called Young Authors. The group teaches the 15 or so participants "how to write a book," according to Katie.. At the end of the school year, each child will have made a book entirely on his or her own. The kids will also attend a conference in Mt. Vernon, Washington, where they meet "real" authors. Katie attended the conference last year and had fun, but she is especially excited for this year because many of her friends will also be there.

Katie's Young Authors project last year was Superdog, a book about a dog who saves his city from a charging rhinoceros. The rhinoceros wants to destroy "Dogville" but the dog traps him in a garbage can, seals it with duct tape then sends the package to the zoo. This year, she wants to write a fantasy story about a girl hero, but she's not yet sure about the details.

Although devoted to her writing, Katie also considers being a veterinarian when she grows up. She isn't exactly sure what she wants to do. "A perfect life for me would be having a dog, having a job that I like and spending more time with friends."

In addition to writing, Katie is involved in various other activities including piano and chess. She also skis every second weekend during the winter. But what she enjoys most is being with her loved ones.

"The thing that gives me the most pleasure in life is being with my friends and family."