Naperville North grad to speak about teen publishing

Rachel Halpern, editor-in-chief of Inscription Magazine and Naperville North High School graduate, will discuss teen publishing at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Lisle Library, 777 Front St.

All teens are welcome to attend and hear tips about how to get work published and about Halpern's experience as the founder of a digital magazine.

Growing up, Halpern had dreams of becoming a scientist, a writer and an Olympic athlete. However, she credits a junior high class assignment that involved editing another student's work with her career.

"I don't think I would ever have imagined starting my own company, or running my own magazine," Halpern said. "But I think that's where the dream started - reading a friend's story and helping her make it better."

Inscription Magazine, which launched in January of this year, publishes diverse science fiction and fantasy stories for teens. All the fiction is available for free online, www.inscriptionmagazine.com, and a new story is published every month.

"Many writers, including teens and adults, struggle to have their work published," said Mike Monahan, adult programming coordinator for Lisle Library District. "Inscription is an exciting platform for teen writers. We're lucky to welcome Rachel to the Lisle Library."

And Halpern is happy to be presenting a program there.

"As a kid, I knew exactly where my favorite authors were on every shelf, and every time I got to go (to the library), I headed there first thing to see if any new books were available," Halpern said.

"As I got older, I realized how incredible libraries are in other ways - as community centers where you can come to learn, to attend events, or just to have a quiet place where no one expects anything of you. I'm happy to give back to libraries any way I can."

Teens interested in attending Halpern's program at Lisle Library can register at www.lislelibrary.org or contact Mike Monahan at mikem@lislelibrary.org or (630) 971-1675, ext. 1505.