Meet local author Saturday in Geneva

Cynthia Jean Mueller of Plano has been a school bus driver for 20 years. Now also a published author, she got the idea for her novel when she overheard a child's conversation on her bus.

Mueller will sign copies of her fiction fantasy "Beyond the Garden Arbor" beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at Borders Book, 1660 S. Randall Road in Geneva.

The book is for young adults (fifth grade and older) and was released nationwide by Tate Publishing and Enterprises earlier this year.

It has a special appeal for girls, and Mueller says that parents can be assured the work conveys solid family values.

"It's Christian-based, but it's not a religious book," Mueller said. "It's a fantasy along the line of the Narnia books. It's a story of an abandoned girl from infancy to age 15. There's a bit of a magical element to it."

Mueller also did all of the 25 illustrations, although she only recently began writing. Three years ago she submitted poems online that were published.

"After I wrote the poetry, I was thinking about a novel," Mueller said. "One day while I was driving the bus I heard a boy talking about how he had a secret playground in his backyard. That gave me the idea for my book."

Mueller said she completed her initial draft in only eight weeks, but the editing took several months.

No complaints about editors here.

"I really enjoyed the process," she said. "Everything was done online. It was really neat to see the book come together."

Mueller is working on two more books. She hopes to devote herself to writing full-time within five years.

For information on the book signing, call Borders at (630) 262-8747.

If you go

What: Cynthia Jean Mueller of Plano signs copies of her book "Beyond the Garden Arbor."

When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Borders, 1660 S. Randall Road, Geneva

Call: (630) 262-8747