Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Lily Meier ’26 and Padraig Dunbar ’26 aren’t future authors – they are current authors.

Lily and Padraig, students in WMA’s Novel Writing class, received copies of their novellas on May 22. 

A fictional piece set in New York City during modern times, Lily’s 15,837-word “Snow” follows a teenaged protagonist, Jessica, who’s thrust into protecting her family following the murder of her father. After her brother becomes involved in illegal activity, Jessica finds herself having to make difficult life choices with her friends and family as her world turns upside down.

Meanwhile, Padraig’s 16,609-word “A World Without Sun” takes place in dystopian Chicago. The story’s young protagonist, Scott, teams with his best friends to release the sun from the grips of the Grand Chicago Empire and its leader, Everett Reinhard.

Quotes

Lily on being a published author: “It’s always been a dream of mine to publish a book and finally getting to complete it feels incredible. Looking at what I’ve accomplished over many months gives me a rush of pride. I am so glad to have had this opportunity.”

Padraig on having his book published: “I am extremely excited and grateful to have a physically and printed out novel that I wrote. It makes me feel so accomplished and proud of my work, and like I can take on anything I want. It is inspiring to see my work pay off.”

Lily on taking Novel Writing class: “The class was really fun. It had a great environment and was the perfect motivator. The feedback was very beneficial, and my writing skills definitely improved. It was an incredible experience.” 

Padraig on what he liked about Novel Writing class: “Novel Writing was an amazing experience for me as it really opened up my eyes to something I have been wanting to do for a very long time. The prompts in the beginning of the class to the chapters in the end was an exponential learning experience as it threw me to reach new highs I’ve never experienced.”