You Don’t Have to Be Big to Do Big Things

10-year-old author of the book “Filly Girls” inspires and mentors others

Ten-year-old Sarah Voskamp wrote the book “Filly Girls” when she was nine years old. The story is about friendship, having a passion, and continuing to follow your dreams, even in the face of adversity. Ellie, Felicity, and Sandra are three horseback-riding friends who learn what it means to go after their dreams and then live with the outcome, even though it might not be what they expected.

The book is read is enjoyed by children between the ages of 7-12 and receives great reviews like the one from Isabelle that said, “I love your book! It’s amazing a 10-year-old wrote THAT! It’s a great book and u r an AWESOME writer! I hope u keep writing! I KNOW u will be the next J.K. Rowling!!!!!”

The book had a simple beginning when Sarah, and her real life friends, Ally and Ansley, challenged each other to write a book. Sarah took the challenge seriously and nine days later had the draft of “Filly Girls” done. With the same persistence that her main character shows in her book, Sarah followed her dream of publishing her book. After contacting several publishers, Sarah’s book was accepted by Boutique of Quality Books Publishing Company where the young author became familiar with the process that makes grown authors cringe – editing. According to Publisher, Terri Ann Leidich, “While Sarah’s book needed editing like all books do, her plot and character development were excellent. She has an inherent talent for writing.”

Once the book was published in December of 2010, Sarah began receiving invitations for book readings and signings at schools in Forsyth County, Georgia and has been speaking at schools from Georgia to Ontario, Canada (where her parents are from), mentoring kids of all ages.  As one student so aptly put it in an email to Sarah “You inspire me and many others.”  Sarah, who will soon be eleven, is a regular kid who loves to read, write, swim, play volleyball, and hang with friends. She lives in Cumming, Georgia with her mom, dad, a dog she adores, and two older brothers who keep her on her toes.

“Filly Girls” can be purchased through Sarah’s website at http://sarahvoskamp.wordpress.com as well as through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million and booksellers across the country.

Chic Galleria is giving away an authographed copy of Filly Girls (ARV $6.99) to one (1) lucky person.  To enter, just leave a comment on this article letting us know if you or someone you know would love to receive this book.  A winner will be chosen at random from the comments and announced here on August 5, 2011.

Congratulations to Tracy Schultz!