Sean C. Morgan
A 13-year-old girl, who formerly lived in Sweet Home, has launched a career through Amazon’s Kindle publishing program with the help of her father.
Corrina Reves, who was born in Mena, Ark., moved to Sweet Home when she was about 6 months old and lived here through the first grade, when her father had to take a job out of town. She still has family here, including a grandfather and an uncle, along with their families. She attends Talmadge Middle School in Independence.
Her book, “Twenty-Five Tips When Dating a Celebrity,” is available as an e-book searchable at Amazon.com.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book,” said Corrina, who now lives in Independence. “It was one of my life goals. As soon as I had a chance to put it on Amazon, it was a happy day.
“I love writing. When I write, it’s a way I can really express myself.”
Her father, Gary Reves, was her publisher and in November helped her get the book onto the website through Kindle Direct Publishing, an Amazon program designed to help aspiring authors get published. She’s sold about 20 copies so far. She said she appreciates the support from family members during the writing and publishing process.
The book is a fictional novel about a girl dating a pop star, Corrina said. It has its comic moments.
“It’s advice a small-town girl gives when she’s dating the number-one pop star,” said Gary Reves.
Corrina is obsessed with pop musician Greyson Chance, she said. He inspired a lot of her book.
The story took on a life of its own, she said. “I kind of had a destination I wanted to reach, but mostly it was letting it go and seeing how it turns out.”
The story went where she wanted it to go, she said.
“I’m pretty happy with it. It had a few twists, but otherwise, it got where I wanted it. Since I love writing, it wasn’t too hard.”
In each chapter, her protagonist provides a specific tip for dating a celebrity, she said. She plans to expand on it with three more books, the next one being “Twenty-Five Tips When on a World Tour.”
She also has an idea for a dark drama with romance after she finishes her series.
Corrina enjoys reading romances and comedies, the same kind of stories she likes to write. Among her favorite books are the “Twilight” series, “The Giver” and “The Year My Sister Got Lucky.”
“I’m hoping to become a well-known author,” she said. If she doesn’t, she’s not too sure what she wants to do, but she wants it to involve writing, although she’s also thought about being a teacher or counselor because she likes talking to people and giving advice, something that can inspire her to write more.
“Sometimes I tend to procrastinate, but when I start writing, I can’t stop,” she said.