Growing up, Jen Calonita spent plenty of time at the Mineola Memorial Library.
The author, originally from Carle Place, said her grandparents who lived in Mineola would bring her there often.
As an avid reader, Calonita said “there’s no way they could afford to keep buying me books, so the library is just such a special place for me.”
Now, Calonita is returning to the library for an author’s chat event on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Calonita has written several young adult and middle reader books. In some of her novels, like “Summer State of Mind,” she said she uses Mineola as a setting.
“I know as a kid if they had ever mentioned Carle Place or Mineola in my books I’d flip,” Calonita said. “So when I’m writing realistic fiction it’s fun to write about real people or real places I’ve been.”
The Mineola-based stories caught the attention of one of the librarians, said Gabriella Trinchetta, a part-time librarian trainee.
Trinchetta said the librarians decided to reach out to Calonita to see if she’d come speak in Mineola.
Though Calonita’s books target a teen and tween audience, Trinchetta said the event is open to audiences of all ages.
Calonita will answer questions from the audience and speak about her experience as an author.
This isn’t Calonita’s first author’s chat. She frequently visits libraries and schools, and said she enjoys speaking to the young readers – who may grow up to be writers themselves.
“I think it’s so important for people of any age to just realize anyone can really do it if you can just put your mind to it,” Calonita said. “I think the hardest thing to do as a writer is to just sit down and write.”
Calonita didn’t start out as a fiction novelist.
She was previously an entertainment editor for a teen magazine, which she said inspired her debut series, “Secrets of My Hollywood Life.”
The six-book series follows a teen starlet, an idea she said she had after interviewing teen stars such as Zac Efron and Justin Timberlake and wondering what their lives were really like.
“Sometimes just having a little spark of an idea will lead to something new,” Calonita said.
Calonita’s branched out from her realistic fiction young adult novels into fairytale-based middle reader books. Her “Fairy Tale Reform School” series follows Gilly, a caught thief, sent to a school taught by former villains including the Big Bad Wolf and Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother.
Lately, Calonita said, her first audience has been her 13-year-old and 9-year-old sons, who she said are fans of the mystical, action-based genre.
“If I write a scene and I’m excited about it and they’re like, ‘Eh,’ I know I have to up my game,” Calonita said.
Even in the mystical books, Calonita said she draws on real life experiences. She added that while technology is different, many of the struggles kids face have been the same since her childhood.
(Photo courtesy of Jen Calonita)
“I read a ton of YA and middle grade not just because I write it, but because I love it.” Calonita said. “For me it’s just the only thing I ever really wanted to do. That age had such an impact on my life.”
Trinchetta said Calonita will be bringing copies of her latest book, “Turn it Up,” a Young Adult novel about a high school acapella group.
Calonita said Carle Place High School didn’t have an acapella group, but she said she was involved with chorus.
Though Calonita has since moved to Merrick, she said the Mineola area still holds a special place in her heart – and daily life.
“The big joke with my husband is I still go back to Mineola and Carle Place to do everything, food shopping, regular shopping,” Calonita said.
Calonita said she’s excited to talk with Mineola residents on Saturday.
She added that she encourages any and all questions.
“It never hurts to ask a question because you never know what the answer is going to teach you,” Calonita said. “And where that question might lead.”
