Author Wendy Gilhula encouraged first and second graders to write books but not wait as long as she did to think about being published. Gilhula is the author of Pika Bunny and the Thunderstorm, which is a children's book about a little rabbit who asks his mother if she is afraid of thunder and rain. 

Gilhula, who lives in Knoxville, wrote her first story 30 years ago and shoved it in a drawer. About four years ago, she began writing again and had her book published last year. "I always wanted to be an author," she told the students.

Gilhula read the book to the students and had them interact by snapping their fingers and practicing how to wince. She told them about how she likes to include all five senses in her book. Afterward, the students asked many questions such as how long it took her to write the book. They also enjoyed telling her about the books they are writing in their creative writing class.