Lucille Procopio
Author of the Chelzy Stone series
About Lucille:
I live in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and grew up a few miles away in Hudson, which is a small town in Plains Township located in the northeastern part of the state. When I was young, my family and I lived in one side of a small double-block home with two rooms on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor. We had a long backyard where my father planted a vegetable garden every year. Behind our yard was a wooded area where my friends and I would explore and fantasize about magical creatures and talking trees. This is where my idea came from for the “magic woods” in Chelzy Stone’s Mystical Quest in the Lost and Found Game. As a young child in elementary school, I always investigated new parts of the neighborhood that my mother would usually allow me to do with a friend. Even though I was shy by nature, I was not when it came to experimenting with gadgets or testing new contraptions that my friends and I would make.
I attended Catholic schools, both elementary and high school. I went on to graduate from College Misericordia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology Education and years later, I graduated from Temple University with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Both as a teacher and a principal, I have worked with students of all ages. I mainly taught middle grade and junior high students and for eight years I taught Creative Writing, English Grammar, and Literature to junior high students. I worked as a principal of elementary schools for fourteen years. This gave me many opportunities to discuss books with students and to read what they read.
What are the top three things you would like readers to know about you as a person?
I tend to be analytical because of my science background. Having been a teacher for many years and even a school principal, I put a lot of emphasis on education. I have inserted science concepts into my stories because one of my characters enjoys showing off her science knowledge.
I am very goal-oriented which is reflected in the Chelzy Stone Series. When The Trio sets off to do something, they remain very focused on accomplishing what needs to be done.
I love my family deeply and I am very loyal to my friends. I am also shy in unfamiliar settings with people but warm up once I get to know them. I think that is why I have assigned these characteristics to, especially one of the characters in The Chelzy Stone Series.
Finally, I believe in magic!
What inspired you to create The Chelzy Stone Series?
Students inspired me to write The Chelzy Stone Series. I know how much reading benefits children so I wanted to create stories with characters that children could relate to and be excited to read. Students love to read about magical people, places, and things. Hence came The Chelzy Stone Series.
What are my favorite things about Chelzy Stone?
Chelzy is very loyal and selfless. Even though she is the youngest of The Trio, it doesn’t stop her from transforming into a more confident character who takes on a leadership role.
What is your advice for aspiring young authors?
If writing is your passion, do it! It takes a lot of hard work and dedication but don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t. Do your research about becoming an author, publishing, and marketing. Be goal-oriented. It is one thing to write a book but then what do you do with it? Have that answer ready ahead of time
Do you have any goals for 2022? Resolutions? If you are a parent or grandparent who would like to see a child reading more in 2022, here is an opportunity to grow a child’s library! Respond to the question below by scrolling down and leaving a reply on my blog or commenting on one of my Wisdom from a Wordsmith Episode 19 posts on Facebook, and I will assign your comment a number! On January 10th, I will select two recipients using a random number generator! (Those who live in the US will have a choice of a paperback or eBook. Those who live outside of the US will receive an eBook.)
What is your favorite fantasy novel or movie and why do you like it?
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