During her first two years at UNC, Klayner said she learned skills that she is confident will improve her writing even more in the future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI realized that it only goes up from here and you can always learn more,” she said.<\/p>\n
To publish her book, Klayner worked with local publishing company Wisdom House Books. She\u00a0said they were incredibly helpful as she was trying to juggle being a first-year student in college while beginning the publishing process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clara Jackson, the president and co-owner of Wisdom House Books, said Klayner had incredible drive and follow-through in her writing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it comes to being an author, you really have to be disciplined and open at the same time,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cShe has an amazing education and that\u2019s what struck us, she\u2019s an excellent writer and the editing didn\u2019t take very much at all.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ted Ruybal, the graphic designer at Wisdom House Books, created the cover of Klayner\u2019s novel. He drew inspiration from a cover concept and previous artworks she had made.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m glad that she was able to find us and we were able to produce her book that\u2019s different, original and right for her,\u201d Ruybal said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Klayner is currently writing her second book, titled \u201cThe Pursuit of the Sun,\u201d a fantasy novel aimed toward older audiences.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Klayner said she hopes her work can help others feel heard.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have so many books that \u2014 especially in high school \u2014 helped me, so I just hope that will happen with mine,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n