Promise Academy second grader Ashley Flores, 8, tilts her head as a volunteer ties a bandana around her neck during an interactive event put together by the Ladies Book Study from Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Tyler at their school in Tyler on Friday March 9, 2018. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

Second-graders at Promise Academy in Tyler learned the ins and outs of book publishing during a visit from the Ladies Book Study group from Redeemer Presbyterian Church. 

Author Bridgette Booth of Lindale, a member of the group, told the students the story of how she became an author before engaging the class in several interactive activities based on one of her books involving a treasure hunt and a cowboy.

“When I was your age I loved stories,” Booth said. “I had many in my mind, but I only shared them with my mom and dad.” 

Booth went on to explain that after working up the courage to share her stories with a teacher, she was told the teacher did not like them. This disappointing news led Booth to put away her pens and paper for 10 years. 

“My big mistake was I should have never stopped writing,” she said.

In December 2017, Booth published a children’s chapter book called “Tales From Burnt Boot Creek: The Cowboy’s Golden Cup.” Booth read the first chapter of the backyard adventure book to the students. 

Booth was encouraged to start writing again after she landed a job she did not enjoy. She realized that writing was her passion, so she slowly got back into the habit of daily writing as well as joining book clubs and entering writing contests. 

“When you don’t think you can do something, you have to overcome yourself,” Booth advised the students, adding that if often takes her seven drafts before publishing a book. 

After meeting Booth, the students were led on a treasure hunt throughout the school. The prize was an autographed copy of “Tales From Burnt Boot Creek: The Cowboy’s Golden Cup” for each student. 

“We want to encourage the kids to learn about the process of writing a book, and know that an everyday person can write a book to share their stories and experiences,” said Ladies Book Study member Lee Kern.

After the treasure hunt, the students, along with the first-grade class, were treated to a demonstration of cowboy culture by James Chandless. Chandless demonstrated branding and brought many props, including a saddle, boots, spurs and more. 

Promise Academy is a private Christian school in Tyler that is currently enrolling grades kindergarten through third grade.