Writing Good Stories

AFA senior Michelle Bollen may not be aware of the fact, but more than a few ladies rely on her for crucial information and penetrating insight.  They know that a word from Michelle might make all the difference in certain choices they make.  “When I visit the Upper School I always hope to run into her,” comments Parent Association President Linda Mathwin, “She is, after all, The Source for all things BBC!”

If you get a chance to talk to Michelle connections between her love of cinema (Johnny Depp is her favorite actor), and her education come to light.  Michelle states, “I love words, and how words fit together in language.  I love imagination, and how all these elements come together to make a good story.”

Her passion for words extends into her avid reading, which includes the classics, but also historical fiction like “The Count of Monte Cristo” or fantasy works like Robin McKinley’s “The Blue Sword.”  Her love for new places and perspectives has led to visiting Italy, France, Hungary, Ireland, and Israel, and Scotland.  “I love the experience of knowing different people, cultures, art, and yes, the food.”

Reflecting upon her years at AFA, Michelle recalled a crucial moment in 7th grade Latin.  “Mrs. Solomon discussed how confusion is part of the curse of the Fall, and how clarity can be part of our redemption.  For the first time, I saw how translating a language could be beautiful, and why this beauty was important.  Learning a language is the reversal of a curse. Our ability to communicate clearly is a gift of redemption from God.  Our ability to communicate beautifully is an echo of God’s own ability to create a beautiful world.”  This reinforced her dream to become an author.

Two of her models are J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S.Lewis.  “As Christians their first goal was writing good stories.  They used fantasy to show God’s truth and His magic in His creation.  They challenged readers through subtlety.  I fear that much modern Christian literature doesn’t do this anymore.  It’s too cliched and therefore doesn’t connect with readers.  I hope to be different.”

Michelle knows that her education  “is challenging.  You can never not pay attention, or not do the reading.  It’s not watered down just because we’re younger.  Outside the classroom, I notice, however, that people listen to you — even older people.  They don’t expect me to be interested in their discussions, but they find that I might know something, or be able to relate it to another relevant topic.  I can be part of the conversation.”

“In the end,” Michelle summarizes, “that’s really cool.”