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  • Teen author Sahara Moran, center, sits surrounded by her brothers and mother as she reads a passage of her book to them. From left: Ethan, Connor, Sahara, Leisa and Dylan. Rebeka Rutledge/The Duncan Banner

    Teen author achieves ‘the dream’
September 10, 2012

Teen author achieves ‘the dream’

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — At 15, Sahara Moran has achieved what many aspiring writers consider “the dream” with one book published and two more in the contract to finish up her trilogy.

Moran is a sophomore who homeschooled in Marlow by her mother Leisa, has been telling stories and working up picture stories for as long as she can remember.

The oldest of four and affectionately called “Sister,” Moran has spent many a day reading her stories to brothers Ethan, Connor and Dylan and her parents.

However, the young author said she didn’t begin “really” writing until she was 11.

“I’ve always enjoyed books and movies and I was good with stories,” said Moran. “I wanted to write my own.”

On the fan website for one of her favorite authors last year, Moran was told about a writing contest by several of her teen writer friends.

They pushed her to enter because so many of them enjoyed her writing.

“We had to work on a book we’d never written before,” said Moran. “It went pretty well, though there were a few moments when I just sat looking at the screen.”

From Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, 2011, Moran had to write a completely original 50,000 word novel.

The contest had several big name sponsors such as Barnes & Noble and Amazon and promised to any teen who met the word count goal, the publishing of their novel.

The result of Moran’s efforts was “The Midnight Labyrinth, Guardian Chronicles,” which was published July 1. With the school schedule the Morans run, the children get up early to do their school work, then have the afternoon to their selves. This was the time Moran took the time to work.

“No one knew about it until she was published and we boxed some for her grandparents and told people to go to Amazon to look,” said Leisa. “It was fun.”

Because no one knew until the book was out in physical form, Sahara said for the longest time, it didn’t feel real. Now, looking toward several book signings and meet the author events as well as workings for two more books, she is excited to be heading in the direction of a up-and-coming author.

“I’m looking forward to it,” said Moran. “Writing the second book has been good, although I’ve been busy but I’m hoping to have it done for December.”

Most of the events coming up for Moran are local, which is good for the family oriented teen who has been helping out a lot around the house. The first event is a book signing that takes place this Saturday from 1-4 p.m. n the Duncan Hastings, where they will begin selling her book.

Other events include Meet the Author at the Marlow Library Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. and at the Duncan Public Library at 10 a.m. Oct. 13.

When she isn’t busy helping her family, doing homework or writing, Moran indulges in another talent: painting. She enjoys pastels. Also, the only sport she enjoys is soccer, which she likes to get out and play with her friends.

Moran’s novel can be found on Amazon or in the Kindle store.

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