“Books are such beacons of light and can help entertain, shape, inspire and engage young people in many ways. I love what I do,” said author Miranda Paul, a Notre Dame Academy alum and author of 365: HOW TO COUNT A YEAR.
Paul has written 22 books, specifically for children.
“365: HOW TO COUNT A YEAR is inspired by the song “Seasons of Love” from the musical RENT, in which the singers measure a year in standard and conservative ways,” shared the author.
It is a fun and heartfelt way to show children how much actual time is in a year with some silly ideas they can use to measure time.
Paul plans on writing more books with two more coming out next year and four more under contract.
“I also work as a volunteer for the We Need Diverse Books mentorship program and as a literary agent. The participants in WNDB program have collectively released or are slated to release over 150 books, and it’s fun to have a hand in the development or publishing process of so many great projects ranging from board books for little kids to novels and nonfiction for older teens,” said the author.
At NDA, Paul was involved in volleyball, forensics, Guys and Gals Swing Choir, musicals and plays, Drama Club (Treasurer 1998-1999, President 1999-2000), intramural bowling and the publication of the Literary Magazine.
She misses bowling in Mr. Harry Geiser’s class and all her musical theater friends.
“I took College Credit English with Father Gilsdorf and Fundamentals of Art and Photography which helped me since now I write all-picture books/kids books,” she shared.
While in high school she didn’t know that she would want to pursue a career in writing.
“No, I originally went for aquatic biology/marine biology and possibly pre-med, but switched majors in my second year,” she said.
Paul is a 2004 graduate of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Advice for current students at NDA from Paul?
“If there’s something you want to see change about the school, let people know and make it happen. If there’s something you love about it, express your gratitude and love for it, so it can stay that way.”
