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Award-winning author April Henry taught Middle and Upper School students on April 2, offering tips on how to be successful writers.

Henry has written more than 30 novels, appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and won an Edgar Award, the Oscar for mystery writing. Her first published work came when she was in sixth grade.

In addition to leading two separate presentations, for all students in Middle and Upper schools, Henry led two small group workshops at lunchtime. She encouraged students to follow their dreams, no matter if they're in art, athletics, writing, or anything else.

“The only person who can tell you you can't do something is you," she said. But be prepared for failure, she added. She received more than 100 rejection letters from publishers before landing her first book deal.

Among Henry's other tips: “If you want to be a writer be a reader." And think through three things as you're writing: What research do I need to do? How can I make this feel more real? And, how can I make this better?