The Roanoker - July/August 2018 - 14

When the
Student
Becomes
the Editor

THE
GIST!

One author has a new take
on the writing process.

Step Into Mystery
Join a real-life game of Clue with this unique pop-up
event.

L

the drama department in school
OVE A MYSTERY? At a Step
Into Mystery event, you don't
and always had a passion for it. This
sit back and watch it unfold.
seemed like a fun way to combine that
You become a part of the story.
passion with my love of mysteries. I love
As a participant, you are given
meeting new people and watching them
information that only your character
get immersed for hours into a fun game,
would know. That may include clues
all the while forgetting the stress of life,"
about where the crime took place or
East says.
who the victim was seen
Events are hosted in
venues
such as restaurants,
talking with last as well
"It is fun while
breweries
and wineries.
as information about the
also promoting
character you are playing.
They can also be held at bed
skills and
Who committed the
and breakfasts or resorts.
attitudes you
Country clubs, schools and
crime? How did he do it?
want for your
What was the motive?
retirement communities can
team and your
Like a real-life game of
use mystery events to bring
company."
Clue, it is up to you to
people together.
gather intel and figure it
Companies can have
out. For the duration of the event, you
private events to enhance team-building
take on a role and mingle with other
and encourage analytical thinking. East
guests to try to solve the mystery. You
says that "it is fun while also promoting
can ask questions, uncover clues and
skills and attitudes you want for your
even buy and sell information using
team and your company."
fake money. Be wary of the intel,
S tep Into My ster y pro vides
though, as you never know when
fundraising events as well as events
someone might be misleading you to
geared toward children and teens. Fees
throw you off track.
vary based the level of event, venue
Sabrina East brought Step Into
and number of participants. Events are
Mystery to the Roanoke area in July
designed for 15-100 people.
2016. The first event was an Alice in
For more information, email seast5@
Wonderland theme held at Seven
cox.net or register for upcoming events on
Doors Winery in Huddleston.
Facebook at stepintomysteryroanoke. I
"I was involved in theatre and
-LAURA WADE
14

JULY/AUGUST 2018

TheRoanoker.com

STEP INTO MYSTERY: LAURA WADE / TENTH GRADE ANGST: COURTESY OF BRUCE INGRAM

A

UTHOR BRUCE INGRAM
is celebrating his new release,
thanks in part to the help of his
Lord Botetourt High School students.
Published by Secant,
Ingram says Tenth Grade
Angst continues the story
of the same four main
characters from Ninth
Grade Blues. They face
new challenges, including
learning to drive, family tragedies,
bullying, dating, sports successes and
failures, tougher classes and physical and
emotional pains.
Ingram taught Ninth Grade Blues to
both his English 9 Honors and general
classes, while his English 10 Honors
class gave him plenty of suggestions
on the new release. Ingram's creative
writing and English classes have played
a major role in his books, both because of
content (Ingram is surrounded by real-life
inspiration for his characters) and because
the students proof his books and make
content suggestions.
"They particularly like to see my early
drafts which are full of grammar and
sentence structure errors," Ingram says.
"Some of my best grammar lessons have
related to the students proofing the books.
What I love most about teaching is a
'eureka' moment when a student begins
to succeed in an area they previously
struggled in."
Ingram is halfway through the next
book in the series, Eleventh Grade Stress,
which his creative writing class will proof
this fall. He will also participate for the
second year in Festival of the Book
next March, and frequently contributes
to publications and outlets about the
outdoors, particularly on conservation.
Readers seeking a copy of Tenth Grade
Angst can find it in bookstores and online
and may contact Ingram directly for an
autographed copy. I
-LIZ LONG
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker - July/August 2018

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