Young adult fiction writer Katie Coyle spoke at the University of Indianapolis’ Kellogg Writers Series on Feb. 6 in Schwitzer 010.
She read her newly released book, “Vivian Apple at the End of the World,” published in January of 2015.
Coyle grew up in Fair Haven, N.J., but now lives in San Francisco with her husband. She also has a master of fine arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh. After introducing herself, Coyle delved into the first chapter of her award-winning book.
The first chapter explains that many of the characters are very loyal to the Church of America, including Vivian Apple’s parents. They believe everything the church says, even when it predicts that the Rapture will come on one particular day.
Anyone who does not believe in the Church of America will be left to suffer through six months of Hell on Earth, while the believers will be saved.
Vivian and her best friend Harp decide to throw a party on the night before the Rapture in order to mock it.
As Vivian walks back home from the party, she cannot shake the feeling that something is wrong. She becomes even more anxious when her parents are missing from her house.
The chapter ends as Vivian discovers two large holes in the ceiling of her parents’ bedroom, as if they were pulled right through it on their way to Heaven.
Coyle found the inspiration for this book from a man who predicted the Rapture a few years ago. She said that all of her characters are inspired by real people and also come from some form of herself.
After reading from the first chapter, Coyle took questions from the audience. She kept the room laughing as she answered questions about anything from the process of publishing her book to which patronus she would have from one of her favorite book series, “Harry Potter.”
Freshman psychology and pre-occupational therapy major Hannah Patton enjoyed listening to Coyle’s book reading.
“[Coyle] has a sarcastic humor, and I can relate to that a lot,” Patton said. “That was enjoyable to listen to.”
Coyle also offered some advice for aspiring young writers, telling stories about her own experiences.
Junior professional writing and creative writing major Kayleigh Jordan found Coyle’s advice very helpful.
“I didn’t realize how much I would relate to her,” Jordan said. “There was a piece of advice that she gave that was ‘write like what you read,’ which I never really considered.”
After answering all of the questions from the audience, Coyle signed books for some students.
The next installment of the Kellogg Writers Series will be on Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Schwitzer 010, with Etchings Press Whirling Prize winners and fiction writers Michael Meyerhofer and Teresa Milbrodt.
