COMMON ROOM Anthology Release Date and Cover Reveal!
When we launched the Freshman Fifteens, we talked a lot about our goals, our hopes, and our dreams. But more than anything else, we talked about our mission. Above all, we wanted to be a group that gives back to teens and helps them fulfill their own dreams.
And you know what? So far, it’s been a blast.
First, we reached out to our own communities. We participated in local teen workshops and classes. We shared some things we’ve learned (and are still learning!) about the craft and business of writing.
But that was just the beginning. We then put our heads together and began working on an even bigger project, partnering with Wattpad to mentor teens through the writing and editing of a short story (more about the project and participating teens here).
The complete anthology, called COMMON ROOM, written by Wattpad teen writers and edited by the Freshman Fifteens will be released on January 27, 2015! It's been a busy fall of our teens and authors working together. We've given them the true experience of writing and revising! And, yes, they're still talking to us. ;)
What goes hand in hand with a release date? A cover reveal!
So before these fresh, fantastic, fabulous stories make their debut…we have another surprise for you. We also had the privilege of working with another group of teens—some pretty amazing and talented students from the Academy of Media Arts and Technology (AMAT) at Northwest High High School, a Northwest ISD campus, in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Northwest ISD is one of the largest school districts in the DFW metroplex, encompassing 234 square miles and serving more than 19,000 students. Lucky for us, more than a few of those students were ready to jump in and help us with our mission. AMAT facilitator Jeremy Rawe and AMAT Graphic Design teacher Emily Dickenson answered our call. They partnered with us to run a cover design contest for our anthology. And, wow, did we end up with some stellar entries!
It was incredibly hard to choose a winner, but somehow we did. And now it’s time to share the final cover, and the finalists, with you.
Announcing the official COMMON ROOM cover, designed by NWHS student Catherine Fondren!
And here are our amazing finalists, including our runner up entry, designed by NWHS student Maggie Bekcoske!
As you can see, each of these covers is amazing, and we are so thrilled to share them with you. Most of all, we are so honored to have had the chance to work with these teens and highlight their accomplishments. Three cheers for our partners at AMAT (Mr. Rawe and Ms. Dickenson) and their amazing student designers!
Show your support for these talented teens by telling us which covers you love and why!