Author and Fountain Hills resident Peter Greene dropped by one of Fountain Hills Middle School teacher Marty Olson’s classes recently to discuss the process of writing.

Before his classroom visit, Olson’s students had the opportunity to read Greene’s young adult novel, “The Adventures of Jonathan Moore: Skull Eye Island.” Greene then visited the class Friday, May 9, to discuss the book, the writing process and what makes a good story.

Greene explained that any book must first begin with an idea. From there, a plot evolves, filled with conflict and characters.

“If I tried to tell a story about a kid who woke up, ate, then eventually went back to bed, that wouldn’t be very interesting,” Greene told the class.

“Conflict is what makes a story interesting, and it’s what people like to read.”

Greene also shared his own writing process with the class, explaining that it is a process that varies from person to person. No matter who the writer is, however, he recommended the use of an outline to drive the story, and copious edits.

“Even after editing my book 11 times, I’m still finding errors from time to time,” Greene explained.

“You have to really work at it if you want it to be the best work it can be.”

To help illustrate his points, Greene presented the class with a look at his own outlines, edit notes and more.

“Skull Eye Island” is the Grand Master Award Winner of the 2012 Adventure Writer’s Competition. Its sequel, which several lucky students won a copy of following Greene’s presentation, is titled “Castle of Fire.”

For more information or to purchase a physical or digital copy of the books, visit ajmbooks.com.