Photo by Julianne Baker
A Harding alumna, who is now a published author, spoke about her latest book on Tuesday, Feb. 22, in the Reynolds Recital Hall.
Jennifer Moffett is the author of “Those Who Prey,” a young adult thriller, and she discussed the book and read portions of it as part of the visiting writers series hosted by the English Department.
Professor of English Terry Engel is the leader of the visiting writers program, and he coordinated Moffett’s visit. He also interviewed Moffett for the event.
“Each semester we try to bring in a visiting published writer with a significant reputation,” Engel said. “This is a really good book that we think will appeal to a lot of college students.”
“Those Who Prey” tells the story of a lonely college freshman named Emily who is recruited into a cult on her college campus in Boston. As she gets deeper into the cult, it gets more dangerous, and a mission trip to Italy results in death.
“What’s kind of cool about it is that, for students who have been to [Harding University Florence (HUF)], the place where she is living in Italy is essentially the HUF villa at Scandicci,” Engel said.
Administrative assistant for the English Department Cassie Ahlrichs said the visiting writers program is one of her favorite parts about the department.
“Hearing writers talk about the things they are passionate about is something I’ve really come to enjoy more and more since I started working with the English Department,” Ahlrichs said. “I think this gives readers more of an appreciation for the work.”
Moffett talked about her writing process and how she is at heart a “pantser,” someone who writes without a plan or outline and lets the characters and the story write itself, but she has begun to work from an outline and deviate from her plans when she finds it necessary. Moffett talked about the deadline process and how she uses word count goals to write the first draft as quickly as possible.
“I’ve always been fascinated by cults, so I’ve been reading about them for years,” Moffett said. “In the ‘90s, many cults targeted college students who were far away from home because things like email, cell phones, social media and even the Internet were not yet widely accessible or utilized back then. This made students who were isolated from hometown friends and families vulnerable prey for high-pressure groups pretending to be their instant friends.”
Moffett offered advice to those interested in more creative careers.“If you’re pursuing any creative career, absorb everything you possibly can for inspiration — museums, concerts, books, films, nature,” Moffett said. “Also, take rejection with a grain of salt; constructive criticism can be a gift. In the publishing industry, obstacles are simply part of the path — not a sign to give up. “
