While studying for her psychology license, Hart decided to pursue a career other than psychology when she moved to the United States. She knew she wanted to write for and about children and actually first wrote a book, "The Magic Key," to help children cope with divorce.
"That one was not published," said Hart, "and I learned that only about six books are published for every 25,000 submitted.
"What I learned most through the course at HACC taught by Derek Pritts was the importance of persevering. And, basically, the course made me sit down and write instead of just thinking about it. Then you just revise until you can't revise anymore, knowing that it is not possible to reach perfection. Our homework in the class helped me learn that and kick-started my writing."
Subsequently, with the guidance of her author mentor and friend, Judy Wolfman, the result was "Under the Grapevine: A Miracle by Saint Kendeas of Cyprus," written by Hart and illustrated by Claire Brandenburg. Born in Cyprus, Hart writes stories for children from her cultural heritage that are inspiring and spiritually satisfying.
Her book describes the miraculous healing of a young girl by a much-loved local Saint who lived more than 1,000 years ago. When Christina becomes seriously ill, her mother prays constantly for her, until one day a holy man appears on a white horse and takes her to his church to be healed. Christina returns to the family farm, where she runs to her parents to tell them about the holy "grandfather" who helped her.
"This is a true story about my grandmother," said Hart. "My mother used to tell me this story, but I never considered myself a writer. I think it was part of God's plan for me to come to this country and write this book."
Orthodox Christian Books Ltd. wrote, "This account of a 20th century miracle is made particularly vivid when it is understood that the author's grandmother is the young girl of the story. A treasured family memory now being shared with a wider audience, written by a member of the British Cypriot community."
"I just needed to write this story. It was a story waiting to be told," said Hart. "And it's amazing how I got the help I needed along the way. For example, my sister in Cyprus interviewed the nuns and took photos of the church and monastery. A church friend recently designed a beautiful website for me."
Hart now has a contract for a second book that was accepted in May about 1,000 year-old true legend from Cyprus. The book is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2008, to allow time to market Hart's first book.
When asked if she has advice for others who dream about writing a children's book, Hart said, "Basically you need to write about what you know and find a niche for yourself. Personally, I write about what inspires me and what I am passionate about.
"Do a lot of reading about writing for children, take courses like the ones HACC offers, revise until you can't revise anymore and be aware it's not an easy thing to write for children."
She also suggests joining a society such as The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, which has a local chapter in Pennsylvania that runs regular courses and "is a wonderful place to meet other writers," said Hart.
Hart's instructor at HACC, Derek Pritts of Lancaster, writes fiction and nonfiction. He has written and sold three books, including one for children. He also optioned a movie script and has written more than 50 magazine articles. Besides "Writing Children's Books," he teaches another continuing education class at the Lancaster Campus of HACC, "Writing and Selling Screenplays and Novels."
More information about Hart and her book can be accessed on her website www.chrissihart.com. Hart will have a limited number of autographed copies of "Under the Grapevine: A Miracle by Saint Kendeas of Cyprus" available at a book signing event at Borders Bookstore in York near the Galleria Mall on Saturday, December 16 at 4 p.m.
More information about HACC's continuing education classes can be accessed at www.hacc.edu/noncredit.