Courtesy photo Johnathan Rand speaks to Holy Name Catholic School students.

ESCANABA — Johnathan Rand, author of the popular “Michigan Chillers,” ” American Chillers,” and “Freddie Fernortner Fearless First Grader” series of kids’ books, visited Holy Name Catholic School last week and gave a presentation to the students about the benefits and fun of reading and writing.

The visit was paid for by donations from Dr. Tony and Sara Kamerschen and the Holy Name Home and School Association.

Rand encouraged Holy Name students to keep reading books, noting that they can go anywhere and experience new things through books, in turn encouraging their imaginations.

“Reading is not something that you do. Reading is a place that you go,” Rand said.

“Books don’t have covers; they have doors,” he continued. “Reading is about something you personally experience.”

He also discussed the writing process, describing using imagination in creating stories and characters.

“(Writing) is about creating magic,” he said, describing his process of putting down his ideas on paper. He discussed how he uses the skills he learned in his past job in writing commercials at a radio station.

“A pencil becomes a magic wand when you write,” he said.

He also involved several of the students in his presentation, having them demonstrate to the audience — with his guidance — how to do their best “spooky” laugh. After discussing the spooky story lines in his books, the students learned the best way to do a scary laugh. He also challenged the students to find a quiet place at their homes, and write down their ideas on paper to create their own stories. 

For more information on Johnathan Rand’s books or school visits, visit americanchillers.com. Holy Name Catholic School is currently accepting registration for new and returning students. For more information, visit  holynamecrusaders.com or search “Holy Name Catholic School Escanaba” on Facebook.