Ormond 15 year old publishes first novel

Haleigh Schmidt's first novel, "Forever & Always," was not only her first published work, but also the first thing she's written outside her personal journal.

By Emily Blackwood
| 4:30 p.m. August 8, 2016

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

For about seven weeks, 15-year-old Haleigh Schmidt would come home from school and write until she was too tired to write anymore — or until her brother yelled at her for not sharing the laptop.

The dedication and hardwork that this Seabreeze High School student showed for her English honors class paid off with more than just a good grade. What was supposed to be a 50-page assignment, turned into a 190-page published book.

"It's addicting," Schmidt said. "I would just sit at the computer and keep typing and typing. I didn't realize how long it would take to write something."

Her story, "Forever and Always," follows the relationship of two neighbors who grew up across the street from each other and learn how to stay together through greif and tragedy. Schmidt said many of the characters' personalities were based on her friends and family.

"She's my little overachiever," her mother, Portia Patrick said. "She's very creative, and she's gone through a lot in life, more than most adults have. She should write an autobiography next."