For both Karen O’Meara and Margie Belan, being a writer had always been a desire lurking in the shadows of their full-time careers as teachers.

“I have always had a desire to write books for children,” O’Meara, now the assistant principal at Pembroke Elementary School, said. In fact, when she was still in the classroom, she used to have her fifth grade students create books of their own to read to younger students in the school.

Belan, a special education teacher at Centerville Elementary, was much the same.

“I’ve always been a ‘closet’ writer,” Belan said. “Being a published author has been on my bucket list for a long time.”

After years of discussing this shared passion, the two friends decided to begin their journey together. They took a writing class at the Adult Learning Center, and looked to their classrooms for the right inspiration in building their material.

“Being an educator gives me a huge advantage over authors who do not come into contact with children on a regular basis,” O’Meara said. “I am aware of their interests, vocabulary, etc.”

In fact, both O’Meara and Belan presented lessons to all of the Pembroke ES students  on short story elements as well as the writing process. They would read from their own work as examples.

And, this year, both are debuting their foray into the publishing world with their individual works: O’Meara’s, “Mr. Butt-Wiggles Finds A Name” (a book featuring her “grand-dog” as the main character) and Belan’s, “Anton’s Fine Horse,” a story based on a Slovak proverb.

While both women have been thrilled to work alongside publishers and illustrators to bring their stories to life, each still say the biggest joy has been in watching their students  embrace the characters they have worked many long hours to create and bring to life.

“The most rewarding part has been getting the reaction of those who read it,” Belan said.

“I still have students tell me how much they love Mr. Butt-Wiggles and parents tell me how much their children are talking about the book at home,” O’Meara added. “Hearing statements like that certainly warms the heart of this novice author.”

For more information about the books, or how you could start a literary career of your own, both O’Meara and Belan will be showcasing their work at a special book signing event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  this Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Care-A-Lot Pet Supply Store on Indian River Road. Or, you can visit their websites at www.karenomeara.com and www.margaretbelan.com .