Syracuse-based author Bruce Coville recently visited Volney Elementary School in Fulton. Fifth-grade students got to meet and work with the author, who discussed both his writing process and an exciting and spooky Halloween writing contest.

Each year, Coville – author of popular books like “My Teacher is an Alien” the “Unicorn Chronicles” and “Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher” – publishes an annual unfinished Halloween story in the Syracuse Post-Standard. Student participants are then tasked with completing the story, winning autographed copies of Coville’s books and the chance for their works to be published.

At Volney, fifth-grade students have traditionally participated in the contest as part of their ELA classes, concluding Coville’s story with their own creativity and flair. Coville’s visit was a special treat, as students had just completed their entries for this year’s competition involving a narrative Coville titled “Toddler of Terror.” Coville met with the entire fifth grade, where students had prepared questions about his work as an author and his overall writing process. Students were captivated by his storytelling abilities, enjoying his comical voices and facial expressions.

“I think the kids had a greater connection to him because he was local and has written familiar stories,” said Desiree Schepp, the school’s library media specialist. “His stories have a spooky element that they really love this time of year.”

Before leaving, Coville paid a quick visit to Elizabeth Silkins, a UPK teacher and a lifetime Coville fan. Coville told the youngest Volney students a quick story while Silkins shared her own appreciation for Coville’s works.

“He really made her day,” noted Schepp.

Schepp thanked Coville for his visit and described him as a “stand-up guy” who went above and beyond in his visit to the school.