By Alexis Christy – News Editor

From book bag to book shelf, Milford resident and Jonathan Law graduate Emily Bump has done it.

It’s not often an eighteen year old girl gets to publish a book of her own, but after three years of hard work, Bump has proved it possible.

In her novel, “Must Keep Moving,” Bump tells the compelling tale of a fifteen-year-old girl named Amy Martin who struggles to cope in a life of loss. After much emotional journey, Amy meets a girl named Sarah, who teaches her it’s okay to  “live and love again.”

The story has a homosexual theme, but that, according to Bump herself, was not something she felt the need to make exclusively evident.

“I didn’t use the word gay or lesbian in the entire book, and the characters just accept the fact that they are attracted to each other without another thought. I wanted the girls to be like any other couple; their main problems don’t come from the fact that they aren’t straight,” said Bump.

Although the concepts of her book are well developed, Bump admitted the writing was a process.

“I began about three years ago, and then let it sit for a while. I would come back to it now and then, but it wasn’t until two years ago that I got really serious and I would work on it every day.”

Getting the novel published was a different story, however.

“The publishing process was very easy. I’d say the entire thing took about only three months,” said Bump.

Not only was able to put her book in print, but she also designed her own cover, book synopsis, and author bio.

Bump said she foresees pursuing a writing career, after her college studies, of course.
In the meantime though, she offered wise words of advice for up and coming youth novelists.

“I wrote and published a book before I turned 19, which seems crazy, but I did it, and so can anyone else. If it’s your dream to get your writing out there, self-publishing is a great way to start,” said Bump.”

Anyone in interested in reading Bump’s book can find it online on amazon.com and barnesnnoble.com

(Photo courtesy of bookstore.xlibris.com.)