Berwyn author wins Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project

BERWYN – Berwyn resident Geralyn Hesslau Magrady has been named the 2016 Soon to be Famous Illinois Author with her self-published debut novel, "Lines–".

Hesslau Magrady was named the winner of the statewide contest at a ceremony April 14 at the Chicago Ridge Public Library, according to a Soon to be Famous Illinois Author Project news release.

“It wasn’t until I became an English teacher that my personal love for reading and writing became something I needed to share with others – my students," she said in the release. "I wanted my 'kids' to witness these passions."

The competition is open to any self-published author in Illinois. Authors need to have their local library sponsor them as part of the application process.

The other finalists included James Hosek, author of "Give a Dog a Bone: A Dr. At Mystery," and Amanda Meredith, author of "Irish Heart."

Hesslau Magrady has been teaching English for 18 years, and she is now at Fenwick High School in Oak Park. She also taught at Proviso East High School in Maywood and St. Bernardine School in Forest Park. She grew up in Chicago and earned her bachelor’s degree from Dominican University and master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University.

“Lines–" is a historical fiction novel set in Chicago in 1871, during the time of the Great Fire.

For more information on Hesslau Magrady, visit ghesslaumagrady.com.