Grisham to give H.S. magazine a boost Sat Jul 28, 8:34 PM ET

Grisham to give H.S. magazine a boost Sat Jul 28, 8:34 PM ET



SOUTHAVEN, Miss. - John Grisham's essay about his life in high school is expected to bring in record sales for his alma mater's literary magazine this year.

"I wrote him asking if he would write a letter to the students that we could use as an introduction," said April Holifield, the sponsor for Melange, the magazine of poetry, short stories, essays and art work produced by students at Southaven High School.

"A couple of weeks later, he wrote back asking what our deadline was. About two months later, he sent us an essay about his experiences as a student at Southaven High School," she said.

The best-selling novelist was born in Arkansas and lived across the South before graduating in 1973 from Southaven, about 15 miles south of Memphis, Tenn.

The former attorney and state legislator is best known for his novels "A Time to Kill" and "The Firm."

Pete Farris, a junior who worked on the magazine's copy, layout and design, said Grisham's contribution was a boost to all students' contributions.

"I think it's going to be something we can put on our resumes," he said. "It's something we can all be proud of."

The magazine sold 150 copies last year, printed for $4 each.

This year's run will be 3,000 copies, with a raised spine, thanks to a grant from the Alcoa Foundation. Copies will be available beginning Aug. 20 and can be ordered online beginning Aug. 1 at http://www.desoto.k12.ms.us/shs.