Publication of book is dream come true for Rector grad

A young Rector woman is sharing her talents with the world. Danielle Maltbie, a 2006 graduate of Rector High School, has published her first book, "Just Another Starlit Night" through Publish America, one of the most prolific publishers in the world.

"It's something I've been looking forward to for so long," Maltbie, 20, said. "I first wrote it when I was 15. Even though I've had it since then, I've been going over it for years. I re-wrote it something like six times."

Maltbie submitted her book earlier this year. The book has become available for purchase at such internet sites as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as the Publish America Website. She hopes to have "Just Another Starlit Night" available in book stores later this year, as well as offer book signings when it is further released.

"It's incredible," Maltbie said of being able to see her creation available for purchase. "You can Google my name and it comes up. I'm still getting used to that."

Maltbie says her creation is "an everything book." It features short stories, poems and song lyrics which with a range of human emotion and feelings such as happiness, sorrow, triumph, love and loss.

"Honestly, it's about what I know," Maltbie said. "When I write, my feelings, whatever I believe in, come out."

While some may consider writing a book a near-impossible feat, Maltbie says she has been overcoming challenges her whole life.

"I grew up with cerebral palsy. Most people see it as a crutch -- something to hold me back. For me, though, it was something that made me fight that much harder. I was going to do the things I wanted. I wasn't going to let CP stop me from living my life. I wanted to be a cheerleader, so I went out and did it. I wanted to write a book. Now, I've done that, too. You can really do anything if you truly set your mind to it."

While Maltbie is proud of her achievements, she is quick to give credit to a host of supporters.

"I'm very blessed. I've had so many people behind me telling me I could make it. From my parents and friends to teachers, there have been a lot of great people who believed in me."

Maltbie is the daughter of Lisa and Robert White and Gary Maltbie. She credits not only her family and friends with offering her tremendous support, but also much of the Rector community.

Just as there has been a network of support, though, Maltbie says she has also encountered her fair share of doubters. She not only found the strength to move forward despite her critics, but in spite of them, as well.

"This book is not only for the people who believed in me, but also those who told me I couldn't do it," Maltbie said.

Maltbie wants "Just Another Starlit Night" to inspire others to reach for their dreams.

"I hope the people who read this take away from it just how much we can all do and don't give up on their dreams. If we want something bad enough and are willing to work for it, then it can happen."