Teen Author and Teacher Inspire Each Other

Online, April 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Writing a book can be hard for any aspiring author but for an active high school student the accomplishment could be almost impossible. Not so for Waterloo High School student, Jacob D Poettker.

Jacob was not the typical student, he was a little different from the other students and because of that he faced many challenges at school from his peers and many of his teachers. However, one of his 6th grade teachers, Jeannie Wittenbrink, believed in Jacob and strongly encouraged him to follow his dream. She told him, "One day I know I will see your name in lights!" Her statement and encouragement stuck with Jacob and gave him the fuel to follow his dream. In recognition and appreciation for her support, Jacob dedicated his first book, Fallen, to this special 6th grade teacher.

But the story doesn't end there. Due to budget cuts a few years back, Jeannie lost her teaching job and decided to not stay in the teaching industry. She took a job in another profession. After Jacob's book was release, Jacob met with Jeannie to present her with her own personalized copy of his book. She was speechless and near tears never realizing until then the impact she had on Jacob. She began re-thinking her decision to leave the teaching field and is currently working in a pre-school and will begin teaching again at a local school.

Fallen is an exciting science fiction book that takes place in a galaxy called Galintia and on a planet called Biblicia. This planet has two species, the Corinthians and Thesolonians, who barely tolerated each other and any minor provocation could prompt them into a war. A powerful species from a half of a galaxy away, the Fecians, invade Biblicia just as the main character, Darkblade Huncong the 19th, finishes his training for his country's army. Darkblade Huncong the 19th has everything: a girl to marry, men under his command, and a special skill for fighting. He and his two sons, Darkblade the 20th and Zechariah, are forced to defend his planet. It's up to the Huncong family to convince the Thesolonians to help save Biblicia.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, Fallen is now available through bookstores nationwide, at the author's website at http://jacobdpoettker.tateauthor.com/about-the-author/ or from the publisher at www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore. You can also pick up a signed copy at the next book signing event, which should be schedule soon and will be posted on the author's website mentioned above.

Early feedback on Fallen is starting to come in. Here are two recent reviews of Fallen posted on Amazon.com:

"I was skeptical of the adventure book due to the author's age, but thought what the heck. I started reading and realized I was pulled into the story and was really enjoying the action. I'd recommend the book to any adventurous minded person. I wouldn't be surprised if this book eventually became a movie someday." - "William of 8"

"I highly recommend this book. I was hooked from the first chapter! I found this story intriguing & difficult to put down ...I am definitely looking forward to more...As I was reading, I could see the scenes in a movie I expect is coming. This book left me wanting more & I can't wait for the next installment." - F Ruby

Jacob is now a sophomore in high school living in Waterloo, Illinois with his parents and older sister. In addition to writing, Poettker keeps a very busy school. He plays the trumpet for the Waterloo Marching Bulldogs and the High School Jazz band. He also sings, plays the drums and guitar, and participates in the youth worship band at Hope Christian Church. He is a member of the Waterloo Boy Scout Troop 323 and is working towards his Eagle Scout, which he should accomplish this year. He is also a Brown Belt in Tae Kwan Do at Championship Marital Arts in Columbia, IL. Jacob is already working on part 2 and part 3 of Fallen and hopes to have part 2 ready for the public in the near future.

For more information, please contact Terry Cordingley, Marketing Representative at Tate Publishing and Enterprises, at (888) 361-9473 or send an email to [email protected]. Or, you can contact Jacob's parents, Dan and Tina Poettker, at (618) 939-7823 or email [email protected].