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In early January, international espionage author Jon Land visited Adeline Bee's Writing and Publishing and Journalism classes at Attleboro High School for the second time.

Land had an inspirational effect on the Writing and Publishing class after the first visit, making the students want to write. This time he gave them the chance to ask him direct questions.

One student asked if Land recommended writing classes. He responded "No," laughing and adding, "Writing teachers like to replace what you write with something they think is better."

He added, "There's no better way to learn to write than to read."

"The part I liked the most was when he gave us ideas on how to shape our work and the advice to never give up; keep trying no matter what," said senior Justin Torres. Land gave a lot of helpful advice to the students while constantly pacing back and forth. "I loved Jon Land's personality. It was lively and full of pure fun," said sophomore Whitney Randant.

He was uplifting and explained to the students that "the toughest thing about writing is to not get discouraged."

He was very positive, egotistical and full of constant energy, an apparently perfect concoction for a great writer. He has written screenplays, one of which became the movie "Dirty Deeds," available on DVD, but focuses mainly on novels - he's up to 28.

"Jon Land is a truly remarkable character himself. He is a very outspoken, hilarious, intelligent man whose creativity never ends. I remember his advice to my question: 'If you put a piece aside and can't seem to go back to it, it's either not good enough or something is missing,'" said senior Kim Taton.

Land was lots of fun but also very sincere and serious. He told the class that "Writing is the job that chooses you. Never quit because it only takes one person to make you a success and sometimes you just get it right."

"Jon Land inspired me to be a better writer. Although I don't write the same genre, he has encouraged me to write more than I already do," said sophomore Katelyn DeLaurier.

"I met Jon Land at one of his book signings and found him knowledgeable, interesting, and full of vitality. He lives in the Providence area so agreed to come and talk to my students. As a former journalist he related to both of my classes.

"His first visit he taught a lesson to the students and then read their work and positively criticized it. They were thrilled. The second time he focused on their questions, giving the students lots of information about the writing process and himself. I believe he made a real difference in the students' writing habits," said Bee.

Land gave both classes constructive advice and his presence was well-received. "I thought it was cool that he would take time out of his life to visit teens," said senior Nicole Dionne.

His latest published book is "The Seven Sins." He just finished "Strong Enough to Die" and left an "uncorrected advanced reading copy," or ARC, for the class. It's coming out next summer and is Land's favorite. Some of his earlier books include "The Gamma Option" and "The Fires of Midnight." He said his favorite authors are Stephen King, Truman Capote and Hunter S. Thompson. Land's most important advice was to never give up, to just keep trying.