Inspiring 9-Year-Old Author Making a Difference

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A 9-year-old author is inspiring Oklahomans and making a difference in her community.

Makya Stell has already authored seven books. She wrote her first poem at 4-years-old and her first book was printed when she was only five.

Makya uses herself as the main character named Tink Tink in her books. Her latest story is "Tink Tink's Day with the President.'

But when Makya's not brightening other's days with her stories, she is helping out in a different way.

Makya also helps tutor students in math, helps feeds the homeless, creates scholarships, gives money to needy college kids, and dreams about her future.

"I want to be a research specialist when I grow up, and an astronaut, and a bio-engineer," Makya said.

Makya's mother said her daughter never ceases to amaze her.

"Sometimes she'll come home and she teaches me new words. One day she was saying something was mephitic. And I was like, mephitic? You know. What does that mean? You don't know what that means? Mom, if you wear your shoes without socks, your feet are mephitic. Sticky or smelly is what it meant," said Crystal Perkins-Stell, Makya's mother.

Makya began writing stories when her mother, and best-selling author, took her on book tours. Now Makya is teaching others how to write.

"She actually did a writer's workshop. I don't think the kids really initially believed that she wrote her own stories until she sat down with them and started writing out these books, and they were fascinated to see that she could pull out this story of a Chinese dragon," Crystal said.

At such a young age, Makya has captured the attention of notable politicians and activists and has inspired her peers.

"I used to always say, I want to sing. But I don't have the courage to do that. But Makya just inspires me to do, go for my dream. Catch my dream," said 10-year-old Destinie Scott.

As for Makya, she said she will continue to shoot for the stars.

"I wanna be introduced to better and new things. I don't want to just keep doing the same things over and over and over again," Makya said.