Angela Sage Larsen has created a time-travel series for teens called "Fifties Chix." In the first story, "Travel to Tomorrow," five bobby soxers wake up 55 years into the future and must find their way back.

Larsen, who lives in O'Fallon, Mo., is celebrating libraries' Teen Read Week by offering a free writing workshop for preteens and teens today at 2 p.m. at McClay library in St. Charles. Registration is recommended. (Go to thefiftieschix.com/schedule for more info.)

Is the series set in St. Louis? • It is! I should say it's "mostly" St. Louis because I took a few liberties, but it is recognizable as St. Louis and hopefully also has a bit of "Every Town, USA" in the 1950s.

Why are you interested in the 1950s? • I've always been intrigued by the 1950s because it is considered such a "Golden Age" — there were so many improvements in everyday life for many Americans, with a focus on conformity and perfection. In the meantime, there were a number of revolutions brewing just below the surface, like the civil rights movement and the women's movement.

You majored in art at Principia College and have worked as a muralist. Why did you turn to writing? • I am obsessed with telling stories. I was a theater minor in college; so whether I tell stories with words, pictures or on stage, I just love it.