Public Safety officer and alumna Emily Copley publishes first book

Emily Copley BS’22 (Flor) MFA’24 (Flor) has published her first book, a novel called Not Your Child Prodigy, and it has just gone on sale December 16.

Copley arrived at FDU in 2018 and earned her B.A. in Creative Writing and Communications, graduating in 2022.

Back in 2018, she had no idea how her role as a resident assistant would eventually lead to her opportunity to earn her master’s degree. In the course of her duties, she met and got to know several of the public safety officers. After earning her B.A., she asked if Public Safety had any openings for a graduate assistant.

Public Safety ended up creating a G.A. position and hiring Emily.

“I want to congratulate Emily Copley on her publication,” said University Director of Public Safety Joseph Vitiello. “From the moment Public Safety hired her as a graduate assistant, the department benefited in two important ways; supporting her in earning her MFA and gaining exposure to her exceptional writing skills. It quickly became apparent that she possessed a rare blend of determination, professionalism, and a genuine willingness to help others. Since then, she has joined Public Safety as an officer and have made significant contributions to the department, currently serving as a corporal. On behalf of the entire Public Safety staff, we congratulate her on fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a published writer.”

She was hired as a full time as a public safety officer since June of 2024, and was promoted to corporal in July of 2025.

“FDU was actually my dream school.” said Copley, “At the time I was looking for a college, it was the only program, that offered Creative Writing as a major solely. Most schools I looked at only offered creative writing as a concentration and only offered English as a major.”

In Not Your Child Prodigy, the main character, Danica Mae Mitchell is a 16 year old girl who has a neurological condition called synesthesia which enhances the senses. She becomes a child prodigy and exploited by her parents to save them from financial ruin. While she attempts to please her parents, she has visions of a mysterious homeless boy, who she’s never met before, and who asks for her help.

Copley started writing Not Your Child Prodigy as a sophomore, but it began as a short story. Over time, she added more to the story, received input from her peers in writing workshop classes at FDU, and continued to add to it. 

Along the way, the things happening around her influenced the story. A number of pop stars and actors Copley watched in her childhood were openly talking about being exploited as children. Her grandfather was suffering from dementia, but at times singing familiar songs would help bring his mind back. That pushed Copley to do research into the relationship between music and the brain. These ideas turned into aspects of the book.

“My dream was, and still is, to become a published author. Without FDU, and especially Public Safety, that dream would not have become possible. I am extremely lucky to have such a warm, welcoming team and to be involved in such an incredible community.”

Not Your Child Prodigy can be purchased on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.