Actress/singer Hilary Duff can now add “children’s author” to her resume as news was announced today that she has signed a multi-book deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. AP says the publishing company will work alongside the actress on a series of young adult novels that starts with “Elixir,” to be published in October of this year. Her first novel will feature the worldwide adventures of photojournalist Clea Raymond.

The 20-year-old star also plans to write a non-fiction book about children coping with divorce, scheduled for release sometime 2012. Duff has written about her own parents’ separation in the songs “Stranger” and “Gypsy Woman.”

Speaking on her recent engagement to hockey player Matt Comrie, Hilary’s older sister Haylie said:

“She was completely surprised,” she said. “I don’t think that happens all the time. I think most of the time people figure it out or have some idea that it’s going to happen, and I think it’s great he was able to do a surprise like that for her.”

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