FIRST-TIME AUTHOR PENS "A MASTERWORK"

Author Elizabeth Routen recently announced the publication of her first short story collection, VOICES ON THE STAIR (ISBN: 0-7388-5835-8; XLibris; $16.00). Australia-based THE COMPULSIVE READER calls the effort, "A well written, ambitious and unusual collection of stories, while reviewer David McKinlay notes in WORD OF MOUTH that the selections are "definitely not run of the mill stories to lull one into somnolence. . . . these are thoughtful and provocative."

Author Elizabeth Routen recently announced the publication of her first short story collection, VOICES ON THE STAIR (ISBN: 0-7388-5835-8; XLibris; $16.00). Australia-based THE COMPULSIVE READER calls the effort, "A well written, ambitious and unusual collection of stories, while reviewer David McKinlay notes in WORD OF MOUTH that the selections are "definitely not run of the mill stories to lull one into somnolence. . . . these are thoughtful and provocative."

Jason Gurley, author of the highly acclaimed CLOSE PROGRAM, was quoted as saying, "Elizabeth Routen, whose stories embody all that is true about a generation -- from the harsh realities that knock us back to the smooth winds that calm us -- has written a book that I am not hesitant to call a masterwork. Routen's first collection achieves what no young author should hope for, but every young author should strive for: honest artistic merit."

VOICES ON THE STAIR is an unusual mix of the modern and traditional. Stories such as "Requiem" rely on classic techniques while "Fortuitous Disobedience" has an edgier feel. Routen draws on historical fact for pieces including "A Far Distant Place," the story of a Dutch family caught in the turmoil of WWII. "An editor asked me if this book is about love," Routen said. "My first thought was to say no. But this book is about love -- not about being in love, per se, but the problems and pleasures born of all types of love: familial, sexual, love of a country and a way of life."

Routen says VOICES ON THE STAIR is more than a personal accomplishment. "This is really a test that will indicate what direction my writing takes over the next few years. People tend to have a strong reaction to my work. By first publishing a short story collection, I can expose readers to a wide variety of subjects and styles and learn what will work best in a novel."

VOICES ON THE STAIR is also a test of Print on Demand publishing, a relatively new advance that allows books to be stored electronically and printed, bound, and shipped one by one as they are ordered. "This is an exciting time to be involved in independent publishing," Routen said. "In addition to saving money for the publisher, and thus ensuring higher royalties for writers, POD signals a change in the way the industry thinks about integrating technology into everyday operations. It gives writers who are not the beneficiaries of enormous publicity campaigns the freedom to pursue recognition internationally, as opposed to being resigned to selling books in a few local stories."

VOICES ON THE STAIR is available from major Internet outlets including Amazon.com and Borders.com and is distributed by Ingrams and Baker & Taylor. The collection can be ordered from any bookstore by placing a request from the publisher. More information, reviews, and ordering information for libraries, booksellers, and individuals, is available on Routen's website: http://thestair.cjb.net.