National Center for Family Literacy Partners with Anthology Authors

In an age of text messaging, flashy films and video games that lure young and old, the humble but magical printed word needs its own promoter.

(PRWEB) August 23, 2006 -- The authors of Secrets, Fact or Fiction? set out to promote recreational reading and literacy. To entice readers, the authors spiced up a collection of short stories then added an exciting incentive in the form of a reader contest. The book has met critical acclaim.

The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) president and founder, Sharon Darling applauded the book, its mission and purpose. The editor of the thought provoking book, Diane J. Newton was prompted to action in 2004 by the National Endowments for the Arts “Reading at Risk” survey, which highlighted a marked drop in reading. More recently, another survey by the National Center for Educational Statistics stunned educators showing only thirty-one percent of college graduates can read a complex book and extrapolate from it. Five percent of our population cannot read a word of English. Newton says, “Authors and publishers must also respond to this crisis by creating better product, attracting children and adults into the world of books.”

While compiling the anthology, Newton realized the stories were cautionary tales, perfect vehicles for opening life lesson discussions with young adults. The Secrets stories offer slices of real life, adult foibles and adventures that invite the reader to become engaged from a comfortable distance. Most beg the question, “What would I do if it was me?” This makes an interesting and educational game for families with teens. When entertaining writing brings subtle life lessons, the benefit to all readers is multifaceted and leaves them hungry for more. NCFL agreed, offering the alliance as an enhancement to fulfill its mission of creating educational opportunity for the most at-risk children and parents.

The books contain bite-sized stories about secrets kept or revealed, plus a delicious dessert; on a ballot in the back of the book, readers can guess which stories are based on fact and which are fictitious. Even the most seasoned reader finds himself questioning the veracity of the stories, never really knowing for sure. One winner chosen from the correct entries will win signed books by each of the authors and a copy of a yearly Secrets, Fact or Fiction? sequel. Additional volumes based on the same theme with similar contests are planned through 2010.
The authors are donating a good portion of royalties to NCFL, providing funding to help the organization support literacy programs across the nation. The story writers include award winning suspense author Diane J. Newton of New York; Hill Kemp, critically acclaimed political thriller novelist from Louisiana; C.T. Adams and Cathy Clamp, award winning romance writing partners of Texas; C.W. Gortner of California, critically acclaimed historical novelist; Kathy Strelow, a rock and roll novelist from Illinios; Larry Pontius, award winning speculative fiction novelist, poet and lyricist of Florida; novelist and magazine editor Carlene Reed of Washington State and A.P. Fuchs, a horror novelist and poet from Canada. Marketing expert and mainstream novelist, Carolyn Howard-Johnson of California has also joined the group, contributing a story for Secrets, Fact or Fiction II, due for release in mid 2006. The excitement of being part of a program that nurtures a new generation of readers is a draw for many accomplished authors who hope to become a part of the project.

The first book of the series was released in April 2005. Volume II is a new release and is available anywhere books are sold, through the authors www.SecretsFactorFiction.com or through the publishers, Oxcart Press www.oxcartpress.com or WingSpan Press www.wingspanpress.com . Substantial Book Club and classroom discounts are offered through the authors.

To learn more about The National Center for Family Literacy visit www.famlit.com. The NEA’s “Reading at Risk” survey can be found at http://www.nea.gov/pub/ReadingAtRisk.pdf . Explore the US Department of Education at www.ed.gov

September 8 is International Literacy Day. Public support and participation is vital.

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