Nationally Recognized Author Kicks Off 9th Annual Writing Contest

The purpose of the recently launched 9th Annual Chistell Writing Contest is to encourage and promote reading and writing.

Philadelphia, PA November 28, 2008 -- Denise Turney (http://www.chistell.com), author of the true-to-life books Portia, Love Has Many Faces, Spiral, Long Walk Up and Love Pour Over Me, recently launched her International Writing Contest. "The purpose behind the Annual Chistell Writing Contest is to encourage reading and writing," Turney states. "Several years ago while studying global literacy metrics I was met with a sobering fact. Millions of people around the world, many right here in the United States, are functionally illiterate. That is terrible enough. When you take into account the fact that areas with the largest numbers of functionally illiterate peoples suffer the most economically with high joblessness and crime rates, it becomes abundantly clear that we all benefit when literacy rates improve." When asked how her books speak to the importance of literacy, Turney told us that, "Of each of my books, Portia focuses on education most. Portia, the book's main character and a woman who is dealing with the challenges of breast cancer, has grown up around books. Her mother is a prominent Chicago English teacher. Through the mother literacy is celebrated." When pressed about how her other titles advance literacy, Turney shared, "Sales from my books helps to fund the prize money for the writing contest. On top of that, and I don't think I did this deliberately when I was creating each story, but in each book there are scenes and characters that illustrate the value of learning. It happened without intent, but it happened and I appreciate that."

A native of Ohio who grew up in Tennesee and now makes her home in Philadelphia, PA, presently Turney is finishing her fifth novel (Love Pour Over Me), a deeply moving love story that has an anticipated summer 2009 release date. Deadline to submit writings to the 9th Annual Chistell Writing Contest is February 28, 2009. The contest is open to peoples around the globe. Winners of this year's contest will be announced in May in The Book Lover's Haven, a publication Turney began ten years ago. "My goal is to inspire others to dream big and to achieve their dreams. Success for me has been step-by-step. I know how important it is not to skip an experience. In our modern world, literacy plays a key role in success. The Book Lover's Haven and the writing contests allow me to help others achieve their success."
Turney is the former host of the international radio talk show program Off The Shelf and contributing writer at Trend - Philly News and New Citizens Press. As host of Off The Shelf, Turney interviewed artists, bestselling authors, business and community leaders such as: Bernadette Stanis (hit sitcom Good Times star actress), Ola Jackson, Nicole Titus, Dr. Letitia Wright, Linda Pressley, Martha Miller, Cynthia Hunter and CNN's Roland Martin. Turney is also a mother, freelance writer and e-Learning instructor.

The purpose behind the Annual Chistell Writing Contest is to encourage reading and writing

Of each of my books, Portia focuses on education most. Portia, the book's main character and a woman who is dealing with the challenges of breast cancer, has grown up around books. Her mother is a prominent Chicago English teacher. Through the mother literacy is celebrated.

Sales from my books helps to fund the prize money for the writing contest. On top of that, and I don't think I did this deliberately when I was creating each story, but in each book there are scenes and characters that illustrate the value of learning. It happened without intent, but it happened and I appreciate that.

My goal is to inspire others to dream big and to achieve their dreams. Success for me has been step-by-step. I know how important it is not to skip an experience. In our modern world, literacy plays a key role in success. The Book Lover's Haven and the writing contests allow me to help others achieve their success.

Those interested in learning more about Denise Turney, her writing courses, the Annual Chistell Writing contest (it's free to enter the contest) or The Book Lover's Haven (subscription is free) may do so by visiting http://www.chistell.com.

Chistell PR
2500 Knights Road, Suite 19-01
Bensalem, PA 19020
(215) 869-3469
(215) 245-6222
www.chistell.com

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