For generations, books have been a way to discover the world and distant lands, learn about our surroundings or simply escape from reality.
However, until recently, it was difficult for young people to actively participate in the creation and publishing of books. With new computer and printing technologies making the physical production of books easier and easier, more people than ever have the means to publish.
People, however, still play a key role.
Guiding these aspiring writers is a collaboration that will be celebrated Friday at Alibi Bookshop in Vallejo with a group of local kids who have written their own novels, the people who have helped them along the way, and published works.
“My program aims to empower young people to find their inner writer’s voice and continue to bring their stories to life through action,” says Tracy Randolph, publisher of Young Authors Press. “Hard work, professional mentorship, and team-oriented accountability with their community of writers is creating a new generation of expressive authors.”
Randolph is an artist with over 20 years of teaching experience, working with students of all ages in the fine and performing arts. The Bay Area native has taught throughout California, along with lectures and performances in Tijuana, Mexico and KwaZulu Natal in Durban, South Africa, as well as the Far East Institute of Art in Vladivostok, Russia.
“It feels amazing to have my second book published by Young Authors Press,” said 12-year-old Vallejoan Annika Norton. “I am so grateful to Tracey and my fellow authors for their support – they were there to cheer me on during the writing process and help me stay on task during the editing.
“I hope that this event will inspire other children to follow their dreams and write, and show them that they can do it too.
And the parents of the children in the programs are grateful for everything. Parents say the youngsters support each other every step of the way, and the program provides the structure and gentle accountability needed to push them through the inevitable moments of writer’s block and editing.
“This is the coolest thing in the world, kids need to know this is happening. These kids just took matters into their own hands and started their own publishing company,” said Karen Finlay, owner of Alibi Bookshop.
“We are so excited about the book signing and are grateful for Karen’s support of local young authors. My daughter Annika is one of the authors, and we live here on Mare Island and are at Alibi almost every weekend,” said Dawn Norton.
If You Go: Young Authors Press Reading and Signing, 4 p.m. Friday, Alibi Bookstore, 624 Marin St., Vallejo. Free entrance. For more information, visit alibibookshop.com.
