The very mention of the word creative can spring images and thoughts of youthfulness and charisma, charm, wittiness and an imaginative freedom that knows no bounds. And who better to serve the soul of humanity with a vision of worlds that stretch far beyond the comprehension of corporate meetings, cubicles and the recessive plagues of civilization than children? They are the symbolic representations of hope and opportunity and starting next year, their literary and creative efforts will be spotlighted and featured in an anthology dedicated to them and them alone—the READ3Zero short-story anthology: “I Write: Short-Stories By Kids, For Kids!”

Let’s face it, kids are creative! They have big dreams that fit with their big imaginations. As the creator of the Iggy the Iguana children’s chapter book series, it has become such a joy to hear them share their dreams with me as I work to live out my own. Not only do I love getting to meet my young readers, but in return they spark creative ideas for my own stories and projects. And what better project to institute than one designed to support their efforts and imaginations? The time has now come to see these ideas become a reality. Earlier this year I partnered with fellow author and book marketing consultant, Bobby Ozuna, to create a foundation geared towards promoting literacy, creativity and learning in our youth; we are calling it the READ3Zero foundation. The first order of business for READ3Zero is to publish short-stories written “by kids, for kids” next year. Children in grades third through eighth, in the US, can begin submitting their stories for publication immediately for a chance to gain recognition for their efforts. Not only that, but those who prefer a more visual representation of their creativity can submit artwork for a chance to create the official book cover for this anthology: “I Write: Short-Stories By Kids, For Kids.”

If you are an educator, school coordinator or facilitator, librarian or parent, and you wish to help nourish a child’s knack for creative writing or art, you can help by encouraging a child to participate within this FREE short-story contest from READ3Zero. The official rules and guidelines can be downloaded from the READ3Zero website www.Read3Zero.com under “I Write.” Story submissions are being accepted through February 1st, 2010 and finalists will be announced by May of 2010. Winners will be announced in September of 2010, ready for a fall release of this anthology!

Read3Zero was founded in efforts to support literacy, creativity, and learning for children. By providing children the opportunity to be professionally published in an annual series written by kids for kids, we not only nurture their creative spirit, but we lay the foundation for positive self-esteem and faith in opportunities for their future. Ambition cannot be forced, but through an encouraging spirit, adults have the key to support our youth and their creative souls.

For further information about the contest or to inquire how you can become a direct supporter toward the fight against childhood illiteracy “…30 minutes at a time…” please contact Melissa M. Williams at Melissa@longtalepublishing.com or Bobby Ozuna at Bobby@longtalepublishing.com.