Savant Books Announces the Release of the book Written in the Stars: An Anthology

HONOLULU - March 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Many people go through life thinking that they are stuck—it might be a lower socioeconomic status, it might be a grueling job, it might be an unhealthy relationship—but even when all hope seems lost, people can find the spark of hope. It is the singular star in a night sky that can guide the way. Despite the feeling that some things are set in stone, Written in the Stars is an anthology that says no, that's wrong. Nothing is set in stone, and everything can get better. It may take time, it may be hard, but it can be done.

The storytellers in this anthology are "striving to take the lessons of the past, together with new skills, to create a destiny full of promise and hope. Perhaps, if destiny is written in the stars, then these stars can rewrite destiny."

Written in the Stars includes personal narratives of the storytellers' experiences living in Hawai'i.  Some of the contributors were born on these islands, others found their way here from Micronesia, Polynesia, or the continental United States. There are also poems, many from the youth participants in the grant project, reflecting on what they have learned, and what they want to do in the future.  Some contributors also shared legends and myths from Hawai'i and Chuuk, mirroring traditions and lessons that still influence actions and choices in the modern day.

This work is the capstone to the Na Hokulele ("Shooting Stars") Project, a federally funded grant program focused on helping people primarily in the Kalihi-Palama community build skills that include literacy, healthy living, job training opportunities, and soft-skills training. Written in the Stars is a collection of stories from participants in the Na Hokulele Project and students in Heald College-Honolulu's Success course.

Written in the Stars includes personal narratives of the storytellers' experiences living in Hawai'i.  Some of the contributors were born on these islands, others found their way here from Micronesia, Polynesia, or the continental United States. There are also poems, many from the youth participants in the grant project, reflecting on what they have learned, and what they want to do in the future.  Some contributors also shared legends and myths from Hawai'i and Chuuk, mirroring traditions and lessons that still influence actions and choices in the modern day.

This work is the capstone to the Na Hokulele ("Shooting Stars") Project, a federally funded grant program focused on helping people primarily in the Kalihi-Palama community build skills that include literacy, healthy living, job training opportunities, and soft-skills training. Written in the Stars is a collection of stories from participants in the Na Hokulele Project and students in Heald College-Honolulu's Success course.

The anthology benefited from the support of various individuals, including the teachers, staff and mentors of the Na Hokulele Project, along with AP English faculty at St. Damien Memorial School, the Art to Go team at the Honolulu Museum of Art School, and grant staff such as Ms. Juliette Budge. Although the stories within Written in the Stars come from Na Hokulele participants, this anthology would not be what it is without the help of these individuals.

Sabrina Favors, anthology editor, holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Psychology, and a Master's degree in English with a concentration in creative writing, from the University of Hawai'i at Manoa. She has an eclectic taste in nonfiction, but with a preference for history, art, psychology, and folklore. She is also interested in fantasy of any sub-genre—from epic fantasy to urban, tinged with horror or steampunk elements, for young adults and middle grade. Anything with a new twist or an unexpected take on an old tale.

"This anthology would not exist without dozens of people from different cultures, different ages and different life experiences," says Favors, "coming together in one book to tell their tales and bring awareness of the struggles many face living in Hawai'i, as well as the hopes many of them share for a better life."

Written in the Stars: An Anthology, edited by Sabrina Favors - 136 pages - 6" x 9" Trade Book - Color Softcover. ISBN 978-0-9915622-5-1. Suggested retail price $12.95. Released in March 2015 by Savant Books and Publications, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA.

This book is available directly from the publisher and printer at
http://www.savantbooksandpublications.com

from Savant Bookstore Honolulu at
http://www.savantbookstorehonolulu.com

and from Amazon.com at
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0991562259

The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by funding under Grant Number AHIAC-10-HI-01 with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of University Partnerships, Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian Institutions Assisting Communities (AN/NHIAC) Program. The authors and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government.

Savant Books and Publications LLC is a publisher of enduring literature and media for the 21st Century. For more information visit www.savantbooksandpublications.com.