Tara C. Allred’s ‘The Other Side of Quiet’ gives readers a glimpse into the minds of a group of tenacious and passionate teenagers, as their creative writing teacher dives into their supposedly-private diaries that contain clues to an active murder investigation. The book’s teacher, Mrs. Childs, transcends fiction to also be the host of a new website set up by Allred. Fusing fact and fiction, this unique online group brings aspiring teenage writers together to provide real literary opportunities, critique their work and allow them to mingle directly with established bestsellers.
American Fork, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/28/2015 -- In a day and age when technology allows anyone to become an author, many writers are content with hastily rushing a book together and pushing it out to the market. But not Tara C. Allred, whose latest novel not only allows readers to get a very real glimpse into the lives of today's youths, but actually brings teenagers together so they can take their own first steps toward a legitimate literary career.
Let's start with the novel – 'The Other Side of Quiet'. Currently being devoured by both young adults and older readers, this unique and compelling book urges everyone to believe in the gifts of today's younger generation. It's a glimpse into their lives that is both vivid and thought-provoking.
Synopsis:
Mrs. Childs's creative writing students are expected to keep personal journals for self-expression. But when clues from a murder investigation cause police authorities to confiscate the students' journals, writing intended to be private is no longer. Words meant to liberate now condemn. And an innocent writing project, meant to empower students, as well as rescue Mrs. Childs from her own personal tragedy, now open deep conflicts within the class.
"All teenagers, parents and teachers should read this book," explains Allred, herself a prolific writer. "It will inspire anyone to love today's youth through their challenges, and be a better friend to them. Many people forget that youngsters have the same hopes, pains and struggles that adults do."
Continuing, "But this is far more than fiction. The book's official website contains a very unique writing community, hosted by Mrs. Childs herself, that allows all teenagers to join the book's ten young mavericks to get a head start on their journey through writing and publishing world-class books. The current boom in self-publishing is diluting literary standards. I'm committed to bringing the best of the industry together so we can foster a generation of writers who approach their work with the artistry and finesse of history's greatest wordsmiths."
Each week the website features an aspiring teen writer and a sample of their work. At the end of the week, a professional published author joins the site to critique the work and provide encouraging feedback. Each week also sees Allred, through the guise of Mrs. Childs, publish online lectures about the discipline of creative writing, as well as other special features.
"I want to help young writers identify their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and develop an innate knack for self-expression. It's possible for us to guide the quality of tomorrow's literature, and there's no better way to do it than through a true fusion of fact and fiction that will also teach youngsters how to communicate online with respect," Allred adds.
Readers have praised the novel very highly. Sixteen-year-old Berea comments, "An intriguing novel that can teach anyone important lessons about life and family. Tara C. Allred builds characters that feel real, and that many can relate to in more ways than one, and builds suspense with a thrilling murder mystery. Reading this novel you will laugh, cry, and find a certain peace in its ending."
Brittany Boman adds, "I am a firm believer in classroom read alouds, alongside in-depth class discussions. This book is a perfect read aloud for middle grade and high school classrooms. Students in your classroom can learn from the students in Mrs. Childs's classroom. The Other Side of Quiet brings up questions that students today should be asking and learning how to answer. This novel will help educators to discuss otherwise difficult concepts . . . and help students come out stronger with more understanding toward others."
'The Other Side of Quiet', from Patella Publishing, is available now: http://amzn.to/1JMVSJo or http://t.co/Ms6AMSeRyK
Join the online writing group today: http://www.othersideofquiet.net
For more information on the author and her work, visit the official website:
http://www.taracallred.net
About Tara C. Allred
TARA C. ALLRED is an award-winning author, instructional designer, and educator. She has been recognized as a California Scholar of the Arts for Creative Writing and is a recipient of the Howey awards for Best Adult Book and Best Adult Author. She lives in Utah with her husband. Her other published works include Sanders' Starfish and Unauthored Letters.
Allred is also the founder of the Other Side of Quiet online creative writing group.