June 7, 2007 -- Boca Raton, FL  – The School District of Palm Beach County and Océ North America Commercial Printing Division announced today that Barnes & Noble Booksellers and Maroone, an AutoNation company, have joined them in support of the Future Authors Writing Workshop. The free eight-day summer program provides students with an opportunity to experience becoming published authors. The workshop helps them improve their writing skills, gain a hands-on understanding of how authors become published, and learn about today’s self publishing opportunities.

Students gain insight into the process of writing, editing, and digitally publishing books through interactions with Oce executives, as well as published authors, who speak to the students.  The day-long sessions are taught by certified Palm Beach County teachers.  Writings from each student are then compiled and digitally printed in final book form by Océ North America.  The final book is unveiled at a book signing hosted by the Barnes & Noble Boca Raton store.

With the additional support for the program, the Future Authors Writing Workshop is being offered to younger aspiring authors through an additional session for middle school students.  Students from Belle Glade area schools who do not have access to transportation will be able to participate in the workshops through the School District’s Breeze distance learning technology, according to Mary Wilson, English Language Arts Curriculum Administrator, Department of K-12 Literary, who developed the program.  During the 2007 session, more than 50 middle and high school students will participate in the workshop, scheduled for June 11-14 and June 18-21 at Boca Raton High School and Glades Central High.  Graduates of last year’s workshop will serve as mentors to the middle school students.

“Encouraging writing and reading is at the core of our mission,” said Catie Antonelli, community relations manager for Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Boca Raton. “Supporting a program like this is a great opportunity for our company and our customers.”

“We are pleased to be able to support a program that helps young people pursue their dreams and enjoy an experience not possible during the regular school year,” added Gale Butler, vice president of community relations for Maroone.
The authors scheduled to address the Future Authors include: *

- Barbara Parker, a former prosecutor from Miami, has written a dozen books, most of them in the “Suspicion” series featuring Miami lawyers Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana. (June 12)

- Dr. Brian Latell, a Latin America and Caribbean specialist and former foreign intelligence officer, wrote, After Fidel, an insightful look at the life of the Castro brothers and Cuban politics. (June 13)

- Jonathon King is the author of five critically acclaimed, award-winning novels, including The Blue Edge of Midnight, an Edgar Award winner, and Eye of Vengeance. His novels have been published all over the world, including the UK, Germany, France, Finland, Japan, Portugal, and the Netherlands.  His children attend Palm Beach public schools. (June 14)

- James O. Born, author of Field of Fire, Escape Clause, Shock Wave   and Walking Money, is a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). He has been involved in investigations in such areas as organized crime, violent crimes, economic crimes, drug cartels, and public corruption.  (June 18)

As founders of the Future Authors program, Océ executives believe the age of digital publishing will open up more opportunities for these aspiring authors. Océ? Senior Director of Marketing Services Sheryl Pattek, said, “Digital printing technologies are revolutionizing the business of book publishing. Publishers can now cost-effectively print books in run lengths anywhere from 1 to 10,000 creating exciting opportunities for new talent—like these future authors—who now can get their works published.  It brings a rich diversity of books to market for all of us to enjoy.  As a leader in providing digital printing solutions for the book industry, Océ is delighted to support the Future Authors Program and to help make the children's dream a reality.”

 “When students have the opportunity to experience what it feels like to have their work published, their love of writing is ignited even more, giving them the confidence to pursue their dreams,” added Mary Wilson. “We are thrilled that our new corporate partners are helping to turn into reality our dream to bring this program to students throughout the county.”

Students selected for the program were recommended by their language arts teachers and guidance counselors and were accepted into the program based on their academic performance and expressed desire to pursue careers as authors.