WALKING THE WALK

by Deborah Elliott-Upton

If you ever want to see a writer who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk, make sure you meet Deborah LeBlanc. A few years ago, I ran into her at a writer’s conference. She laughingly referred to me as the Energizer bunny that weekend, but that was like the pot calling the kettle black. No one is more energized than Deborah LeBlanc, current president of the Southwest branch of the Mystery Writers of America. Deborah, a Louisiana native, also serves as president of the Horror Writers of America. She doesn’t just write her books and sit back waiting for the royalties. She travels across the country stopping at practically every town and she doesn’t leave without sharing a message: We must get American kids to read!

Literacy Inc.’s mission is to fight the growing rate of illiteracy in America’s teens. The tools we use to accomplish that mission are motivational speeches, free books, and the opportunity to win a college education and other prizes. It is our goal to merge excitement with reading by using concrete, valuable incentives that will encourage high school students to take that crucial first step towards developing a more literate society — reading a book, cover to cover.

Deborah’s ideas aren’t new, which in itself is scary; why haven’t we as a nation tried harder? Yes, many of us have taught our children the values of reading by reading to them, letting them catch us reading and actually going into bookstores and libraries as a family outing. But if our own children are grown – and before we have the grandkids to teach – shouldn’t we reach out to those children who haven’t been as fortunate?

Deborah mentions the bookstore coffee shops are full of teenagers, but they’re sipping lattes and hanging with their friends. Occasionally, they have a laptop and are busily typing away. Pass by and see if it is social network that holds their attention. Cell phones seem to be attached to their hands, but what about the Nook or the Kindle or an iPad with a downloaded book? (I love the way technology is sneaking in the addiction to reading.) While you’re being nosy, check out the adults doing the same thing. I can safely bet, the majority are following the teens lead. Maybe some of our non-reading friends could be swayed to join our reading group. Chances are they’ll bring along someone else who’s interested. This could get interesting. Reading could become a craze!

So what can we do? Take a clue from Literacy Inc. and sponsor a writing contest at the local schools. Donate a prize if you can. If there isn’t one, start one. English teachers could be the flame to your spark of interest. Give a child a book to own. And yes, let them continue to see us read and don’t forget to discuss books with the younger generation. I dare you to ask a teenager what the big deal is about vampires these days. They may talk about the movies first, but look at it as an opening to bring up the books devoted to vampires long before Twilight became the rage.

As far as I’m concerned, sneak in a few mysteries while you’re at it. Once we get them hooked, they’ll be back. Oh gee, now I’m sounding like a tobacco company.

Sliding my soap box back to the corner, I realize I can’t help getting excited. Deborah always leaves me feeling energized about writing, reading and sharing. I hope it’s contagious.