Summary: I can't imagine a better way to start The Katrina Tapes here at AuthorViews than with longtime New Orleans Bookfair organizer Abram Himelstein. Abram has been involved with the Bookfair since it began in 2001. More importantly, he is co-director of the Neighborhood Story Project (NSP), one of the most ingenious and successful high school writing programs I have ever encountered. Through the NSP, high school students use interviews and photography to collect the stories of their neighborhoods. Words and art are then edited, polished, and assembled into quality paperback books. The five books that have resulted from this project are extraordinary. They have become bestsellers in local bookstores. Student authors have found themselves on the receiving end of media attention (NPR) and $1000 advances against book royalties. What a fabulous way to teach writing, journalism, publishing, and business -- all while capturing the oral history of a community. Our 2-minute video with Abram was shot live at the 2005 New Orleans Bookfair and contains ambient trumpet as a stamp of authenticity. I think you'll enjoy this video and I hope you'll check out the Neighborhood Story Project web site for great inspiration. Abram Himelstein -- Welcome to AuthorViews!
