Resources

Many of the resources on this list relate to topics discussed in the novel, Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace. Others such as literacy are topics that are important to me as an author, providing information for others sharing an interest. For authors interested in the craft of writing, there is also a section on related sites and organizations. The goal is to provide information on a continually expanding range of topics that are of benefit to readers.

Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency Chemical dependency, its consequences, and redemption are a key storyline in Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace. Following are organizations providing information, treatment options, education, and other resources on the various aspects of drug abuse.

• Alcoholics Anonymous The oldest organization of its kind, Alcoholics Anonymous is committed to helping alcoholics (and other addicts) get and stay clean and sober.
  
  
• Drug and Alcohol Resource Center This nationwide alcohol and drug addiction rehab organization provides a virtual clearing-house of chemical dependency information.
  
  
• Hazelden The Minnesota based, world-renowned treatment center promotes addiction treatment, education, publishing, research, and recovery support services.
  
  
• Monitoring The Future MTF is an ongoing study of the behaviors, attitudes, and values of American secondary school students, college students, and young adults. The Monitoring the Future Study is funded under a series of investigator-initiated competing research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a part of the National Institutes of Health.
  
  
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving For over 25 years the organization has been committed to activism, victim services, education, and keeping drunk drivers off our roadways.
  
  
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism This government site offers extensive research and resources on the topic of alcoholism, trends, and current data.
  
  
• National Institute on Drug Abuse NIDA's mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to understanding drug abuse and addiction. The organization provides research across a broad range of disciplines. NIDA's goal is to disseminate such research, using the results to significantly improve prevention, treatment, and policy relating to drug abuse and addiction.
  
  
• Surgeon General's Report on Underage Drinking (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). The Office of the Surgeon General released the March 2007 report on the underage drinking crisis.
  

Literacy Organizations Forty-two million Americans are unable to read and another 50 million have so much difficulty making out printed words they read at a fourth or fifth grade level, greatly limiting their potential. Literacy organizations across the U.S. offer reading classes, resources, and volunteer opportunities.

• Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy The Council for Advancement of Adult Literacy (CAAL) is a national public charity dedicated to developing adult education, ESL, and workforce skills in the U.S.
  
  

• Education Atlas This comprehensive site provides an extensive guide to education on the Internet. Lists literacy organizations around the world.
  
  

• Literacy Instruction For Texas (LIFT) Since 1961, LIFT has built and continues to build self-reliance and hope among low literate adults, and provides them with the tools to function in the workplace, their community, and in their roles as parents and caregivers.
  
  

• Literacy Connections Provides a wealth of information on reading, teaching and tutoring techniques, ESL literacy, and adult literacy. The site recommends resources that are useful for teachers, volunteers, and directors of literacy programs. Topics include the language experience approach, phonics, word study, and the best in children's literature.
  
  

• National Center for Family Literacy Literacy is the change agent that inspires families and communities to raise the bar of achievement. The services of the National Center for Family Literacy bring about the change that ensures both parents and children achieve their goals for success.
  
  

• National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) A federal agency that provides leadership on literacy issues, including the improvement of reading instruction and skills for children, youth, and adults.
  
  
• National Right to Read Foundation (NRRF) The National Right to Read Foundation (NRRF) was established in January, 1993. The mission of NRRF is to return comprehensive, scientifically-based reading instruction and good literature to every elementary school in America.
  
  

Minnesota Tourism Information Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace is set in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, however; Minnesota offers visitors and residents alike everything from activities in the spectacular outdoors to a night at one of the nation's best theater companies.

• Explore Minnesota This comprehensive site divides the great state of Minnesota into four regions: Northeast, North Central/West, Metro, and Southern. The site details the many tourism opportunities in the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", sporting and cultural events, state history, wildlife, geography, climate information, and more.
  
  

Red Wing Pottery Red Wing Pottery makes its appearance as part of an important subplot in the novel. Below are organizations that provide information on the history and collecting of this Minnesota-produced pottery.

• Red Wing Collector's Society Founded in 1977, the Society is a great place to learn more about the pottery and its lasting legacy.
  
  
• Red Wing Collector's Society Foundation This non-profit foundation's mission is to preserve the history of Red Wing Pottery. The RWCS Foundation maintains a museum in Red Wing, MN and provides educational materials and scholarships related to the pottery industry.
  
  
• Red Wing Dinnerware Todd Hintz and his wife Ivy Loughborough are avid collectors of Red Wing Dinnerware and have designed an extensive web site on the topic. Every pattern is represented.
  
  
• Schleich Red Wing Pottery Museum In October, 2001, Jerry and Louise Schleich opened this one-of-a-kind museum in their hometown of Lincoln, NE. Since then, hundreds of visitors from around the world have viewed the collection. Over 5,000 pieces on display chronicle the history of Red Wing Pottery.
  
  

Voting Organizations The subplot in Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace focusing on Minnesota politics and elections is small, but important. Get informed, get involved, and get out the vote!

• League of Women Voters (National office) This non-partisan political organization has fought since 1920 to improve our systems of government and impact public policies through citizen education and advocacy.
  
  
• Project Vote Smart A not-for-profit and non-partisan organization that collects and disseminates information on political candidates across the country.
  
  
• Declare Yourself A national non-partisan, non-profit campaign organized to energize and empower a new movement of young voters to participate in the electoral process.
  
  
• New Voters Project The largest grassroots youth voter mobilization campaign in history.
  
  
• Public Agenda For over a quarter of a century, Public Agenda has been providing unbiased and unparalleled research that bridges the gap between American leaders and what the public really thinks about issues ranging from education to foreign policy to immigration to religion and civility in American life.
  
  
• Voto Latino A non-partisan, youth driven, multi-issue, national organization founded for the purpose of creating awareness of the importance of voting and a unified voice for Latino youth and young adults on issues that impact their lives.
  
  

Writing Resources Articles, educational resources, classes, networking opportunities and organizations targeted towards writers interested in any genre or freelance opportunities.

• Absolute Write This weekly e-zine is full of articles on topics from finding a good agent, avoiding scams, improving your writing, author interviews, and other resources. Absolute Write also offers reasonably priced courses to help writers improve their craft.
  
  
• Agent Query The Internet's largest and most up-to-date site for finding a literary agent.
  
  
• Association for Author Representatives (AAR) One of the best places for writer's to search for a literary agent. In order to be accepted into the AAR, an agent must meet professional standards specified in the organization's bylaws and agree to subscribe to the AAR's Canon of Ethics.
  
  
• Authors Den Another site dedicated to the business of writing, publishing, and promoting. Authors Den provides a number of resources for authors including books, blogs, events articles, reviews, and marketing opportunities.
  
  
• Authorlink A site dedicated to the business of books, writing, and publishing. Authorlink offers a number of resources for writers including a writer's registry, conferences, classes, editorial services, and book reviews.
  
  
• Author Nation A social networking site dedicated to connecting authors with one another. Provides contests, critiques, forums, and a place to post and promote works, as well as writing-related events.
  
  
• National Association of Women Writers (NAWW) This extensive organization with a growing membership has inspired many women to start writing. The organization publishes a weekly e-zine to a growing audience that provides important information for women writers on numerous topics.
  
  
• Once Written An extensive site targeted towards new and emerging writers. Once Written also offers writing resources and contests, and serves as a place for authors to promote new books.
  
  
• Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) The "Writer Beware" section of this excellent site provides warnings about literary fraud and other schemes, and the scams and pitfalls that target writer. A terrific resource for every writer.
  
  
• Shaw Guides Inc. /Writing Conferences and Workshops This extensive site offers listings of writer's conferences and workshops across the U.S. and around the world.
  
  
• Wooden Horse Publishing Another excellent resource for freelance writers, Wooden Horse Publishing provides information on the magazine publishing industry and an extensive magazine database. Updated constantly, Wooden Horse offers writers up-to-the-minute information on hundreds of magazine markets.
  
  
• Writer's Market For many freelance writers, this is the Bible they live by. The site is updated constantly, providing the most current information on writing markets. The Writer's Market also includes listings for agents, publishers, small presses, as well as articles and other resources.
  
  
• Writer's Weekly A comprehensive newsletter for freelance writers. Weekly sections include: Paying Freelance Markets, Job Listings, Writer's Weekly University offering a variety of writing classes, Whispers and Warnings, Interview Requests, and informative articles.