Two Summerland writers are among the writers featured in a collection of short stories of hope.
Rick Cogbill and Connie Denesiuk are two of the 42 writers from around the world who are included in Inspiring Hope: One Story at a Time.
The book was compiled by Gary Doi, former superintendent of the Okanagan Skaha School District.
He said the slice-of-life stories are meant to be inspiring true stories of how people have coped with challenges in their lives.
“Hopeful doesn’t mean just wishful thinking,” he said, adding that it must involve working to bring about positive changes.
The idea for the book started three years ago when Doi wanted to connect with positive people from around the world.
He made the connections online and asked the people what gives them hope. The result was a collection of 550 stories from close to 100 contributors.
The stories selected for the book had to be short and true.
The stories are between 500 and 1,000 words long and are about living, learning or leading.
Contributing writers ranged in age from teens to seniors.
Money raised from the sale of the book will go to provide a new school community library in Guatemala.
The library will be at Miguel Asturia Academy, a private, nonprofit school in Xela, Guatemala.
Doi is involved with Librarians Without Borders.
He said the libraries are badly needed in Guatemala, a poor country with many living at or below the poverty level.
Since the book was released in late November, more than 400 copies have sold.
In the future, Doi plans to compile a second book. This one will feature artwork and photography as well as stories.
“It’s going to be something special,” he said.
