SEATTLE — Author Clyde Ford is tapping technology to keep his novels relevant to increasingly distracted audiences.

The former IBM systems engineer built a Web-based application for his latest book, "Precious Cargo," that allows readers to virtually visit the places in the story — a murder mystery set in the San Juan Islands and Inside Passage.

"I wanted to do something special with the release of 'Precious Cargo' that would act as a bridge between the paper page and the digital age," Ford said. He's particularly interested in reaching younger readers, who are often "more literate in online technologies than in reading a book."

He centered his application, OnScene, on Microsoft Virtual Earth and Google Earth, free downloadable software that maps the world in two or three dimensions.

Once readers "virtually" fly to Washington state locations such as Lummi Island near Bellingham and Eagle Harbor, they can explore further with background on local history and geography, live Web cam views and readings by the author and other people.

Ford, 56, is also generating interest in his book with an online video trailer, narrated by actor Morgan Freeman.

Publishers and authors are looking for ways to keep their products relevant in the face of declining readership and spreading digital media.

A comprehensive National Endowment for the Arts study published last fall found significant declines in reading for pleasure in nearly every age group. More than half of middle- and high-school students reported watching television, instant messaging or using other media while reading.

Roger Cooper, publisher of Vanguard, said the book industry needs to adapt. He said the book business is not going to disappear, but it will evolve.