One way to get kids reading is to get kids writing. Students across the Islands are finding the motivation to write through a Hawai'i-grown program call-ed "Kids Talk Story."

Focusing the work on their own lives, and their own interests, Kids Talk Story guides K-12 students through writing, illustrating and publishing their own books.

Litia Yalimaiwai, 13, and her 9-year-old brother Zak, of Mililani, both published their own book through the program. Litia's "My Hula Life," is about her halau, dancing hula, and the equipment they used.

"I didn't feel like just another kid doing a project. I learned that hula is pretty cool," Litia said. "At the time, I thought hula was pretty boring, and I didn't really like it. So I realized, it was a whole lot cooler than I'd really thought it was."

Writing teacher Margaret South, who developed the Kids Talk Story program, moved to Hawai'i in 2000, after developing television and feature film projects in Hollywood for major studios, TV networks and producing several feature films, including "Beaches" with Bette Midler. South said the elements involved in writing a good story are universal.

"Classical story structure is relevant no matter what you are writing — a young adult novel, a screenplay, a biography — you need to know the basic turning points of a story," South said.

"There are basic turning points that publishers and editors and readers expect. And if you don't deliver them in the beginning of your book, people won't even read any further."

"Kids Talk Story" programs operate in more than 30 schools across Hawai'i, and are beginning to take hold outside the Islands. South recently returned from Macon, Ga., where she worked with elementary school students, but she said she sees a trend with students of all ages gravitating toward writing.

"Our business for adults and for kids is booming because people are looking for meaning," South said. "And we know in tough times people tend to look inward. Writing their stories lets people touch a part of themselves in a more spiritual place."

South is wrapping up a two-year master writing class called "The Art of Story" with several students who have novels that are almost finished. A new class will start in August. The company is also preparing to launch "The Art of Story" online.

And on Saturday, South will be a featured speaker at the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators annual conference, sharing the stage with HarperCollins imprint Greenwillow Books' associate editor and designer.

Learn more about South's writing programs at www.kidstalkstory.com.