Actor and model writes page-turning debut; Aspiring authors published for first time in Tonto Short Stories anthology

Actor and model Jolene Hui proves she has brains as well as beauty by crafting an acclaimed short story included in a new and groundbreaking international anthology.

Jolene, of San Diego, CA, is one of several talented new authors seeing their work in print for the first time with the US launch of the Tonto Short Stories anthology from publisher Tonto Press. The book features twenty fresh short stories by twenty exciting writers from around the world, selected via a free online contest.

Jolene was born in 1979, and is originally from Boise, ID. She has appeared in numerous stage and screen productions (including shows at Penn Theatre and the Asian American Rep Theatre), and has modelled for various ads and magazines (including ads for Navy recruitment and Hewlett Packard). She was a runner-up in FHM magazine’s recent 'Paint My Dame' modelling contest. She loves to watch TV, eat sweets, and dream of the day when she will get her Chinese Crested Hairless and Standard Poodle so that she can finally have the family she always desired.

Jolene's Tonto Short Stories contribution, Bookshelves, is her first piece of published fiction. The story has been described as 'an insight into our most intimate lives, when we understand what love is, when it's clear that love is the invisible foundation for the mundane, the day-to-day.'

Speaking about Tonto Short Stories, Jolene said, 'I'm very excited about this project! The book is great. Very cool. It's given me a reason to write even more, and has boosted my self-confidence to be included in such a well-rounded anthology. I would love to hear from a literary agent in the future…'

Tonto Press was founded in 2005 by authors Paul Brown and Stuart Wheatman. The innovative UK-based publisher utilises cutting edge digital publishing and web technology to print, distribute, and sell books internationally. The company aims to give authors more opportunities and a fairer deal than traditional publishers.

'We know how difficult it can be for new writers to get their work into print,' says Paul. 'As a result, there is a lot of undiscovered talent out there. We intend to find it.'

'It is increasingly difficult for new writers to get noticed if they don’t have an agent or a track record in publishing,' adds Stuart. 'Tonto Press will develop talented new writing from people with a voice worth hearing.'

Tonto Short Stories is available from Amazon.com and all good bookstores.

Tonto Short Stories
Edited by Paul Brown and Stuart Wheatman
Tonto Press, 2006, paperback, 224 pp, $17.99, ISBN 0955218306
Available from Amazon.com and other good bookstores, and www.tontopress.com.

Notes for editors
Jolene Hui is available for interview and photos. More: http://jolenehui.blogspot.com.
For enquiries and for further information please visit www.tontopress.com.