BERMUDA is to be featured in an upcoming book by a travel writer hoping to complete a series on islands and the aspects that make each of them unique.

American Paul Spicer is now seeking submissions from Bermudians in an attempt to better showcase the island's culture. Of specific interest to the author are memories of growing up in Bermuda, traditional recipes and events - any information that would give a reader insight into the local, rather than the tourist, experience.

Bermudian Ilona Perry is now asking residents for contributions on the writer's behalf, hoping they will be as willing as she is, to promote and "celebrate Bermuda's unique identity".

"The book will deal with local island culture as a way in which we can all promote and encourage others to respectfully keep the unique identity of Bermuda intact," she explained from her base in Montreal. "We're looking for personal stories and vivid childhood memories of growing up in Bermuda, local recipes, local ingredients and favourite local restaurants - any content that promotes Bermuda in a positive fashion and (shows) what makes Bermuda unique."

Based in Richmond, Virginia, Mr. Spicer writes for a number of publications and last year, published the first in his island series: British Virgin Islands: The Hometown Lowdown Guide to Travel & Taste.

"While my work covers a wide range of topics, there's certainly a central theme - and that's discovering and appreciating where one either lives or is fortunate enough to visit through the local characters, traditions, and flavours that make an area unique," he explained. "I find that in my travels I am too often encouraged or guided towards the popular, touristy destination, when the true personality of an area can really be discovered at a small local watering hole chatting with say, a farmer or small business owner, who just finished a day of hard work.

"In fact, my best experiences while travelling have always been with that local person I shared a beer with far away from tourist traps, or that family who invited me over for a very simple homemade meal opposed to the most popular five star hotels and restaurants in town. I find that these subjects are truly tapped into what is really happening on a day-to-day basis in their hometowns, and they are the most sincere representation of the people that make up a community."

That interest led to a decision to write a series of travel books featuring Bermuda and islands in the Caribbean. Produced by Island Lowdown Press in conjunction with Spicer & Associates, the first book on the British Virgin Islands won the Publisher's Choice Award by iUniverse, one of the largest vanity presses in the United States.

Next up for Mr. Spicer are books on Bermuda and several islands in the Bahamas.

"The series is about celebrating what truly makes the Caribbean and Bermuda unique, but at the same time there is a subtle call to action, or more so a call to appreciate the past while we celebrate the future," the author explained. "It's also a call to action to support, and not to forget about, local traditions, local foods and recipes, and local small business owners.

"Of course, my initial draw to Bermuda was the beauty of its people and its land. As I learned more and more about its culture though, I felt that the people of Bermuda have both promise and challenges ahead. From my frame of reference - again most often as a food critic - I see a culinary scene, which often reflects the larger happening in a community, that is exploding with talent¿there is everything from Italian to Asian influences. With that though often comes a natural move away from dishes indigenous to the island, local farmers, and local produce, as evident by fast food restaurants and the urge to appeal to a wide range of touristy palates. Simultaneously, as the population grows, there is less farmland to uphold and support locally grown foods.

"The good news, however, is that many Bermudians seem to be maintaining their interest in their heritage and keeping traditional dishes alive. In fact, in recent years there appears to be resurgence in local flavour. On my last visit I had the best meal at Black Horse (Tavern, Bar & Restaurant) - a perfect example of the kinds of places I hope to celebrate in this book. I was therefore drawn to Bermuda for its ability to keep its heritage alive, while at the same time enjoying the many benefits of progress. Many Bermudians grow their own vegetables and support local farmers, who in my opinion are the true stewards of Bermuda's land and future. "

A portion of sales from all books will be directed to a budding local chef interested in learning culinary skills focusing on local ingredients, recipes, and traditions, Mr. Spicer stated.

"In addition, each book will be dedicated to one hometown hero - votes welcomed. For example, for the book about the British Virgin Islands, I dedicated it to Norwell Durant, an elderly gentleman who lived all alone on Salt Island while harvesting sea salt, until he died in his late 80s. At one time, in the days before refrigeration, Norwell's island was 100-villagers strong and they supplied all the salt for the British Virgin Islands. Eventually all of the younger islanders moved away in hopes of riches, technology, and bigger homes. Norwell remained tending to his salt and once a year leaving the island to deliver one bag of salt as a symbolic rent - a tradition started by his ancestors - to the Queen of England."

A chance meeting with Ms Perry proved a perfect opportunity for the author to make contact with the local community, as did popular social network websites.

"Ilona initially started as someone willing to submit and share her story. However, she has quickly become much, much more. She really gets the concept of appreciating and supporting local traditions. "With the boom in such sites as MySpace and Facebook it has become increasingly easy to connect with locals in the Caribbean and Bermuda, many times with locals that are excited to share their stories and love for their home. I realised that there is a new form of media needed to allow residents of islands around the world to share their personal stories and history with their island, and for the younger audience social networking seems to be the best vehicle. So I created iGO iWRITE as a side project."

The application - which can be accessed via Facebook - is a first. It enables persons to create a travel book completely online, before publishing a hardcopy.

"So essentially the iGO iWRITE community will work together to write, vote on their favourites, select the winning writers, and select the titles of the final outcome," he said. "This very unique concept will give both amateur and professional writers an opportunity to get published, while also blending new and traditional media.

"One of the categories that writers can choose to write about is Beach Lowdown, where you can write about beach localities from around the world. Also of interest to writers from Bermuda, you can 'Create your Own'. Once 100 people contribute, it can become published as well. So there is a possibility that writers could also create their own book specifically about Bermuda."

Persons interested in contributing to Mr. Spicer's book should submit their information before October.

The author requests information be delivered in the form of an essay with highlighted topics as favourite memories growing up in Bermuda, favourite aspects of Bermuda, favourite group that is helping to improve the community of people in Bermuda, profiles of local business owners or community leaders that are making a true impact for the better, suggestions on under-reported or underground clubs, cafes, businesses, restaurants, favourite item to order, chef's profiles or a favourite recipe. The information can be sent directly to Mr. Spicer, paulspicerspicerassociates.com, or to Ms Perry, ilonaperryhotmail.com