New book soon!
(But not soon enough)
It’s a well known fact that babies arrive faster than books. Also, trans-atlantic barges, molasses in January, watched pots and Christmas morning are all faster than a book publishing project.
So that’s where I’ve been lately. Working on a new book!
But this time, it’s a children’s book, and it’s far more than just a book. “What do you mean? MORE THAN A BOOK? – FOR CHILDREN???”
Simmer, simmer, Sally Sue! I’ll tell you all about it. – well, in a secret behind-the-scenes sort of way. I can’t give too much away just yet.
Long ago, I loved reading to my public school students, and when I had two boys of my own, always searched for stories they’d like. Boy #1 loved to read anything he could get his hands on. Boy #2 claimed to hate reading, yet wouldn’t put the book down if it was something he liked. The problem was finding a book that was a good fit.
A book with hot biscuits is always a good idea.
There seemed to be more adventurous books for older readers, but for 2nd – 6th grade, there wasn’t much. I knew to reach that age, It had to be adventurous and daring – but not too scary, because, after all, they’re still sweet little innocent things (to their moms).
Then . . . here comes the good part. I decided this story, that is set on Grandpa’s farm in South Alabama, needed a wildly creative narrator with a strong man’s voice. Someone who sounded like they knew the area well. Who in the world did I know who would be able to pull this off?
Andy to the rescue! None other than New York Times Best Selling Author, Andy Andrews stepped right in to the role, voicing all the characters in a way that makes me laugh every time I listen to the recording. He’s such a professional and hit it right on the head with his interpretation. The picture above is from the day we recorded the final edits with producer Matt Lempert at Wisdom Harbour Studios in Orange Beach, Alabama.
But I wanted more than regular narration to hold the attention of the children who will listen and follow along with the printed book. IT NEEDED MUSIC! Music touches a different part of the brain than spoken language or visual text and helps some children grasp ideas better. But who could possibly listen to the story, and – BOOM! Come up with something delightfully perfect?
Gordon to the rescue! Really! Gordon Mote! Does it get any better? — No sir, it does not! After graduating from college, Gordon was Lee Greenwood’s pianist and went on to work with just about everyone in the country and gospel music world. I had met him years ago for only a few brief minutes when he was touring with the Gaither Vocal Band. Gordon has many Grammy nominations and several Dove awards and was selected as the Academy of Country Music Pianist of the Year several times. He’s perfrmed with everyone including some of my favorites like Alan Jackson, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood and Tanya Tucker. And now – me! Hahaha. Here’s his Gordon Mote YOUTUBE channel.
Born blind, but playing the piano on his own since the age of three, Gordon is a miracle of talent and a super nice guy.
We worked in Nashville with the producer, Randy Poole, who is also a super talent, and taught me how to read the monitors. Gordon sat in a room at the other end of the studio. We would listen to Andy’s narration, and I would offer a general description like, “think of springtime flowers” or “make it scarier – no, not that scary!” And then, Gordon would somehow read my mind and make it perfect.
Andy, Gordon and I are all three Alabama natives, parents of two boys (plus one girl for Gordon), and we also share a playful yet focused work style that blended perfectly for this project. I’m so excited, I can’t stand it!
And by the way, just because the story is about a little boy doesn’t mean girls won’t like it. I did several test-readings with a few fourth and fifth grade classes – they all enthusiastically loved it! Yay!
An unexpected surprise is that senior citizens also love having a story read to them. I played the final version for my mother and her friends and they loved listening to the intergenerational storyline. Spoiler alert – there is a happy ending where the grandparents sit down at the kitchen table with their brave grandson and eat dinner together. Something many families today are missing. It’s a warm image, and one that was important for me to include.
Here I am recording the educational back matter about an endangered animal in the story and its habitat.
You know I’ll be sure to let you know when this book project is ready. Stay tuned and be patient – that’s what I’m telling myself!
I am an Elementary Librarian in Florida. I am so excited about this book. Can’t wait for it to come out.
How nice! Although the story is set in Alabama, it’s a great lesson in geography, National Parks, and wildlife for children anywhere – or so I think! Ha! Thanks so much!
I have all your books — can’t wait to read this one to my grandson.
Thank you! Maybe I can write a story for your dog next. – Oh wait! This one has a dog and cat too – your family is covered! – You are very kind and I appreciate all of my readers.