Greetings, readers.
“I long for that day / When my little slice of heaven / Will cease to be a ‘slice,’ / And I will see fully / All the desires of my sinful, longing old heart Fulfilled.”
That is an excerpt from a poem that I recently wrote, after spending a wonderful weekend last week with my bride. We celebrated 11 years since the day I proposed to her, and did so at a charming local bed and breakfast. I will post the rest of the poem in its entirety perhaps next month, but I mainly just wanted to start off my newsletter with something other than “Well, another month has flown by” (like I normally do). It’s good to change things up from time to time, don’t you agree?
For this month, though, I wanted to share something else with you. I have recently “taken a leap of faith” with regard to my writing and am proud to say that I have now branched out into….*drumroll*….CHILDREN’S BOOKS!
You read that right. This past month, I wrote a lengthy verse poem that I am hoping to – one day soon – turn into a children’s fable. It’s title is “Melodia Merry And Trill The Canary.” It is the story – told in rhyme – of a young girl named “Melodia Merry” and her pet canary, Trill, who find a way to bring joy to those around them using their gift of music. In doing so, they have to navigate a few obstacles along the way, but through persistence, they discover that making people smile is one of the best gifts they can offer to their friends.
No spoilers, but here is a short teaser:
Melodia Merry And Trill the Canary / Awoke on a bright summer’s day / Melodia and Trill – After having their breakfast Went out the front door For to play.
Down the hot sidewalk / And to the town square / Hop-skipping and chirping along / Warbling a tune As they passed neighbors’ homes, / Waving gaily and singing bright songs.
Melodia Merry And Trill the Canary / Sweetly harmonious were they, / As they chirruped out melodies, Their voices combined / Ever flawlessly, like sunbeams and rays.
No one quite knows The whole narrative tale / Of how Melodia met her dear bird; / Yet somehow the stars Did align and henceforth, / For miles, their sweet music was heard.
Melodia carried Trill On her shoulder, you see; / His feathers and her yellow dress matching; / And her reddish-brown hair The shade of one lone stripe / Which Trill’d had on his breast since his hatching.
Into the town Went Melodia and Trill, / Whistling too-ra-lai, too-ra-lai, twee. / Down thoroughfare streets And past busy storefronts, / For the townsfolk and gentry to see.
Like I said, more to follow later. Again, I am very excited about the prospect of seeing this book published one day. I even have a few really proficient illustrators in mind to help me. 😉
In other news, I was able to be part of an author’s meet-and-greet event this past month. “Main Street Reads” in Summerville, SC hosted an event celebrating “Indie Bookstores” and as part of that, invited a bunch of local authors from around the area to attend, read an excerpt from their books, and sell / sign copies. I was able to participate with “Soul Sprints,” and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to promote my book to many people who were in attendance. It was a great time.
Finally, in saving the best for last, I am pleased to announce that I am in the beginning stages of writing my sequel to “Soul Sprints.” This is a big step for me, as I have put off – for a time – writing full-length novels. However, I have had an idea for a sequel for some time, and find that I am now starting to accumulate many different ideas each time I start to think about a new project. When inspiration finds you, don’t hide from it! (At least that’s my philosophy).
Other than that, I continue to write poetry, and prepare for some major upcoming changes (professional, personal) for both myself and my family. Prayers and well wishes for us are much appreciated as we navigate the next couple of months.
Wishing everyone a blessed May. Stay in touch and keep reading!
John
P.S. – There’s a new book trailer for “Soul Sprints” on the website. Check it out!
