Keep an Open Mind, Watch the Magic Unfold

So much in life and writing is about showing up, putting one foot in front of the other, and being open to where the path takes you.

When I began working with a group of senior citizens at Harwood Place almost four years ago, I had no idea what might come of the experience. Since our first meeting in June of 2012, I have gained so much as I witness the writers’ love for the work, their joy in storytelling, and their strength of spirit.

Together, we have published three anthologies and hosted formal reading events to the delight of other residents, guests, and family members. And now I’m thrilled to announce one writer has published her first children’s book: The Adventures of a Sparrow Named Stanley, by Betty Sydow.

If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you might remember Betty and her poem, “Then and Now, Sweet Treats.” I have known Betty to be a great writer of short fiction and poetry, and when she read her piece about Stanley to the group the first time, it was clear she has a gift for writing children’s stories as well.

When Betty approached me about turning her tale about a young sparrow into something more and publishing it as a children’s book, I was unsure as to how much I could help her. But Betty’s confidence and determination, along with Stanley’s sweet story, was hard to resist, so we began our journey of revisions and research together. Months later, I met with Lisa Rivero over coffee, told her about the project, and asked if she had any ideas.

Lisa is an author herself, and when we met (unknown to me), she had been considering a new venture as publisher with her own company, Hidden Timber Books. She read Betty’s story, fell in love with Stanley, and carried Betty’s dream to the next level, bringing Stanley to print and making the story available for everyone to enjoy. Much of this journey with Betty has been a lesson in simply showing up, taking chances, asking questions, and watching the magic unfold, a lesson echoed in the pages of her book.

Stanley, on his own for the first time, is eager to find his place in the world around him. Not content to be just any old sparrow, he sets off to try to become famous and finds himself caught up in tiny adventures and mishaps along the way. In the end, it is his determination and spirit, along with the wise words of an owl, that help him become the sparrow he is meant to be. The Adventures of a Sparrow Named Stanley is a sweet story about finding what you’re good at and thriving in the joy of sharing that gift with others.

As Betty, Carolou Nelsen (the illustrator), Lisa, and I sat together recently to discuss final edits and cover images for the book, it became clear to me that Betty, at the young age of 89, exhibits the same spirit she writes about in her book; Betty is inquisitive, unafraid to try new things, and determined. I’m so grateful to have been part of her journey to publication.

You can purchase a copy of Stanley on Amazon, stop by Lisa Rivero’s blog to enter the giveaway, or if you’re local, stop in at the author reading in May (time and place to be announced soon). Betty Sydow and Carolou Nelsen are a dynamic duo sure to inspire and entertain!