A SAILBOAT, A BABY,
A PICTURE BOOK SERIES (or two)
We lived on our small sailboat, Naia, for the first 11 years of our daughter’s life. It was a bit daring, yes, but also intensely bonding and wondrous. In order to best share our magical experiences, I’m writing a picture book series in which Naia —the intrepid traveler and vigilant protector— narrates.
naia and the newlyweds
My husband, John, had spent his every spare moment of the last six years (and I two) outfitting Naia, a 32-year-old steel boat, for ocean-going cruising. We married on the beach near Corpus Christie, Texas and sailed east. It was December of 1998; we were antsy and, since Naia had no inboard engine, we needed decent winds to get out the jetties. Ten days and two gales later (and me 8 pounds lighter) we limped into Key West.
From then on we had tremendous respect for wind and sea conditions, and for the amazing Naia who delivered us safely.
it’s time to be extra cautious, so we were. With a little imagination, you might believe Naia was too.
when a baby comes along…
I don’t know whether Naia will speak ethereally, by way of her protective spirit, or through a fully animated version of herself. That will be up to the illustrator and the editors.
in sweet-but-salty rhymes, naia will tell four year-long stories.
The first one covers 2000 miles in less than 500 words. It begins when newborn Hannah comes home from the hospital in the dinghy and ends, anchored safely, in beautiful Bermuda.
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A WORK IN PROGRESS
The first title was “Naia’s Newborn Crew” but the third person perspective didn’t capture the magic of Naia seeming to be alive to protect her tiny crew member. This is the cover of my rough, condensed dummy book. I lined through “illustrated” because I know my book needs a skilled professional. The scene represents a typical baby transfer operation while at anchor. When Hannah first came aboard, Naia was actually docked at a marina; the first page of the book will show that.
Before a single page is printed, a book needs a great hook. I’ve tried to sum up my unique story a thousand ways… here’s my best HOOK to date:
An extraordinary boat-to-baby bond is forged immediately. Newborn Hannah comes home from the Portsmouth Virginia hospital via dinghy and Naia —who’s mysteriously, ethereally alive— pledges to protect her.