When my nine-year-old grandson Jordan came to me with the idea for his book, I have to admit, I was skeptical. Don’t get me wrong—he’s a bright, creative kid—but as an Indie author, I know firsthand the challenges of bringing a book to life. I’ve faced the pitfalls of publishing, the uphill climb of marketing, and the delicate dance of finding an audience. So, when Jordan confidently said, “Grammy, I have an idea for a book,” I hesitated. But how could I possibly say no to his boundless optimism and vision?
Jordan had it all planned out—every detail of the story was bursting from his nine-year-old mind. He explained his concept with such passion that I knew I couldn’t dismiss it. Still, I assumed his idea might have been inspired by something he’d read or seen before. That’s a common trap for young creatives. However, as I began researching, something remarkable happened: I couldn’t find anything like it. His idea wasn’t a rehash of another story—it was fresh, innovative, and wholly his own.
An Original Idea from a Nine-Year-Old
Do you know how hard it is to come up with an original idea for a book? As authors, we constantly grapple with the challenge of being unique while also connecting with audiences. And yet, here was Jordan, a nine-year-old, dreaming up something completely new. His inspiration? A visit to the Museum of Science in Boston, where he encountered “Spot,” the robotic dog. That moment sparked an idea that evolved into Raining Robots, a story filled with action, heart, and imagination.
It’s a testament to the importance of museums and their ability to ignite young minds. The Museum of Science in Boston played a pivotal role in planting the seed for this book. Without that experience, Jordan might never have dreamed up Blu, D.O.G., or their incredible adventures. It’s proof that exposing kids to new ideas and experiences can lead to extraordinary things.
Teaching Grammy How to Write for Kids
Jordan didn’t just stop with the idea. He had the whole story mapped out—plot, characters, and even the rules for what made a great book for kids. According to Jordan, it had to have:
- Ongoing action.
- A robot dog turning a boy into a superhero.
- Excitement and fun that kids would love.
Let me tell you, this boy had me learning how to write for kids in a way I never thought I’d do. My writing typically involves historical romance or epic fantasy, so stepping into the world of middle-grade adventure was new territory. But Jordan, with his love for dogs, technology, and superheroes, became my guide. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I’ve never enjoyed writing so much in my life. I wish I could bottle his energy and creativity—it’s truly remarkable.
Persistence Pays Off
At the time Jordan approached me, I was in the middle of writing my Chronicles of the Ordained series. I had deadlines and commitments, but Jordan was persistent. He believed in his idea and in my ability to help him bring it to life. How could I not rise to the occasion? This wasn’t just about a book—it was about nurturing his confidence, creativity, and belief that dreams can become reality.
Why This Book Matters
Raining Robots is more than a book. It’s a labor of love, a creative collaboration, and a testament to the power of believing in someone else’s vision. It’s a story inspired by Jordan’s love for technology, his fascination with superheroes, and his boundless imagination. It’s made for kids because it comes from the heart of a kid who knows what they want to read.
This journey with Jordan has been a gift. It reminded me of the joy of writing without overthinking or second-guessing. It reminded me of why I fell in love with storytelling in the first place. And most of all, it reminded me of the power of creativity and the magic of seeing the world through the eyes of a child.
Here’s to Just the Beginning
Jordan, I am so proud of you. You took a dream, turned it into an idea, and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Raining Robots isn’t just a book—it’s a symbol of your creativity, determination, and heart. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
To everyone reading this: if you have a young dreamer in your life, encourage them. Listen to their ideas. Help them believe in themselves. You never know—they might just surprise you with something extraordinary. 💙
Cheers to Jordan and the magic of imagination! 🚀
Hardcover available: Amazon
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eBook (Available November 26)
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A Boy and His D.O.G. 
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