Child Author Gets a Hand From Her Nana

On a family road trip to the Biltmore in North Carolina, Susan Swann started a conversation with her then 4-year-old granddaughter Amelia. Swann, a Cumming resident and author of her own memoir, asked Amelia if she were to create a story, what would it be about? That was the beginning of the creation of the book Amelia’s Amazing Adventures. With Amelia’s imagination and her Nana’s thoughtful questions, they created a story of two super heroines from the planet Pink with powers to defeat evil worms in Australia and save a Kookaburra’s eggs. Amelia inserted herself into the story and included her friend Nora as the co-heroine.

When asked why the story takes place in Australia, they both shared that Amelia’s great grandfather Nielson spent time in Australia during World War II. When Nana was little, he used to dance around the house singing “Waltzing Matilda” and make his children laugh.

Amelia learned about Kookaburra birds from a video that she watched with her Nana. She remembered that the birds laughed and she wanted to include that in the story.

With a plethora of creative ideas from Amelia, Swann formatted the storyline. Nora’s dad (Brian Snape) illustrated the pictures of this lively story wherein good triumphs over evil and bullies never win. The heroine has a signature top ponytail just like the author. Amelia added she can snap her fingers just like Amelia in the book. When asked if she is brave like the heroine in the book, Amelia nodded and said, “I know karate.”

Now a mature 6-year-old, who attends Ivy League Montessori where she enjoys working with numbers, Amelia shared that when she is not thinking about future adventures to write, she enjoys playing outside, watching TV and playing the piano. She wants to be a singer when she grows up. Her favorite song is Carol of the Bells. Her favorite place to sing is in her Daddy’s office. She has a two-year-old sister, and an Australian Shepherd dog named Ruby.

Recently retired from a career in the education field, Swann created the website http://superamelia.com/ to share the good news about her granddaughter’s book. Several friends and readers wistfully mentioned how they would like to create a story with their own children and grandchildren. Graciously, Swann included a tab on the website Create Your Own Adventure with a list of questions to ask budding authors to pique their young imaginations, and create their own story. Amelia’s Amazing Adventures is also available on Amazon. After formatting and printing expenses, Amelia’s mom, Karry, suggested donating all the proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House. Grandmother and granddaughter readily agreed to the idea.

When asked where the next Amelia’s adventure would take place, Amelia enthusiastically replied, “Africa!” Sounds like another memorable road trip is in store for an imaginative 6-year-old with a ponytail, and her Nana.