DRAGONS, MONSTERS, AND IMAGINARY FRIENDS

Not available until mid 2023

Monsters and dragons roamed the historic woods of Tallahassee, significant nationally as the site of possibly the first Christmas celebration in what would become the United States, and young, floppy-haired Peter Marshall and his imaginary friends often battled them. Peter’s passionate dream, though, was to be a ball player and get base hits. Youth teams and coaches avoided him, however, because his throwing, catching, and hitting skills were pitiful. In his words, “Even a girl was better!” There was no one to help. His dad passed when Peter was a toddler, his now single-parent mom was exhausted trying to keep from losing their house and provide for the family, and two older sisters had no experience or interest. Peter was alone as he chased the dream, but he had his dogged determination and imaginary friends, as if they could help battle the real dragons and monsters of life.  

​Yes, it’s a moving story of a youngster trying to cope with the pitfalls and hurdles of life.   He wants ​desperately to get base hits, but that accomplishment represents overcoming the many challenges of maturation and life where the rules seem to be different for him than others. Whose to help with his cause? Single-parent homes and life have hurdles to overcome. And could there be something of greater importance outside the playing field? 

​The story is set in the historical woods of Tallahassee, Florida, and within a fifteen minute walk to five or six historical sites with national connections. The story is like a youthful, southern version of Field of Dreams with hilarious player, coach, and parent antics like in The Bad News Bears. Magical moments as in Angels in the Outfield, and the heart-tugging, lost puppy in the rain reality moments like in Blind Side. Yet, an antagonist does everything seemingly possible to prevent Peter’s Field of Dreams journey.

​All reviewers of the manuscript draft gave cudos and a 5-star ranking to the inspiring story of Dragons, Monsters, and Imaginary Friends. Publication is anticipated by mid 2023.