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It took 20 years for Margaret Cross’ dream to come to fruition, but now she can see her name on the front cover of the book she authored.
Dory Dillo, a children’s book about a young armadillo whose favorite place is the chemistry lab, is the first book Cross has self-published.
“I always wanted to write a book a child could read and thought they might, reading about animals. Armadillos were perfect characters for me,” she said.
Her early research helped her learn about the nocturnal animals, and the book weaves armadillo facts in for young learners.
About four years ago, Cross decided she wasn’t getting any younger and decided it was time to pick up where she had left off. She was surprised she already had the book’s first chapter written. However, the plot needed to be developed further and an ending was needed.
The COVID pandemic spurred her on when a writing group was formed at her senior living community by a fellow East Ridge neighbor and published romance writer, Linda Sankpill.
The writing group provided Cross with the support she needed.
“The group was very helpful,” she explained. “But while everyone was writing their version of the great American novel, no one was writing a children’s book.”
The internet offered options for self-publishing, and the company Cross selected provided complimentary editing. Their suggestions guided Cross through several rewrites of Dory Dillo. A software program helped her select vocabulary words that would be appropriate for children. While an earlier version was geared to seventh graders, Cross simplified the manuscript for a third or fourth-grade child.
According to Cross, adults seem to enjoy the book as well since the plot sets up an adventure and challenges a group of armadillos, raccoons, crows and three large dogs.
Dory Dillo also touches on environmental concerns and redevelopment, which are important and topical issues for all ages.
Cross has been sharing advance copies of the book with her neighbors at East Ridge and her church. Any money from the book’s sales are donated to the East Ridge Town Hall for community projects.
Before retiring, Cross spent most of her career programming mainframe computers and coding. The book swirled off and on in her brain, but the plot has no similarities to Cross’ life. While the main character, “Dory Dillo,” is a science nerd, it’s not autobiographical. Cross disliked chemistry in school.
“The characters’ names just seemed to pop into her head and ‘Dory Dillo’ just had a nice ring,” Cross said.
Her next writing project is a book of children’s poetry. She’s not sure if “Dory Dillo” will have another adventure in the future as a sequel, but she says, “Never say never.”
An avid traveler, Cross enjoys trips that offer education, history and cultural experiences. Her next trip is exploring Newfoundland.
Copies of Dory Dillo can be purchased at https://store.bookbaby.com/book/dory-dillo or online sites including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and Target. For questions send email to Margaret Cross at mcross3184@aol.com.
