Dean Poling — A South Georgia author uses baseball to teach youngsters life lessons.
Lara Lyn Carter of Albany has written “Crusher Field Opening Day,” a book she plans to be the first in a series of six children’s books. Her two sons inspired the book as did her late uncle, Steve Chitty, who played baseball for Valdosta and coached the game. “Crusher Field” is dedicated to him.
Carter’s mother’s side of the family, the Chittys, are from Valdosta. Her uncle, Ray Chitty, lives in Valdosta. Her grandparents, Steve Chitty Jr. and Mittie Chitty, lived in Valdosta until their passing.
She is married to Chris Carter, who is with Tifton Banking Company. The Carters are moving next week to Tifton.
The Valdosta Daily Times asked Carter a few questions by e-mail about her book.
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: How would you describe your book, “Crusher Field Opening Day”?
LARA LYN CARTER: “As with all of the books planned for the series, it has a life lesson in it. In this one the main character, Christopher, has to play the first game of the season against his best friend. Even though he wants to win, he feels badly about having to tag his friend out. He is afraid his friend will be angry. In the end, he realizes that good friends can be friends and opponents at the same time. Friendly competition.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: This is the first book of a planned series. What are some of the other books planned for this series? Will they all revolve around baseball?
LARA LYN CARTER: “The series is planned to be six books, all with a life lesson. They are all revolving around baseball with the characters in the first book and introduce new ones along the way. The lessons cover hard work paying off, sportsmanship, example setting, etc.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: You have two sons. What are their names and how much did their love of baseball inspire “Crusher Field”?
LARA LYN CARTER: “We have two sons. Christopher is 13, and the main character in the first book, and Beau is 7. They both love baseball dearly and our family has spent more time than I can count at practices, games, tournaments, etc. It is part of who they are and they have a deep love for the game.”
THE VALDOSTA DAILY TIMES: The book is illustrated by Susan Anderson. Did you work closely with her preparing the illustrations? Did you know her prior to this project and will she illustrate the other books in the series?
LARA LYN CARTER: “I found Susan through the publisher. She was really great about taking my vision for what I wanted the illustrations to be and creating art work that fit. For example, in the first picture in the book, I did not want you to see Christopher’s face. She drew him leaning over putting on his cleats. Then in the second picture you see him for the first time, only it is in the reflection of the mirror as he looks at himself in his new uniform.”
“Crusher Field Opening Day” is available at the Book Rack, and through amazon.com
