A Song for The Road tells the tale of Carter Danforth–not a “runaway”, but a “running to”– and his epic road trip quest to be with his father and his sister. With nothing but his father’s custom made guitar to keep him company, he’ll experience adventures, lessons, and other transformational characters on the way that will help him tell the truth of his life through music.
“Creativity, Victory, Heart, Discipline—four words that mean so much to the main character and a common thread that the author weaves throughout. The author leads the reader on a quirky journey as Carter loses his home in a devastating tornado. Carter takes to the road, with nothing but a guitar that once belonged to his long absent father as well as a desire to find out why his father left and where he himself fits in the world. Along the way, we discover a ragtag band of supporting characters who lend notes of the melody to Carter’s life. This is an entertaining tale about love and family and how it looks a little different for everyone.” —The Eric Hoffer Book Awards
“A sweet, twangy tale about a boy finding his future on the way to his past.” —Kirkus Reviews (Read the full review here)
“A diverting novel that will appeal especially to teen readers interested in music.” —School Library Journal (Read the full review here)
There’s something about road trips that we just can’t get enough of. Perhaps it’s the feeling of freedom, the adventure that lies ahead, or the endless possibilities of the open road. And for those of us who love to read, novels about road trips hit that sweet spot–they allow us to escape and experience the thrill of the journey from the comfort of our favorite reading spot. One of the most captivating novels on the theme of road trips is A Song For The Road by Rayne Lacko. In this interview, we will explore the beauty of self-discovery and the power of music in this heartwarming novel with the author.
If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?
Readers tell me that A Song for The Road reminds them of beloved favorites like S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, and songs by Johnny Cash.
Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy THIS book?
When I wrote this book, I hoped to show readers the magic of making music, and how music heals us. One thing the protagonist Carter Danforth realizes is that music connects everyone from all walks of life. I hoped to share how past hurts can help give you strength. This story helps readers to feel the power of family and forgiveness. I hope it inspires young people to discover that they can create their own future. It’s safe to pursue their passion on their own terms. At the end, I wanted the reader to feel hope. To feel that each character in the story had grown and was a better person for the relationships they forged with one another.
Who is your target audience?
The primary audience for A Song For the Road is readers aged 10 to 16 who love music, and are interested in road trips, or “escape” themed books. This sweet but gritty story has been a hit among boys who aren’t usually big readers. It has also been embraced by kids who have estranged parents, or who have experienced the trauma of weather disasters.
How would you describe your writing style?
I have an amoebic approach. Discovering the necessary shape of my character’s needs, my publisher’s request, an editor’s assignment, or simply writing as a form of play. I write fiction and non-fiction, I’m a journalist and a published poet. I’m a short story writer, an editor, and a creative writingteacher. As a writer I assume many “shapes.”
My literal writing style—my approach to the craft—is to sit down and write. Don’t wait for inspiration; I go after what makes me curious and energetic. I pursue whatever I wish to know more about. Take writing courses, go on retreats, ask questions of seasoned authors, befriend librarians, and read craft books. All of this because I hope to continue growing as a creative until I type my last word.
Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer?
Is it weird that I’m neither? I believe the two are required in equal measure.
Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?
When I’m writing fiction, I rarely write about myself or people I know. I prefer to put myself inside the mind of a character and imagine how the world looks and feels from their point of view. It’s a lesson in close observation.
What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it?
I hope my fictional characters and/or my SEL activities give my readers a gentle nudge to recognize if they’re in a situation that no longer serves them—and how to do the hard work to change that, to live the life that speaks to their soul.
Get in contact with the author
Email: raynelacko@gmail.com
Purchase A Song for the Road: https://amzn.to/3r7tu1W
raynelacko.com/a-song-for-the-road
Coming soon: The Secret Song of Shelby Rey
