Author's Introduction

My name is Gert S Smit.  I was born about two months before Elvis Presley

died.  Telling you when my birthday is in this way, is perhaps more interesting than just writing the exact date.  Plus I am a fan of his music.  

 

There have always been a is a method/formula to writing a hit pop song.  Its origins are from the Gospel song tradition where there is a certain chorus with a rhyme and rhythm to it, which is pleasant to hear and repeat.  If there is a message or story to it then that's even better. 

 

I experienced gospel songs as a child growing up in church and listened to pop music all my life, so I know how it relates.  The point I'm trying to make is that a pop song is just a short story/message that rhyme really, with a beat added to it.  Children stories (minus the back beat of course) can often assume the same style format and also prove to be popular with a bit of luck. 

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I believe that a good story should not just be entertaining, but it should also offer a teaching or life lesson in some way. Opportunities to have your child's full attention are few and far between, so as parents we must ensure that we get the most bang for our buck.  

 

I guess that the USP in my style of writing children's books is that I aim to steer their realizations about life, whilst entertaining them simultaneously. 

It is a fun way in which I as a parent, can add value to my own kids and other young lives, locally and beyond.  ​

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Winnie the Pooh stories are my favorites, which makes AA. Milne one of my all time creative heroes, especially because he had a military background just like me.  I have many more stories swirling around in my head about my own childhood, as well as growing up alongside my kids as a young parent. Hoping to pen many stories over the next few years, I am also looking forward to collaborating with other creative souls, in order to tell many more stories with more than just entertainment value.

 

I would love to share my knowledge to help, coach and mentor aspiring parent authors in creating and producing their own story.  It is actually fairly easy and amazing to think that something as simple as a children's book can perhaps be the one thing which survives very long after we are gone. To be able to leave something for your grandchildren and great  grandchildren is an absolute privilege, because at the very least, they will know your name and be able to share something tangible with an ancestor.  

I look forward to hearing from you.