INSPIRING INDIVIDUAL
SoFlo Septuagenarian Publishes New Children’s Book
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“Dory Dillo”
“But while everyone was writing their version of t took 20 years for Margaret Cross’ dream the great American novel, no one was writing a to come to fruition, but today she can now children’s book.” see her name on the front cover of the book she authored. The internet offered options for self-publishing, and “Dory Dillo,” a children’s book about a young the company Cross selected provided complimentary armadillo whose favorite place is the chemistry editing. Their suggestions guided Cross through several rewrites of “Dory Dillo.” A software program lab, is the first book Cross has self-published. “I always wanted to write a book a child could helped her select vocabulary words that would be read and thought they might, reading about animals. appropriate for children. While an earlier version Armadillos were perfect characters for me,” she said. was geared to seventh graders, Cross simplified the manuscript for a third or fourth-grade child. Her early research helped her learn about According to Cross, adults seem to enjoy the the nocturnal animals, and the book weaves book as well since the plot sets up an adventure and armadillo facts in for young learners. challenges a group of armadillos, raccoons, crows About four years ago, Cross decided she and three large dogs. “Dory Dillo” also touches wasn’t getting any younger and decided it was on environmental concerns and redevelopment, time to pick up where she had left off. She was which are important and topical issues for all ages. surprised she already had the book’s first chapter Before retiring, Cross spent most of her career written. However, the plot needed to be further programming mainframe computers and coding. developed and an ending was needed. The book swirled off and on in her brain, but the The COVID pandemic spurred her on when plot has no similarities to Cross’ life. While the main a writing group was formed at her senior living character, “Dory Dillo,” is a science nerd, it’s not community by a fellow East Ridge neighbor and autobiographical. Cross disliked chemistry in school. published romance writer, Linda Sankpill. The writing “The characters’ names just seemed to pop group provided Cross with the support she needed. into her head and “Dory Dillo” just had a nice “The group was very helpful,” she explained. ring,” Cross said.
18 / March 2022 / OurCityMedia.com
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.
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About “Dory Dillo” 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.
