DFlux Photography, LLC presents CAEZIK SF & Fantasy Author Randee Dawn and her latest book, ‘The Only Song Worth Singing.’ It was the 1990s, a time when my grandfather, affectionately known as Pop-Pop, was nearing the end of his battle with late-stage diabetes. The news of his declining health hit me with great force, as he had taken on the role of a Good Guy Role Model in my life when my adoptive father had stepped back from that position. I felt a strong need to return home and see him one last time.
Sylvan Bernard Gordon, or Pop-Pop, as I knew him, had played a significant role in shaping my values and perception of the world. Whether it was the peaceful moments spent in companionable silence during car rides, accompanied by the soothing tunes of his favorite easy-listening radio station, or his role as the grocery shopper and salad-preparer in the family, he demonstrated that men could take on nurturing roles within a household. Despite his efforts, he never managed to spark my interest in golf, though I would humor him by watching the sport together just to spend more time together.
Little did I know then that Pop-Pop’s influence would set me on an unexpected journey that would unfold over the course of decades, ultimately culminating in my latest book, ‘The Only Song Worth Singing.’
When I received the news from my mother, Pop-Pop’s daughter, I was a junior at Boston University engrossed in a class on folk tales from around the world with the esteemed author Elie Wiesel. In an attempt to bring some comfort to Pop-Pop, I sought out Jewish folk tales to share with him during his restful moments. However, my search in the school library yielded no results in the Jewish folklore section. It was then that my eyes landed on an adjacent section labeled “Irish Fairy and Folk Tales,” and I stumbled upon a book by W.B. Yeats, the renowned Nobel Prize-winning poet.
Delving into Yeats’ collection of Irish tales, I found a richness and depth in Irish folklore that captivated me. Unlike the sanitized versions of fairy tales I grew up with, Irish fae were depicted as capricious, mischievous, and at times malevolent beings. Their actions were not always just, and consequences could be harsh for those who unknowingly crossed their paths. This complexity and unpredictability lent a sense of authenticity to these mythical creatures, making them feel more real and intriguing.
Yeats’ meticulous curation of Irish folklore not only introduced me to a new world of storytelling but also shed light on aspects of Irish culture and language that were previously unknown to me. Through his tales, I discovered the significance of green, the craft of the leprechaun, and even a musical transcription of the banshee’s haunting cry.
As I delved deeper into the world of Irish folklore, I found myself drawn into a
In 1972, Sylvan Gordon found inspiration in Yeats’ depiction of the leanhaun shee, the fairy mistress who serves as a muse to Gaelic poets, bringing both inspiration and doom. This revelation sparked a new creative direction for Sylvan, leading to the creation of a fantasy novel he felt compelled to write – The Only Song Worth Singing.
Over the years, the book evolved through numerous revisions, marking Sylvan’s growth as an author. It eventually caught the attention of an agent, paving the way for its upcoming debut and the introduction of characters like musicians Mal, Ciaran, and Patrick alongside the chilling fairies Caitlin and Sheerie.
Sylvan credits his journey to the library visit with his grandfather and an encounter with an iconic Irish poet for shaping the narrative. Despite uncertainties surrounding Yeats’ storytelling methods and the origins of the leanhaun shee, Sylvan’s connection to his Irish heritage and the mystical allure of the tale propelled him to explore this captivating world.
In honor of his grandfather, Sylvan dedicates the book to the man whose name, Sylvan, evokes images of nature and magic. This dedication reflects the belief that his grandfather guided him towards this story, underscoring the profound impact of familial bonds and ancestral ties on his creative process.
Randee Dawn’s The Only Song Worth Singing is set for release on April 8 and is now available for preorder, promising readers a unique blend of folklore, music, and imagination.
