FHS graduate Travis Canady signs his debut novel, “Augustine: Echoes of Freedom,” during an interview with Ann Harder, host of Central Texas Life from Waco.
The Fairfield Public Library invites author, entertainer, founder and CEO of Standalone Publishing, and Fairfield High School graduate Travis Canady to a book signing on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
His book “Augustine: Echoes of Freedom”, is available exclusively on Amazon, where it debuted at #2 on the Hot Releases list and landed at #1 on the Bestsellers list – Category “Historical Fiction in the United States” from the Civil War era (1850-1877), making him one of the best-selling authors.
The book focuses on the life of Augustine, a mixed-race teenager, and her life during the Civil War.
He and his book have been featured on KLAX ABC Channel 31 News in Alexandria, LA, and on Central Texas Life with Ann Harder in Waco, TX; “East Texas Live” Broadcast by KETK NBC in Tyler, TX; and ‘The Vine’ Broadcast from THV CBS 11, Little Rock, Arkansas.
When asked how he came up with the idea for his book, he explained: “One day my daughter, who is biracial, and I were watching a film about slavery. We wondered what life must have been like for a biracial person back then.”
After the book was completed, Canady signed a contract with a publisher, but it turned out to be a scam, so he decided to publish the book himself and founded his own publishing company, Standalone Publishing.
Canady has tried her hand at many different areas of the entertainment industry including singing, songwriting, rapping, writing, making short films, and theater acting, to name a few.
It all started in school, he says. “I was a band nerd and wanted to make music, singing, songwriting and rapping,” he explains. “In 2013, I signed with a record label, but the label failed, so I decided to go out on my own and focus on the business side of things. Eventually, my songwriting skills helped me write my book.”
Recently, after his interview with Ann Harder in Waco, Canady was offered the position of host for a new podcast. “Tales of Perseverance”, produced by RogueMedia.net. This new project will launch on November 1, 2024 and will be available to stream every Friday for eight weeks on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
“I still pinch myself a little bit,” Canady says. “But I also know that I prepared. I’m glad that all of this didn’t happen 18 years ago when I was so young and just starting out, because I know that if it had, I wouldn’t be here today. Now that I have experience in all these different areas, I have control over it, which makes it all the more beautiful.”
In addition, Canady has been contacted by several production companies about the possibility of making a film based on the book.
“We are currently working on a contract, so I can’t name any names yet, but it is in the works,” says Canady excitedly.
His second book is also in progress, “Joseph and Elizabeth: The Parish Family Legacy” This is the love story of Augustine’s grandparents. Readers will get a preview of two chapters at the end of the first book. This book is scheduled to be published in mid-2025.
“My best advice to anyone who has a dream: don’t hesitate! If you have a vision, go out and make it happen,” says Canady. “Don’t listen to people who tell you it’s not possible. Focus on it and pursue your dream!”
Canady graduated from Fairfield High School in 2003.
He is the son of Vicki Hubbard Canady (FHS-1987) and Bishop Canady (FHS-1973); and his sister is Angel Canady Bent (FHS-2014).
He is married to Priscilla Sumner Canady and they have three daughters.
The family attends Mount Zion Baptist Church in Fairfield, where Canady has been a member his entire life.
The book will be available for purchase at a discounted price at the signing, so be sure to go, pick up your copy, meet the author, and get his autograph!
The Fairfield Public Library is located at 350 W. Main Street in Fairfield.
Augustine: Echoes of Freedom: This captivating story tells the complex story of Augustine, a mixed-race teenager whose life is shrouded in the shadows of slavery. Augustine is the child of the slave Esther and the overseer and heir to the Parish estate, Seth Parish. His life takes a dangerous turn when Seth’s sinister intentions come to light. Seth’s nefarious plan to kill Augustine and her mother tragically ends only with the death of Esther.
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges when Augustine finds comfort in the embrace of Seth’s parents, who lovingly raise her as their own child. Time passes and our protagonist spends fifteen years in the army, gaining invaluable experiences that shape her character. Eventually, Seth gathers the courage to return to his roots and face the ghosts of his past that haunt him.
Augustine is about to turn sixteen, but still unaware of her true origins and yearning to unravel the mysteries that shroud her existence. Determined to confront her turbulent past, she embarks on a journey that will reveal the profound impact that past has had on her family and change their lives forever.
Delving deep into Augustine’s identity, this compelling narrative transports readers into a world of tension, emotion, and self-discovery. It expertly explores the complexities of race, ancestry, and the enduring legacy of slavery. Through Augustine’s search for truth, the book explores themes of resilience, belonging, and the power to confront one’s past.
(Source: Amazon.com)
