Ever read a rhyming picture book written to encourage young children to become geologists? There is one, and it was created by Argyle Fox Publishing author Audra E. Balson. Get to know her to learn about her book and what drives her passion for geology.
Let’s get started learning about you. Who is Audra E. Balson?
I am a wife to my husband of sixteen years, mother of two middle-school-aged children. I’m also an enthusiastic geologist. I discovered this passion late in my undergraduate career, and I’ve been in this field for twenty-two years.
We live in central Pennsylvania with our three guinea pigs, even though I am highly allergic to guinea pigs. Most importantly, we are a family grounded on our faith in the Creator, and we’re active in our church, LCBC (Lives Changed by Christ). I’m an avid road cyclist, gardener of both rocks and flowers, and lover of disaster-themed nonfiction literature, anthracite coal mining history, and any natural phenomena!
Tell us a bit about Rock, Recycle, Repeat! What is it about and what inspired the story?
Rock, Recycle, Repeat! takes young minds on a humorous and rhyming journey through the geologic rock cycle. It teaches the basic geologic principles that enable rocks to recycle into new forms and focuses on the three primary rock types: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic.
The concept of creating a children’s book came to me during a particularly challenging and lonely period of extended travel for my job. My children were young, and I was leaving the family every week to work at a site that was out of state. I prayed for an inexpensive hobby that would travel easily and most importantly, bring me some measure of joy during this difficult season. Nonfiction was a given, and I settled on the rock cycle soon after. I acknowledge my humble beginnings. The first iterations are comically terrible, but every good work probably didn’t start that way!
Your publishing journey had an interesting start. Talk about how you found Argyle Fox Publishing and why you felt we were the right publisher for you.
I had submitted my manuscript to several mainstream publishers over the last five years or so. Each time it was rejected, I’d revise the text, improve the illustrations, or let it sit for months while I stewed in my discouragement.
I found Argyle Fox Publishing through a book sold at my husband’s place of work. Once I initiated the process with Argyle Fox and started working with Daniel, I knew Rock, Recycle, Repeat! was going to be improved substantially. I never miss a deadline, so I was committed to following through in a timely manner.
I was hesitant to take this step, mostly because I assumed getting an editor meant having my book rewritten for me, but that was not the case at all. Daniel was very supportive through every step. He offered strategic suggestions that pushed me to restructure the book and improve the rhymes, and he always left the changes up to me. I appreciated his experience and keen eye for specific details. I ended up rewriting about 90% of the book throughout the editing process, and it’s 100% better than when we started!
I strived to remain teachable and receptive to his constructive feedback.
Who is your target audience, and what do you hope readers get out of your book?
Rock, Recycle, Repeat! is ideal for children ages six to ten, but that’s not to say slightly younger or older children wouldn’t enjoy it, especially if your child enjoys collecting rocks or has an interest in science. The rhymes are technical but humorous, and the illustrations will make anyone chuckle. Some of the drawings are technically accurate and others are silly, unrealistic scenarios. My hope is that even adults will enjoy reading it to their littles and learn something along the way.
Along with writing Rock, Recycle, Repeat!, you also illustrated it. How was that process, and did you find one of these more difficult? What obstacles, if any, did you hit along your writing and illustrating journey?
I truly enjoyed creating the illustrations, but it was a tremendous commitment. I entered college as an art major, so I had a bit of experience. Daniel recommended we wait to finalize the text before I work on any illustrations, and I’m grateful he shared that insight.
I had hand-drawn all of the illustrations early in the process using colored pencils, each time improving them substantially. I look back on the first iterations, and they are embarrassing! My husband encouraged me to digitize the drawings, which I pushed off for many years, knowing it meant I had to learn a graphic design program. That was the most challenging part—learning to draw using an Apple pencil with Procreate. Once I committed to Argyle Fox, I got started with some YouTube tutorials. This past summer was dedicated to illustrating the book and its cover.
The ironic thing is that Procreate released a tool called Earth a few weeks after I finished. That would have come in handy! You have to get creative with using the tools to capture different rock textures. I found that if I was struggling with either a rhyme or part of a drawing, putting it away for the evening and returning to it the next day gave me fresh perspective, and I was able to work through all of my roadblocks.
Now that your book is published, how will you measure whether it’s a success? What is your goal for your book?
Our goal for this book is to make a difference in the lives of people that don’t have access to clean water or that have to walk many miles daily to retrieve a supply of clean water. All profits associated with sales of Rock, Recycle, Repeat! are being donated to organizations that drill potable wells overseas, the first being World Vision’s Kenya Waterpoint Project. We’d like to see big numbers so we can help more people, so we’re praying the book finds its way into the right hands. It may take some time.
To me, it’s a success because it’s finished. Many times it felt like a pipe dream, but I had a lot of encouragement from family and friends to finish—and of course, the greater purpose behind the book. It was never mine; it was always to help others.
What are you doing to market your book and let folks know it is available?
My husband and I started a small Shopify website, also titled Rock, Recycle, Repeat! It also features print-to-order apparel, home decor, and other miscellaneous geology-themed items. We’ve marketed the book on our website, and my company posted about it on social media. I don’t have much experience in the marketing field, so I’m grateful for any way to spread the word.
What feedback have you received so far on your book?
My friend and colleague, Carol, was the first geologist to read it. In her, words “the rhymes are inspired, and the art is too precious!” She’s so kind. Many friends have shared their excitement for me and promptly ordered the book. I chuckle because they ask me to sign their copies. My children’s teachers have read it to their classes, and it was well received.
What do you now know about book publishing that you wish you knew before getting started?
A few things come to mind—most importantly, working with an editor does not mean your book will be rewritten for you. And second, it’s going to take longer than you think and turn out better than you imagined.
What would you say to other authors who have a great story they aren’t sure how to get it out of their head and if they should publish?
Take a trip to your local library and read some of the books of a similar genre. There’s something for everyone! Then just start writing. Sleep on it and improve it the next day. Take walks for clarity and fresh ideas. If illustrations are holding you back, Argyle Fox Publishing offers illustrators that use many different styles. Their editors empower you to make decisions, and they don’t force you into anything you don’t love. And they will go back countless times to make sure you are 100% percent satisfied, no matter how insignificant the edit.
Do you have another book up your sleeve? If so, can you give us a sneak preview of what to expect with it?
I do have another book up my sleeve! I love the moon. I always have. This book is not titled yet, but it will feature the moon as a main character. And of course, there will be rocks.
I’m relieved I don’t have to worry about rhymes and syllable counts this time. I started writing it, and for fun, I drew what my son thought was an actual photo of the moon using Procreate, so I guess I picked up a few things after all those months of drawing!
Where can readers find you online?
Rock-Recycle-Repeat.com and LinkedIn.
Is there anything else the world should know about you or your writing?
A professor in college once told me I was intellectually dishonest with myself for being a believer in Christ and pursuing a career as a geologist. I can’t comprehend the natural world around us without pointing to God. Scripture says that the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and I’ve grounded my career and passion for natural science on that truth. I often ponder whether an aged Earth was created for us or our time doesn’t correlate with His time, but my faith stands firm on the ultimate Rock.
Thanks so much, and here’s to success!