Book Signing Set for First-Time Author and FHS Alum at Fairfield Library in September

Fairfield Public Library will be hosting Author, Entertainer, Founder & CEO of Standalone Publishing, and Fairfield High School Alum, Travis Canady, for a book signing on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from Noon – 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 #1 on the Bestseller List – Civil War Period (1850-1877) United States Historical Fiction Category, making him a #1 Bestselling Author. 

The book focuses on the life of Augustine, a teenager of mixed heritage, and her life during the Civil War. 

He and his book have been featured on KLAX ABC Channel 31 News in Alexandria, LA; Central Texas Life with Ann Harder in Waco, TX; ‘East Texas Live’ broadcasting from KETK NBC in Tyler, TX; and ‘The Vine’ broadcasting from THV CBS 11, Little Rock, AR. 

When asked how he came up with the idea for his book, he explained, “One day, my daughter, who is bi-racial, and I were watching a movie that included slavery. It made us wonder what life would have been like for a bi-racial person in those days.” 

After completing the book, Canady signed with a publishing company, which turned out to be a scam, so he decided to publish the book himself. As a result, he founded his own publishing company, Standalone Publishing. 

Canady has dabbled in many different entertainment fields, including singing, songwriting, rapping, authorship, short film making, and live theater acting, just to name a few. 

It all started back in school, he says. “I was a band nerd and wanted to pursue music, with singing, songwriting, and rapping,” he explains. “I was signed to a record label in 2013, but the label failed, so I decided to go independent, concentrating on the business side of things. Eventually, my songwriting skills helped me to write my book.” 

Recently, following his interview with Ann Harder in Waco, Canady was offered the position of host for a new podcast, ‘Tales of Tenacity,’ produced by RogueMedia.net. This new venture will launch November 1, 2024, and may be streamed on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music each Friday for eight weeks. 

“I’m still kind of pinching myself,” says Canady. “But also, I know I’ve prepared myself. I’m glad all of this didn’t happen 18 years ago when I was so young and just starting out, because I know that I wouldn’t be here today, if it had. Now that I have experience in all these different areas, I have control over it, which makes it that much sweeter.” 

In addition, Canady has been contacted by several different production companies about the possibility of turning the book into a movie. 

“We are still working on a contract at the moment, so I can’t give out any names, but it’s in the works,” Canady says, excitedly. 

Also in the works is his second book, ‘Joseph & Elizabeth: The Parish Family Legacy,’ which is the love story of Augustine’s grandparents. Readers will get a two-chapter sneak peek at the end of the first book. This book is scheduled for release in mid-2025. 

“My best advice to anyone who has a dream, don’t procrastinate! If you have a vision, get out there and do it,” says Canady. “Don’t listen to the people who tell you that it can’t be done. Put your mind to it and chase that dream!” 

Canady is a 2003 graduate of Fairfield High School. 

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 of Fairfield, where Canady has been a life-long member. 

The book will be available for purchase at a discounted price at the book signing event, so be sure to go get yourself a copy, meet the author, and get his autograph! 

Fairfield Public Library is located at 350 W. Main Street, in Fairfield. 

 

Augustine: Echoes of Freedom: This compelling story intricately weaves the tale of Augustine, a teenager of mixed heritage, whose existence is shrouded in the shadows of slavery. Born to Esther, a slave, and Seth Parish, an overseer and heir to the Parish estate, Augustine’s life takes a treacherous turn as Seth’s sinister intentions unravel. Seth’s nefarious plot to eliminate both Augustine and her mother tragically succeeds only in claiming the life of Esther. 

However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges as Augustine finds solace in the embrace of Seth’s parents, who lovingly raise her as their own. Time passes, and our protagonist spends fifteen years serving in the army, gaining invaluable experiences that shape her character. Eventually, Seth musters the courage to return to his roots, confronting the haunting ghosts of his past. 

As Augustine stands on the cusp of her sixteenth birthday, she remains unaware of her true origins, yearning to uncover the secrets that shroud her existence. Determined to confront her tumultuous past, she embarks on a journey that will unearth the profound repercussions it has had on her family, forever altering their lives. 

This compelling narrative delves into the depths of Augustine’s identity, drawing readers into a world fraught with tension, emotion, and self-discovery. It expertly examines the complexities of race, heritage, and the enduring legacy of slavery. Through Augustine’s quest for truth, the book explores themes of resilience, belonging, and the power of confronting one’s past. 

(Source:  Amazon.com)