Cherryville Author Sadie Broome Discusses Her New Book
By: Lauren Ramsey – Wise News Network
Cherryville, NC (WNN)— Local author Sadie Broome recently sat down with our WNN Team to discuss her new book “Mischief in Macon” and her experiences teaching students with challenging behaviors. Broome a Cherryville native, has been a teacher for over 40 years, working primarily with individuals with disabilities. Her latest work, a memoir of her time in Macon, Georgia, while her husband attended law school, delves into her personal experiences with cultural differences and the bonds of friendship.
From Teacher Books to Memoirs: Broome’s Writing Journey
Broome’s writing career began with teacher resource books. She quickly found a publisher for these, with one even becoming a bestseller. However, her transition to memoir writing required a different approach.
“My first endeavor in writing was teacher books, I immediately had a publisher,” Broome explained. “But then when I ventured out into writing my memoirs… it’s very different. So I had to go with the self-publishing. She ultimately partnered with Gatekeeper Press for “Mischief in Macon” and her previous memoir “Sick and Twisted in Savannah.”
“Mischief in Macon”: A Story of Friendship and Cultural Discovery
“Mischief in Macon” recounts Broome’s time in Georgia, where she and her family relocated for her husband’s legal studies. The book explores the challenges and joys of building new friendships in a different cultural environment. “It was my first venture out teaching in a whole different school system and living in a place where the culture was very different, even though it still was South,” Broome said.
The book also highlights the lasting power of friendship, as Broome reconnected with the people she met during that time. “My motivation is reconnecting with friends,” she shared. Similar to her approach to “Sick and Twisted in Savannah,” Broome shared excerpts with her friends, asking for their input and recollections.
Her stories have also served as a way to reconnect with friends, many of whom she remains in touch with through reunions and Zoom meetings. “With Sick and Twisted in Savannah, we still have our reunions and do Zoom calls every quarter” she shared. The same has happened with “Mischief in Macon” as recent reunions have brought back fond memories.
Teaching and Connecting Through Games and Magic
Our Interview with Broome also highlighted her innovative teaching methods. She described using games like Dungeons and Dragons to foster teamwork and cooperation among her students, who often had behavioral challenges. “My students all had challenging behavior… they’re kind of like segregated and isolated in this special class where they have a reputation. And so my idea was to change that reputation and make it positive,” she explained.
She also organized magic shows, which boosted students’ self-esteem and changed their perception within the school. “It really was a self-esteem booster,” Broome said, adding that her students even performed at a special arts festival.
Navigating Cultural Differences and Building Bridges
Broome openly discussed the culture shock she experienced in Macon, where she taught at an inner-city school. She described the initial challenges she faced, including feeling isolated and misunderstood. “Cherryville was very popular. We integrated early. We got along, we were friends. And I just didn’t know in the 80s that you could have a 100% minority school. I just didn’t know that existed,” Broome explained.
However, she emphasized the personal growth that came from this experience. “that was my biggest growth experience,” she stated.
Looking Ahead: A Cherryville Story
Broome is currently working on her third book, which will center around Cherryville. “Hopefully everything comes together,” she said. The upcoming book will serve as a prequel to “Sick and Twisted in Savannah” diving into even earlier events in her life.
Where to find “Mischief in Macon”
“Mischief in Macon” is available for purchase at Victoria Cole and Carpenter’s Gifts in Cherryville, as well as online on Amazon. Broome encourages readers to leave reviews and hopes to participate in the Cherry Blossom Festival again this year.
Click here to see these books on Amazon.
For more WNN video news stories, visit YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wisenewsnetwork
For further WNN articles and news stories, visit: https://wisenewsnetwork.com
Contact WNN at [email protected]
Copyright 2024 Wise News Network. All rights reserved.
