Kickstarter

Keep Eyes Behind

In this family story set in mid-nineteenth century Baghdad,  two children's quest for a perfect horse reveals the power of love and trust to survive the cruel effects of senseless bigotry.  "Maryam can see inside of a horse, and a horse can see inside of Naim," their grandmother declares as she sends the children in search of a special horse for the leader of their minority community. During a 3-day journey, the children, besieged by enemies, must acquire the skill horses have to see behind themselves without turning their head, as they encounter horses and humans who are not always what they seem.

An excerpt from "Keep Eyes Behind"

       "I pulled my thoughts away from the mare back to the road. I looked to the right and to the left. I turned in my saddle and looked behind me. Nothing was familiar. Uncle slowed to ride beside Naim. “Naim, do you see anything familiar on this road?” 
       “It looks the same as when we came,” Naim answered like he was joking with Uncle.  Uncle turned and stopped in front of us. Naim and I stopped too. Uncle’s voice was stern. “Maryam, your thoughts have been far away all day. If you do not know where you are how would you find your way back?  Use your own eyes, and your own ears, and nose. You must not rely on me and follow me blindly. Notice everything on the road. Notice when the road changes. Notice what is on the side of the road. See behind you the way horses do. You know these things, Maryam. What are you thinking about that makes you so careless?” 

"You never know when light will be needed in a dark, strange place."

This book is being produced for an audience of pre-teens (9 - 12) and families.  Kickstarter funds will be used to produce the first version as a digital audio book with original music score, an E-book with illustrations, and a dedicated web site.  As funds become available the novel will be presented in various formats including perhaps a graphic novel. 

 The Little Leviathans:

We are a group of collaborators on the "Keep Eyes Behind" project. Our professional backgrounds in the arts and sciences differ. Our cultural backgrounds are diverse. The bond that unifies us in this creative process is our active involvement in community development (where ever we reside) based on the principle of the oneness of humanity and respect for the spiritual aspirations of all peoples. We endeavor to express this principle through the arts.  Underlying this tale of pure fantasy is our acknowledgement of the mystical spiritual forces awakening in the universe. In "Keep Eyes Behind" the vulnerable, yet courageous, children and the powerful horses are aligned as a force of change towards justice.

Here's the team:

Darya Veach: Vocalist, Song writer, Psychologist;  Narrator of "Keep Eyes Behind"

Erik Veach: Audio engineer, Musician/Songwriter,  owner Crazy Daisy Productions

http://www.crazymastering.com/

Brett Wartchow: Doctorate in Music Composition; Composer of musical score for KEB

Ruhiyyih West: Communications Desk

Allison Grover Khoury: Story Editor

Holli Corbett, Graphic Designer

Don Stevenson (with Granddaughter), Illustrator

Piri Miller: Director