One family, three authors
Mom, daughter and granddaughter each publish book
From left are Annella Metoyer, author of “Dare to be the Change,” Haddie Goodly, author of “Come from the Heart,” and Jolie Dubriel, author of “Red and Blue.” The multi-generational trio each published a book within three months of one another.
Besides all having roots in Oberlin and all being related to one another, Haddie Goodly, Annella Metoyer, and Jolie Dubriel have something else in common: Each one is a recently published first-time book author.
Goodly, 81, started things off with her book, “Come from the Heart,” published by Green Legacy Publishing in December. The book, with her photo on the cover, is an autobiography focusing on her growing-up years.
Goodly’s daughter, Annella Metoyer, and granddaughter, Jolie Dubriel, followed her lead when they both had books released in February.
Dubriel’s book, “Red and Blue: A Reimagined Fairy Tale,” published by Ally-Gator BookBites, came out Feb. 3. Metoyer’s book, “Dare to be the Change,” published by Sojourn Publishing, was released Feb. 4.
Both are available on Amazon.com . In fact, Metoyer’s book was billed an Amazon “No. 1 new release” and a “No. 1 bestseller.” The book also garnered a 5-star review from Literary Titans.
In “Dare to be the Change,” Metoyer, 62, outlines how she overcame obstacles as both a woman and a person of color. She recounts a life-changing experience that set her on a path of “being the change.”
Metoyer went from being the first person of color employed by a local bank to being named city president of Capital One Bank in Houston, where she now lives.
Today, in addition to now being an author, Metoyer works as an executive coach and speaker.
In “Red and Blue: A Reimagined Fairy Tale,” Dubriel, 28, reinterprets well-known fairy tale character Red Riding Hood. The novel is for readers ages 11-18.
Dubriel, who is employed at Calcasieu Parish Central Library, said she was inspired to write the tale after viewing the Disney film “Into the Woods.”
Dubriel attributes much of who she is to her grandmother Goodley.
“She taught me the meaning of hard work and prayer,” she said. “Prayer can move mountains and show which path to go. In the story of Red Riding Hood, her grandmother is a big part of her, also. I kept that spirit in my story.”
The family’s triple book release was not exactly planned. Goodly had been writing her book for years.
“My mom is a natural storyteller,” said Metoyer. “I knew my mother was writing a book but was unaware that Jolie (Metoyer’s niece) was writing a book. To our surprise, Jolie announced her book at our 2017 family Christmas celebration.”
Metoyer plans to publish another book this summer and Dubriel plans a sequel to “Red and Blue.”
This article has been corrected to say “Metoyer’s niece” in reference to Jolie Dubriel, who was incorrectly identified as Annella Metoyer’s daughter.