Young Author, Big Imagination; Nine-Year-Old Ryan Solomon and The Search for Drake Colton | Episode 384 A nine-year-old author just proved that big stories don’t need a long resume. We sit down with Ryan Solomon, the mind behind The Search for Drake Colton, to trace how doodles, daydreams, and family brainstorms became a published Christian fantasy for kids. With his parents, David and Amanda, Ryan breaks down the messy magic of drafting: character names that changed three times, cover art debates, folklore experiments, and the moment he opened the envelope and realized his book was real. We dive into the heart of the series—faith as a compass for adventure. Ryan’s heroes face demon dogs, tangled loyalties, and real moral choices, but the tone stays clean, hopeful, and fast-paced for readers nine and up. You’ll hear how Amy emerged as a driving force, why Drake’s presence bookends the story, and how Levi earned his name after “too many Zachs.” We also map where the world goes next: a bigger sequel, surprise crossovers with Young Siren Born, and short stories that turn travel memories into lessons kids can carry. The creative energy doesn’t stop at the page. Ryan and friends are shaping an RPG that stretches across states and planets, plus Roblox experiences that turn scenes into playable adventures. If you’re a parent searching for Christian fantasy for kids, clean adventure books, or inspirational middle-grade reads, this conversation shows how values and imagination can thrive together—without losing the fun. Along the way, we talk merch (yes, the golden cuffed beanie), Amazon momentum, and why supportive adults make all the difference for young creators. Subscribe to catch future updates on the series, share this episode with a friend who loves kid-lit, and leave a review to help more families find hopeful stories. Ready to meet the youngest author on your shelf? Chapter Markers 0:02 Welcome, Reach, And Subscribes 2:29 Website, Donations, And Merch 6:06 Introducing Ryan Solomon And Family 8:16 How The Book Idea Began 10:55 Characters, Drafts, And Art Choices 13:38 Faith Themes And Story Purpose 16:45 Worldbuilding Amy, Drake, And Levi 20:30 Early Stories And Creative Process 24:12 The Boy And The Sword Vision 28:18 Crossovers And Series Plans 32:50 Mythical Projects And Short Stories 38:05 Why Write And What Readers Gain 41:44 RPGs, Roblox, And Superhero Team 46:16 Amazon Rankings And Momentum 50:55 Family Support And Confidence #YoungAuthor #KidLi #ImaginativeWriting #RyanSolomon #DrakeColton #ChildrensBooks #CreativeKids #BookRecommendations #MiddleGradeFiction #KidsWhoWrite #InspiringStories #LiteraryAdventure #BooksForKids #StorytellingMagic #justiceforsurvivors #VoicesforVoices #VoicesforVoicesPodcast #JustinAlanHayes #JustinHayes #help3billion #TikTok #Instagram #truth #Jesusaire #VoiceForChange #HealingTogether #VoicesForVoices384 Support the show
