' Breeze' and 'Fancy' return in latest installment of Stewart's 'Free Bird Files'
The third installment of teacher/coach turned author Steve Stewart’s book series about growing up and falling in love in the 1970s is out and is proving as popular as its predecessors with readers.
“Breeze and Fancy: The Free Bird Files Vol. 3” was released earlier this month, and Stewart said he’s had to reorder copies for local promotional events, like the launch party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Express Steak, 451 George Wallace Drive, because so many copies have already been obligated.
“I’m tickled with it,” he said. “’Breeze’ (“Call Me the Breeze,” his first book) is still my favorite, but people who’ve read this one have said it’s excellent. It’s doing amazing.”
In fact, Stewart said one member of his beta reading team — which includes collegiate creative writing professors — told him it was “the best book she’s read in three years.”
“Breeze and Fancy” picks up where the first book ended. (“Blue-Eyed Son,” Volume 2, is a prequel that goes back to 1970 and ends the night "Call Me The Breeze" begins.)
It’s the story of, as Stewart described it, “the trials and tribulations of a wild-ass kid from East Gadsden and a girl who tries to do everything right.”
“Breeze,” of course, is Stewart (all those who know him have to do is look at the book covers), his last name changed to “Wallace” in the text.
And “Fancy” is his wife of nearly 45 years (as of this summer), Nancy, her last name changed to “Collins.”
“It starts on a Saturday morning with Nancy at home,” Stewart said, “and I take it and run with it until Labor Day 1975, when they’re all fixing to start school the next day and I’m starting work for the first time.”
The back cover of the book spells out the plot: “It’s the 70s the way they were, and for Steve Wallace and Nancy Collins falling in love has been easy. However, staying in love might be a different story.
“Since their first kiss in “Call Me the Breeze,” Breeze and the Rebelicious Fancy have been crazy about each other, and their love has continued to grow.”
“Rebelicious,” according to Stewart, is a name Gadsden High School students (he’s an alumnus) applied to the majorettes (Nancy was one) of cross-town arch-rival Emma Sansom High’s famed band.
“But despite their growing feelings," the back cover continues, “Breeze and Fancy are as different as Lynyrd Skynyrd (Stewart’s favorite music group then and now) and Barry Manilow. Unfortunately, those differences could become a stumbling block for their budding romance.
“Their differences cause even their closest friends to doubt their love. Everyone, from Steve’s wild and crazy friends to Nancy’s fellow majorettes, remains skeptical that their love is real.
“From high school dances to their favorite parking spot, join one of (the 1970s’ favorite couples) as they navigate the local teen scene, hoping to find common ground. And in the meantime, PROVE EVERYBODY WRONG!”
Stewart said there’s the same mix of truth and literary license as in the first two books. In the first category is an entire chapter relating how Emma Sansom’s band in 1975 won a national championship, the Grand Feature Parade title in the Apple Blossom Parade in Shenandoah, Virginia, (President Gerald Ford and his daughter and Bob Hope were on hand) despite a flu outbreak. That band’s drum major, Dana Couch, helped fill in the details.
Even where there’s embellishment, Stewart said there’s at least the potential for truth. He noted that longtime friend Michael Piazza (renamed “Mario” in the books) has spoken of having a chance to be at one of the events described — that never happened. And Ron Romano, the books’ “Maino,” has said that some of the made-up stuff could easily have taken place.
Stewart said his books have done well nationally, with the ‘70s being a favorite decade to explore for those who lived through those years and those who want to know about them.
Still, the third installment, like the first two, is at its core a tale of redemption and of coming of age.
Stewart has said Nancy “saved his life,” and his friends from the book can tell similar stories.
“All of the other guys have found good women,” he said, “and that’s what counts and what has saved us all.”
As with the first two volumes, “Breeze and Fancy” is available in paperback and as Kindle e-books from Amazon. Attend the launch party or contact Stewart on Facebook for autographed copies.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: 'Breeze and Fancy' again harkens back to 1970s
