Dad to: Charlotte (5), and Wright (2)
Married to: Adria Britt (9 years)
Years lived in Charlotte: born and raised
Music and literature. What do these two things have in common? One very amazing dad with an infectious personality and creative spirit! I’m so proud to introduce our “Smarty Dad” (we thought we should give a daddy a nod this week in honor of Father’s Day), David Britt.
David is a hands-on dad to his two adorable children. So hands on, that when he wrote his whimsical children’s book, “Sweet Dreams Little Baby” he honored his two children by naming them as co-authors. After all, they were his inspiration! “Sweet Dreams Little Baby” is a lovely bedtime story about magical dreams and far away places. The sweet words and tranquil pictures bring a calmness to any bedtime routine.
In addition to his love of writing, David has a passion for music! In true David style, he writes and performs his music with the same level of energy that he writes with. David’s music is classic country with a “Dave Mathews” type beat. Truly one of a kind and unique!
What child wouldn’t love a dad with his own book AND the ability to sing them to sleep?! Charlotte, meet David Britt. If you haven’t heard of him yet, I promise you will soon . . .
What inspired you to write a children’s book?
I was inspired to write “Sweet Dreams Little Baby” because of the birth our son. My daughter (who was almost 4 at the time) and I decided to write a book for him because I had written a book for her when she was born. That book was called “Button the Butterfly”. I wanted both of them to have something from me they could keep forever and pass onto their children one day.
Where did you develop your passion for music?
My Mom and Dad put a violin in my hand at age 3 and I was really into the movie “Grease” as well. That along with the church choir really got me going. My mother played piano, brother played cello, and Dad sang Elvis all the time, so music was a pretty big thing in our house.
Where do you get such creative ideas for your music and stories?
My mind has always wondered since a little boy. I constantly have thoughts running in and out of my head. Things I see, hear, and experience end up as rhymes and tunes in my head, so I turn them into stories and songs.
What is it that you love about country music and what inspired you to take the “leap of faith” to release your own CD?
Country music has feeling. It’s real and it tells a story. I’d always wanted to make my own music and I had a dream of performing since a young age. A very close friend of mine who I shared some of my song ideas with told me the clock doesn’t stop ticking so I needed to give it a go. I did just that.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Nervously sitting in the passenger seat of a pick-up truck while teaching my daughter how to drive on the way to my son’s baseball game. Should be fun…and scary!
Is your writing style similar to your parenting style?
Really depends on the day and what kind of music I’m writing. Ha! In all honesty I’m pretty much the same everyday with the kids. I love them to pieces and pray to God for their health and safety.
Your children are listed as “co-authors”. What a precious idea! How do they feel about being such young writers?!
They’ve handled the fame really well considering their age. Although at book signings they have to have an unlimited supply of apple juice and Pirate’s Booty in the dressing room.
Where did you get the amazingly calm and lovely illustrations for the book?
I have an amazing illustrator named Michael LaDuca in New York. We work together very well. He is able to translate my words and feelings into pictures. Thank goodness for illustrators because I can’t draw to save my life!
Where can local Charlotte families find your book?
Bellini, Garden Secrets, Magic Windows, The Milky Way, “Goodness Gracious” at Myers Park United Methodist Church, and Toys & Co.
Do you offer any story-time or meet the author events for Charlotte families to participate in?
Yes, I do! From time to time, Toys & Co. at Cotswold Shopping Center invites me to do story time. It’s always fun.
I know you are very interested in “giving back” to the community. How do you incorporate charity events into your company profile?
I have been a long time supporter of the local chapter(s) of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, MDA, and Thompson’s Child and Family Focus. I am very involved with each of those. With each I serve differently, but my book and CD end up as auction items at some for sure! I intend to hopefully play at some of these events and more in the future with my music.
What is your favorite book to read to your children (besides yours)!?
“Good Night Moon” for sure!
You work from home. How do you balance work and home life, especially when they are in the same place?
I know for some it wouldn’t work, but for me it’s great. Taking a break and getting to play with your kids is really neat. They also lend to my creative ear. You never know what may come out of their mouth.
What is your favorite kid-friendly restaurant?
Mr. K’s on South Boulevard. The best. No doubt!
What is your favorite activity with your kids?
Taking them to play tennis early on Saturday mornings and then going to Krispy Kreme for “Hot Glazed” doughnuts.
What is the funniest thing your kids have ever said to you?
They have both said some pretty amazingly funny things but two that come to mind are:
1) “Bye, I’m going to college.” -2 year old son
2) “Daddy I will give you $10 dollars if you give me $80. I need to go to Build-A- Bear.” -5 year old daughter
What is your favorite “guys night out” spot?
Don’t make it out much these days but I’m a sucker for chicken wings and a UNC basketball game.
Favorite thing about being a father?
Getting kisses and hugs when you walk in the door. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Those things last forever.
Could not live without my…
Family. They are my foundation.
To find out more information on the book, “Sweet Dreams Little Baby” visit
www.sweetdreamslittlebaby.com.
To hear some fabulous country jams, visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Vj5HRguGw.
4 comments
Go, David! Love seeing you on here. My 5 yr old and I love ot listen to David’s songs. The lyrics are hilarious! Oh, and you all forgot to mention in the article that the BEST thing about David is his AMAZING wife, Adria! She’s as kind as she is gorgeous! xo
Stephanie, you are right. Adria is simply lovely. I’m so blessed to have her as a friend!
Ditto what Krista says!! How could sweet sweet Adria be left off of this article?!? Love the Britts!
You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually one thing which I believe I would never understand. It kind of feels too complex and extremely extensive for me. I’m taking a look ahead on your next put up, I?ll attempt to get the grasp of it!