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through music. The story languished until five years ago when Woodruff found a writing coach and devoted himself to turning it into a book. The project gained momentum in 2010 when Woodruff gave a 5-minute pitch to a book agent, who was enthralled by the concept. "He saw Dr. Fuddle as a series of books, films, television programs, toys, products and Broadway productions," says Woodruff. "It was the happiest day of my life! A team of investors instantly backed me." The book was published earlier this year by the California-based Story Merchant Books and has been picked up by Hollywood. The film is in the early stages of production, but no firm release date or casting decisions have been madethough Woodruff pictures Robin Williams or Kevin Kline easily stepping into the lead role. Until then, Woodruff, who earned a Ph.D. in musicology and piano from the University of Miami, devotes his energies to teaching referred students from ages 5 to 65 and keeping active on the Atlanta music scene. Atlanta Music Club hosted his first book signing in October. "Writing this book is something Warren has always wanted to do," says Linda Wickham, the club's co-president and a friend since the early '80s. "He's not only a wonderful writer, he's also a gentleman who loves music." Sharing that love is going to take more than one Dr. Fuddle book, says Woodruff. "I've already begun work on a series of seven books," he says. "It's always been my dream to pass the torch of passion for great music to the next generation, and I can do it with Dr. Fuddle."U

Buckhead musician turns his passion into a first novel

t was one of those nagging ideas that demanded attention. After it sat in the back of a drawer for almost a decade, Warren Woodruff could ignore it no longer. The Buckhead musician and teacher turned a fledgling script into Dr. Fuddle and the Golden Baton, a novel about a tousle-haired conductor who uses music as a magical medium. Woodruff, 48, puts the story on the same fantasy scale as The Wizard of Oz or the The Chronicles ofNarnia, although one of his younger readers described it as "Harry Potter Meets Beethoven." The imaginative tale is deeply rooted in and connected to Woodruff's passion for classical music. "That came from my mother, originally," says Woodruff; whose roots intersect several generations back with the famous Atlanta family of the same name. "She played classical albums day and night. I also had a teacher who taught me the technical skills and artistic means to deliver these gifts to my students. Now, through the stories of the adventures of Dr. Fuddle, I can pass this beauty and harmony on.' The novel grew out of "The Magic Piano," a story Woodruff produced as a play in 1998. In it, the instrument turns into a time machine whose secrets are unlocked

FINDING DR. FUDDLE Woodruff will sell and sign copies of his book March 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church at 1015 Old Roswell Road, Roswell. Additional copies are online at wwwamazoncom or wwwdrfuddle.com