Amelia Island provides inspiration for local writer

Amelia Island, Florida, is known for its architecture and history. It has become a destination spot for those wanting to enjoy a more relaxing side of the Florida coastline. With all the city has to offer, it’s no wonder why Amelia Island has become the setting of a local author’s childrens’ book series.

Becky Lanier traveled with her husband Jim to Amelia Island for their 25^th wedding anniversary. They were hoping for some sun and relaxation, but what Becky found was so much more.

“I love to read, and I’ve always wanted to write since I was a kid. Last summer when Jim and I were in Florida, Jim wanted to hunt some “fish dentures” (shark teeth) on the beach. That phrase sparked an idea in me and the next day, I sat down and wrote the book in 30 minutes,” Becky said.

The book Becky is referring to is Sammy the Sand Shark’s Lost Teeth, the first installment in what will become her Amelia Island series. The book was released on April 29 and chronicles the journey of Sammy the shark and his friends who help Sammy deal with his missing teeth.

The story also contains some characters that local people may recognize: her husband Jim serves as the inspiration for the animal dentist and her beloved Corgis also make an appearance in the book.

From start to finish, the entire process took Becky less than a year to write and publish her book. Becky opted for an independent publishing company to assist her after researching self-publishing options and indie publishing (independent publishers). She also relied on local art teacher Julie Peterson-Shea to create the illustrations for the book.

“As an early childhood teacher, I’ve worked with little kids all my adult life. It seemed natural to write a children’s book,” Becky said.

So natural in fact that the second installment of the series was already been written this summer and will hopefully be released this spring.

The story is about the dog Olive, from Sammy’s story, who saves sea turtles. Becky hopes to release the book in coordination with hatchling release of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Right now, plans for at least four books are in the works with varying themes.

Becky has done some public book readings in both Florida and in Phillipsburg to promote the book, and she hopes to have more scheduled soon.

Becky has books available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel by request. She will also have copies available at the next Farmer’s Market on August 12.