What inspired “Little Louise”

Sometimes the most unexpected moments lead to the most meaningful stories. For me, that moment began when my dear friend Nikki introduced me to a beautiful little place called Dauphin Island.

It was during the COVID pandemic, a time when the world felt quiet and uncertain. Nikki invited me to get away for a few days and experience the peace of this hidden gem on the Alabama coast. I’ll never forget that first visit, the gentle sound of the waves, the soft white sand, and the way the sunsets painted the sky with color and calm.

A few years later, I decided to share that special place with my granddaughter. We spent Christmas vacation on Dauphin Island, exploring the beaches, collecting seashells, and watching dolphins glide through the water.

It was during that trip that the idea for my very first children’s book, Little Louise Visits Dauphin Island, was born. The story follows a curious little girl discovering the beauty of the beach, the wonders of the sea, and the joy of adventure, all inspired by our time there.

That visit reminded me how important it is to pause, breathe, and find joy even in uncertain times. It also reminded me how children can see beauty in everything around them.

So, thank you to Nikki for introducing me to Dauphin Island, and to my granddaughter, whose laughter and imagination helped turn that trip into a story that now lives in the pages of Little Louise visits Dauphin Island.