KHS graduate Toni Tyler — who now resides in Franklin, Tenn. — has published her first book, telling a story that has been dormant for 73 years.
This week, she is coming to Kosciusko where the story began to sign copies of the recent release.
“Annie Em’s Red Shoes” details a true story her mother, Peggy Wasson Tyler, told her about a pair of red patent leather shoes she saw a classmate wearing when they were in first grade at Kosciusko Elementary School, which was then located near the field house on the campus of Junior High.
“It’s been 73 years since my mother was in first grade,” Tyler said.
Tyler will sign copies of her children’s book Friday, Aug. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Attala County Library. She will also read to students at Lower Elementary School that morning.
The book, released May 1, is her first published book.
“Since I was a young child, I have loved reading and writing. I would write poems and short stories and I have had some poems published, but I really wanted to write a book,” said Tyler.
She spent years building a career in the home mortgage and real estate business along with parenting two daughters, but her dream of writing a book lay dormant.
After attending a “Writing with Purpose” writers conference, she said she gained skills and confidence that inspired her to write “Annie’s Em’s Red Shoes,” based on her mother’s story.
The book was written over a one-year period, and began when she jotted, “Just do it,” on a note pad and taped it to her computer screen in January 2017.
“It is a fun, whimsical book that is meant to bring joy and happiness. My goal is to inspire the adults who read the book to their children to never give up on their dreams. It is never too late,” she said.
The 32-page book is illustrated by Izzy Bean, who lives in London and was recommended by the book’s publisher. Copies can be purchased for $14.99 at the signing at the library on Friday. They may also be ordered from Amazon.
Tyler is a graduate of Kosciusko High School where she was a member of Big Red Band from eighth grade through high school.
“I still carry life lessons taught by Mickey Grove, our band director,” she said.
Tyler also gives credit to senior year English teacher Mrs. Roberts for her influence, and to her aunt, Barbara Wasson, for encouraging her to pursue her writing skills.
Tyler and her husband, Tom White, reside in Franklin, Tenn., near two daughters and granddaughters, Abby and Olivia.
