Parker Leckie is already on his way to joining other notable Lambton County authors like Mary Lawson and Chris Hadfield with the release of his first book ‘Otter Ground.’
And he’s only 12-years-old.
Parker’s debut novel, which he self published, is the first of what he hopes will become a series.
“Writing just feels good for me,” says the seventh grader. “I’m already working on the second book — I’m like halfway there.”
“Otter Ground” is a teen mystery about a 12-year-old boy named Jake Adam who happens to live at the world’s largest aquarium.
When Jake notices sharks are acting up and endangered sea otters are going missing, he starts to investigate to find out the truth behind the odd occurrences.
“He’s always been an avid reader, and he used to do comic books, and then he was talking with one of his teachers and they said, ‘why don’t you write a novel?’” says dad Corey Leckie.
"And took it into his own hands and went with it.
“I read a couple pages and I was like — wow the writing, it’s like an adult writing. It’s really good. And there’s a lot of comedy in there which I love,” Leckie adds.
“He’s got a lot of little funny bits. And he also put a lot of research in there because it’s about aquatics.”
In addition to having a passion for writing, Parker is also a competitive swimmer and has a love for drawing.
So, while a graphic novel for “Otter Ground” is not currently on the table, Parker wouldn’t be opposed to seeing a film adaptation of his book.
“That would be cool,” he says.
Parker is also using this as an opportunity to learn the business side of writing, keeping track of his sales and finances.
“I am going to save up the money for my future, schooling and stuff,” Parker admits. “I see myself as an author in the future or maybe like a book editor.”
Currently the book is available to buy on Amazon and at the ArtZDen in Petrolia. Parker will be signing and selling copies of “Otter Ground” on Friday May 3 at the Lawrence House as part of First Friday.