It began as a bucket list dream during boat cruises on Lake Norman. While taking in the water with her husband and a friend, local teacher Amy Myers started to imagine a story for children that hadn’t yet been told—a tale about a lake monster that was less spooky and more sweet. At the time, Amy and her husband were regularly going out on cruises with Queen’s Landing, and the idea struck that a story like this would be perfect to read to children while they were out on the lake, scanning the horizon for signs of something magical.
That spark became Normie, a friendly green lake monster whose personality is rooted in curiosity and kindness. Amy didn’t have many specific rules for how Normie should look, but she knew he needed to be inviting—not the sort of monster to hide from. Illustrator Ron Barrantes brought that vision to life with a lovable character design that felt instantly familiar to children and adults alike. Amy had just one personal request: that the girl in the story be a redhead like her own daughter.
Lake Norman itself is an essential part of the story. Amy didn’t consider placing Normie anywhere else—he belongs in that water. The book became a playful way to blend local “fish stories” and lake wildlife with imaginative storytelling. From the start, it was a story about friendship and how unexpected connections can lead to meaningful bonds. That message, paired with the familiar setting, resonated strongly with young readers.
The book was written with preschool and lower elementary school children in mind, and Amy, who teaches third grade, often reads it to her students. It’s a highlight when they log it as their nightly reading, sometimes more than once. Seeing a story set in a world they know sparks their imagination and keeps Normie alive in their minds long after story time ends.
Writing the book took a few months, carefully fit into evenings and weekends during the school year. Amy started with a general outline and revised gradually. One afternoon, while tutoring a middle schooler in math, her husband called to ask a question about the manuscript. After the call, the student asked what she was working on and immediately wanted to be included—leading to the creation of the character Andrew.
Amy chose to self-publish the book, finding it a simpler and faster path than pursuing a traditional publishing deal as a first-time author. From the start, she encountered no real obstacles—just support from those around her. That support only grew with time.
In downtown Mooresville, Fred & June’s Books became an early champion of Normie, helping to bring it to the community. That relationship led to something even bigger: the Find Normie Scavenger Hunt, which will enter its second year this June. The hunt involves several downtown businesses and encourages families to explore local shops while keeping an eye out for the beloved lake creature. It’s become a summer tradition that blends reading, play, and community engagement.
Amy also worked educational elements into the book. She included lake-specific details like ospreys nesting on shoal markers so children could spot them in real life. That attention to detail paid off during early “cookie cruises,” where kids would listen to the story and then spot scenes from the book happening around them.
This project holds deep personal meaning for Amy. As a child, she was inspired by the storytelling of her grandfather. Writing her own story fulfilled a lifelong goal she once assumed she’d get to someday—just not so soon. She dedicated the book to her husband, daughter, and students, encouraging them all to follow their dreams, even when it’s hard. With the book’s third printing, Amy added a special dedication to Captain Gus Gustafson, a strong supporter of the Normie legend and someone known for sharing his own stories about the lake.
Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, Normie continues to charm new readers. To mark the milestone, Amy and her family released two music CDs inspired by the book. While merchandise was available when the book first launched, the focus today is on celebrating the longevity and impact of the story. Social media, including Facebook and Instagram, exists for the book, though it remains relatively quiet due to the young age of its audience.
Amy continues to encourage aspiring authors—especially her students—to keep writing, even if it feels difficult. She reminds them that it’s entirely possible to achieve something big through persistence and joy.
With Normie still hiding somewhere in the depths of Lake Norman, there’s no telling what stories might surface next.
For more about the book and the upcoming scavenger hunt, visit lakenormanmonster.com/find-normie.
