Hi! I'm MELISSA WATERS. I grew up in upstate New York, lived in and around Clifton Park, New York until 1999, then moved to New York City where I raised my daughters and established a career in human resources management.

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​When I first visited Marco Island in 2015, I fell in love with the island’s peaceful tropical environment. Since I moved to Marco Island when I retired in 2023, I'm grateful to enjoy every day in my favorite place in the world.

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​In my latest book, The Tigertail Trees, you’ll join me for a walk along the shore of Marco Island's Tigertail Beach, where we'll explore the island’s iconic seashell trees, ldentify beautiful shells and learn a bit of Marco Island history.

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My first book, An Authentic Adventure with a Marco Island Burrowing Owl, is a true story about the time I helped rescue a lost burrowing owl in the Marco Town Center. As I’ve always enjoyed watching our adorable burrowing owls, I was excited for the opportunity to help bring an owl to safety. And the story of the events that led up to the rescue is an absolute hoot!

 

Both books are published by Simon Publishing LLC, an independent press established by the late author Joanne Simon Tailele. I now operate Simon Publishing LLC and enjoy helping authors bring their treasured creations to life. I also serve as communications editor for Marco Island Writers, a committee of the Gulf Coast Writers Association.

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I’m inspired to continue sharing tales of the natural beauty of this wonderful island paradise. So enjoy these fun adventures and stay tuned for more!