By BRUCE COLLIER
Orthodontist Dr. Casi B. Stubbs, D.M.D, maintains two offices, in Niceville and Destin. As if that were not enough work, the DeFuniak Springs native has embarked on a new sideline – children’s books. Her first is titled This Will Be & You Will See, which Stubbs dedicated to her daughters Elle (age 7) and Brycelyn (age 3).
Stubbs, who admits she has no writing background either academic or practical, was moved to write the book by her reflections on “passages in life as we continue to grow.” She wanted to make her daughters part of the story, to tell them what they can expect out of life and the challenges of growing up. “It was a gift to them,” she says. “I just felt passionate about it. If I didn’t try it, it was going to follow me.”
Stubbs wrote the book in 2011. A chance meeting at a party in south Walton took the story to the next level. Stubbs found herself in conversation with Tami Hotard, owner of New Orleans-based Liberty Press. Stubbs mentioned she had written a children’s book and Hotard expressed interest in its publication.
For the artwork, Stubbs took her time and selected a local artist, Gina Ricci, whose illustrations set the book in the CR-30A/Blue Mountain/Santa Rosa Beach area where Stubbs had spent her childhood summers. A year after the meeting with Hotard, Liberty Press had published the book.
This Will Be & You Will See has received favorable response, and Stubbs says that many readers find themselves moved by it. She has done some area book-signings, and the book has been placed at Sundog Books in Seaside and Hidden Lantern in Rosemary Beach. It should be at Barnes & Noble by Mothers Day, and on Amazon soon.
Stubbs has two more books in preparation for publication in 2014. One is a “strong Christian book” on the story of Jesus. The other, “inspired by my patients,” is about going through “that little awkward stage” of growth, and learning to accept one’s appearance. She credits her husband Zachary with support all along the way. “He encourages me. He’s my cheerleader.”
In addition to the above-mentioned outlets, This Will Be & You Will See is sold at Stubbs’ offices, and can be ordered online at drstubbsbooks.com.