Local writer draws on family inspiration for children’s book series

Prince Albert author Kelley Byrne write about what she knows.

“I started a long time ago with my own story. It was kind of a memoir of me growing up and then it ended up being a 400-page, sad, poor me-type story and I’m like, ‘Maybe I should make this a little bit lighter and easier,’ so then I thought, ‘Well, maybe I’ll just write about my children,’” she said.

“It’s easier to tell a real-life story for me than a made-up story. I just feel proud that the boys have accomplished what they have just by doing it on their own and by following their own dreams. I feel it’s more inspirational.”

Kelly Byrne is the mother of professional bull riders Bo and Tanner and bullfighter Jesse Byrne. She is currently writing series of three children’s books inspired by her sons and their careers. The stories follow a young boy named Billy Buck who has dreams of rodeo greatness. The first book was published in May, the second came out at Christmastime and the final book is expected to be ready this year.

“The first book, Bullfighter Billy, is about our son Jesse who used to bullfight the family dog growing up and then turned into a world famous bullfighter,” Byrne said.

“The second book (Too Tall Billy) is about our youngest boy, Tanner, who is currently 6-foot-4 and he got told he was too tall to be a bull rider and so then, of course, he went on to be a world champion bull rider. And the third book is about our oldest son, Bo, and it will be called Bull Rider Billy.”

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Got to go:

What? Kelley Byrne book launch

Where? John M. Cuelenaere Public Library

When? Saturday, March 11 at 2 p.m.

Admission? Free