Thomas Burnette, a 62-year-old author from Pensacola, Florida, has lived a life rich with service, family, and a deep love for his dogs, Rosie and Lily. In a recent interview, he shared his path from a demanding career in the restaurant industry to his current role in the concrete business and his newfound passion while writing The Darleys: Rosie Finds a Home, a children’s book available on Amazon.
A Life Shaped by Service and Resilience
Born in Rota, Spain, where his father served in the United States Navy, Burnette’s early years were marked by the nomadic life of a military family. By age five, he settled in Pensacola, Florida, growing up with three older sisters and a younger brother. Educated in Catholic schools, he later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University. For nearly four decades, Burnette worked in the restaurant industry, spending over 30 years in management. “It was a difficult livelihood,” he recalls, citing the long hours and sacrifices. Six years ago, he retired from restaurants and transitioned to the concrete business, where he now works as an assistant plant manager and truck driver, a role he enjoys for its physicality and the diverse people he meets.
From Restaurants to Writing: A New Chapter
Burnette’s true calling emerged later in life with his children’s book series, The Darleys. His first book, The Darleys: Rosie Finds a Home tells the story of his dog Rosie finding her forever home. “It’s about pet ownership and the love of pets,” Burnette explains, emphasizing his commitment to stories free of political or religious themes. His second book, Rosie Takes a Road Trip, follows Rosie’s adventures with her cousins, a Japanese Shiba Inu and an Italian Greyhound، while subtly promoting the positivity of adoption, a cause Burnette holds dear as an adoptive father.
Inspired by Rosie and Lily
Burnette’s love for his dogs, Rosie and Lily, is the heartbeat of his stories. “They’re my best companions,” he says warmly, describing how they follow him everywhere, content to nap at his feet. This bond fuels his writing, which aims to teach children empathy, responsibility, and the joy of companionship. Designed for kids aged 10 to 12 or for parents to read aloud to younger children, his books are both educational and heartfelt. Starting with his second book, Burnette is aligning his stories with the Accelerated Reader (AR) program, incorporating bolded vocabulary words and a glossary to enhance learning.
A Father’s Greatest Accomplishments
Family is at the core of Burnette’s life. He speaks with pride about raising his 28-year-old son and adopting an eight-year-old boy at age 53. “That’s my greatest accomplishment,” he says, valuing the love and connection with his children over professional accolades.
A Servant’s Heart and a Writer’s Dream
Rooted in his Christian faith, Burnette sees himself as a servant. “Serving others, whether people or my dogs, brings me fulfillment,” he says. He hopes his books convey the same acceptance he shares with Rosie and Lily, offering readers a warm escape into stories of love and companionship. “I want people to feel that acceptance when they read my books,” he shares, envisioning families reading his stories together across generations.
Building a Legacy, One Book at a Time
As a new author, Burnette is taking “baby steps” with his publishing journey. His second book is with his publisher for illustration, and a third manuscript is in progress, with plans for release by August. Unfazed by sales metrics, he focuses on sharing meaningful stories. “If someone discovers my fifth book and goes back to read the first four, that’s success to me,” he says. His website, Darleys adventurebooks.com, showcases The Darleys series and updates on upcoming releases.
A Future of Stories and Wagging Tails
With a heart for service and a passion for storytelling, Thomas Burnette is crafting a legacy that celebrates family, love, and the joy of a wagging tail. Through The Darleys: Rosie Finds a Home, he invites readers into a world where Rosie and Lily lead the way, teaching lessons of compassion and connection, one story at a time.
About The Author
Thomas Burnette, a 62-year-old from Pensacola, Florida, is the author of The Darleys children’s book series, inspired by his dogs, Rosie and Lily. A former restaurant manager with over 30 years of experience, he now works in the concrete business. Burnette’s stories emphasize pet ownership, empathy, and adoption, reflecting his life as an adoptive father. With a Bachelor of Science from Florida State University, he blends education and heart in his writing.
For more information and his upcoming books, kindly visit: https://darleysadventurebooks.com
