TXST alum shares Texas adventures through children’s books

2008 TXST graduate Melissa Coyle has always loved teaching, Texas, and storytelling. After 14 years in the classroom, the educator turned to a new chapter in 2024 when she began writing children’s books inspired by her adventurous Boston terrier, Tripp, and the many amazing places they have explored across the state. 

Can you tell us a little bit about your Texas State story?

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher, in fact, my mom was a teacher for 30 years. And I knew [Texas State] was originally a teachers college and had a great program. That was really what drew me in, but once I visited, I just loved it. Just everything. It felt like a good fit for me.  

I graduated in 2008; my degree was in interdisciplinary studies, but I went through the whole teaching program, did the student teaching, and then taught for 14 years.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at Texas State?  

I was actually a student manager at the rec center on campus, and I really loved that experience. I enjoyed working there, seeing people every day, and being a part of campus life.  

I also remember my education classes, especially one with Ms. Anderson during my student-teaching block. I spent a lot of time with her while doing my student teaching at Comal ISD in New Braunfels, and I still keep in touch with some of the people I met through the program.  

I just have memories of meeting great people and really loving the area.  

What inspired you to become an author?  

I had a project in class where I had to write my own book and create a take-home activity to go with it. I remember writing that book and thinking, “This is actually decent.” I never thought I would end up being a children’s book author, but I always had it in the back of my mind when I left teaching.  

I also remember writing a poem called “Baa Baa Black Holes,” which was a play on “Baa Baa Black Sheep.” These classes and writing projects that connected my creativity with education are the ones that really stuck with me.  

How did Tripp and Texas become the main characters of your stories?  

My family got Tripp in 2018, and he has just been the best dog. When I left teaching in 2024, I told my husband I was going to write a children’s book, and I never really considered another character. Tripp was just the one.  

And I was like, “You know what? I love Texas.” I love the state, traveling, and learning about our history. There are so many neat things in Texas, like we have the pumpkin capital of the United States. At first, I was originally going to do 10 books, but now I’m working on book number 21, and I don’t know where the series will end.   

What do you hope children take away from your books?  

I’m trying to inspire them to love to read, and for those kids that can’t travel much, they can travel through these books. They can learn all about different places in Texas and see just how amazing our state is and everything it has to offer.  

What is your writing process like?  

I usually plan books in advance, do research on a town, and decide which places to visit in that town. I try to create a storyline where Tripp is on a little adventure, but I also like to put facts and details in there. I also like to include small connections between books, like changing Tripp’s toy at the beginning of each story to reference the previous adventure.  

Since many places need to approve how they’re represented, I plan far ahead. I’ve already mapped out towns through February 2027, and some of the books have to be completed early so organizations, like Space Center Houston, have time to review them.  

What has surprised you the most about becoming an author?  

I’ve met a lot of great people at different events, doing story time at local bookstores. I love reaching out to kids and teaching them, doing writing lessons. Just keeping that education piece at the heart of it.  

What advice would you give TXST students with creative ideas they might be afraid to pursue?

Just go for it. Believe in yourself and don’t give up.

Like I said, I thought I was only going to do one book. And then I was like, “OK, I’ll do 10.” Now the series has grown beyond what I expected.  

So, go for it and don’t let other people’s opinions get you down too much.

What has been the most rewarding part of this journey so far?  

Visiting the kids at the schools, seeing them get so excited about Tripp. He comes with me to author visits, and students love to meet him. They’ll walk by afterward and say, “Bye, Tripp, I love you,” even though they just met him.  

These school visits are free, and when families buy books through the flyer, I give 10% back to the school. It means a lot to keep that connection with students and teachers.

What’s next for you and Tripp?  

For now, I want to keep the travels going and continue releasing books. Kids always ask if Tripp will leave Texas and go to other states or even other countries. Maybe one day, but for now, he’s not done with Texas. There’s still so much to explore.  

Any final words for fellow Bobcats?  

I loved my time in San Marcos and Texas State. I just want to encourage graduates to follow their dreams and believe in themselves.