Local Author Brings “Farmer Remi” to Life – By Leslie Kulwik
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Life on a South Georgia farm is full of surprises — something local author Amanda Tousant knows firsthand. The Folkston-based writer, illustrator, and U.S. Army veteran has transformed her everyday adventures into Farmer Remi, a heartwarming new children’s book inspired by her real-life dachshund and the colorful cast of animals that share her family’s farm.
A Story Born from Real Life
Tousant’s journey to becoming an author started long before she ever set foot on a farm. “I’ve loved writing since I was a kid,” she said. “It started with making up my own songs — which I still do, much to my family’s dismay — and turned into short stories and poetry. But I’d never published anything until now.”
That changed last October, when her husband, Matt, surprised her with a dachshund puppy named Remi. The tiny dog quickly stole their hearts — and the spotlight. “She became our most unlikely farm dog,” Tousant said with a laugh. “She’s fearless of everything except chickens! Watching her antics, along with all the other characters that make up our funny farm, inspired me to not only write but also learn how to digitally illustrate and self-publish my first book.”
In Farmer Remi, readers follow a brave little dachshund determined to prove she belongs among the barnyard animals. With humor, heart, and a touch of mischief, Remi’s adventures remind readers that courage can come in all shapes, sizes, and wagging tails.
From Soldier to Storyteller
Amanda’s path to storytelling has been anything but ordinary. A U.S. Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a former law enforcement officer, she has lived a life defined by discipline, service, and resilience — qualities that now shine through in her creative work.
“I think being a veteran shaped the way I see challenges,” she explained. “You learn to adapt, to find new purpose, and to keep moving forward no matter what. Writing and illustrating Farmer Remi was something completely new for me, but I approached it with that same mindset — one step at a time, learn as you go, and don’t be afraid to fail.”
After years of working in law enforcement and public service, Amanda moved to Folkston four years ago. What started as a simple lifestyle change turned into a dream come true — life on a working farm surrounded by goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, and a few very silly dogs.
Life on the Farm: Endless Inspiration
“I see my stories come to life around me every single day,” Amanda said. “I’ve always had a strong attachment to animals — I treat them more like furry or feathered children than livestock. All I have to do is walk outside, and there’s a new story waiting to be written.”
Her husband Matt, who grew up on a dairy farm, shares stories from his own childhood, which often make their way into Amanda’s writing. “He tries to keep us all in line — and occasionally succeeds,” she joked. “He’s also been my biggest supporter, especially when my ‘collection’ of animals keeps growing. Mini cows are next on my list, and yes — there’ll be a book about that too!”
Lessons of Courage and Growth
While Farmer Remi is full of laughter and farmyard fun, Tousant hopes readers walk away with a deeper message. “I want kids to know it’s okay to try something new — and to fail — and to keep trying anyway,” she said. “We’re not always going to succeed at everything we do, and that’s perfectly fine. My own life has been full of chances taken — some that paid off, some that didn’t — but I’ve never had to wonder ‘what if?’”
That lesson, she believes, is just as important for parents as it is for children. “Failure isn’t the end — it’s part of learning and growing. I hope families can talk about that together through my books.”
A Growing Series of Farmyard Friends
Fans of Farmer Remi won’t have to wait long for more. Amanda is already putting the finishing touches on the second book in the series, A Visit from Gigi, inspired by her mother’s visits to the farm.
“The new book is about my mom — who is 100% city-loving — coming for a visit with her little dog, Khaleesi,” Amanda said with a grin. “I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say both kids and adults will enjoy the chaos that unfolds when she arrives. There’s never a dull moment when Gigi’s on the farm.”
After that, Tousant plans to give each of her main characters their own book — including a crooked-neck rooster with a heart of gold, a baby goat who loves parkour, and a group of turkeys who can’t get enough of hearing her sing Fleetwood Mac. She’s even considering a collection called ‘Tales from the Farm Babysitter’ — “if she lets me,” she joked.
Creative Passions Beyond Writing
When Amanda isn’t writing or wrangling animals, she channels her creativity into design. After illustrating Farmer Remi, she fell in love with digital art and launched her own print-on-demand business, Rustic Critter Co, featuring whimsical t-shirt designs inspired by farm life.
She also works as a realtor, balancing her professional work with her creative passions. “Real estate doesn’t offer a lot of creative outlets,” she said. “So, this gives me something that feels fulfilling — a way to bring joy to others and express myself.”
Her advice to others thinking about turning their hobbies into something more? “Just do it! You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. Take small steps, use YouTube, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try. Every skill I have came from curiosity and a willingness to learn.”
Connecting with Readers Online
Amanda recently launched a TikTok account, @myfarmfriends, where families can meet the real-life animals behind her books. She plans to expand to YouTube soon, offering parents a safe, wholesome channel their children can enjoy. “Social media can be tricky,” she said. “I want to create a fun, positive space where families can laugh, learn, and connect with the stories that inspire Farmer Remi.”
About the Author
Amanda Tousant is a U.S. Army veteran, former law enforcement officer, author, illustrator, realtor, and small business owner. She lives in Folkston, Georgia, with her husband Matt, their children, and a lovable collection of farm animals who provide endless inspiration.
Her debut children’s book, Farmer Remi, is available now on Amazon— a heartwarming story perfect for bedtime, classrooms, and anyone who believes that even the smallest among us can do big things.
To follow Amanda’s journey, visit TikTok: @myfarmfriends or shop her farm-inspired designs at Rustic Critter Co on Etsy and TikTok Shop.
