A formerly incarcerated father from Belmont is making up for lost time by writing a children's book with his daughter featured as the main character.

Henry Davis says he started writing when he was incarcerated as a way to stay in touch with his daughter, Tiana, back at home. After two and a half years, Davis was released and his stories turned into a children's book, "Tiana Mermaid," that was published in 2018.

"I had to find a way to reach my daughter and to show her daddy loves her although daddy is not there," Davis said.

The book is about a funny African American mermaid who shows love and kindness to creatures in the sea.

Davis says that making the main character his daughter was his way of staying close to his only child while turning his life around. His daughter, who is now 17, works with him in creating his books.

"Tiana Mermaid" is the first book in a series. "Tiana Clause," a Christmas story, is expected to be released in December of 2020.