Gretchen’s Lock is located in the Beaver Creek State Park. The lock is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a canal worker’s daughter. (Salem News photo by Danielle Garner)

EAST LIVERPOOL — East Liverpool business owner Brian K. Little is expanding his skills with age. After establishing a successful lawn mower repair service, he has developed his inner artist.

Brian’s mother Mildred witnessed her son explore drawing, carving sculptures and crafting knives. Now, Little can say he is a self-published author.

“What is there next to do, you know?” Mildred remarked.

Little is celebrating the release of his book inspired by the legend of Gretchen’s Lock at Beaver Creek State Park. The book, entitled “Gretchen,” tells the story of childhood adventures.

Little drew inspiration for the book from his memories of vintage movies he watched each Sunday on the Disney Channel while he was growing up.

“I could see that as a movie and it just developed from there,” Little explained about how “Gretchen” mentally unfolded for him.

Little attributes his vision for “Gretchen” to his early morning walks in the parks. I enjoy the serenity I find down there. It’s so peaceful and it’s the quietness of it. You’re really part of nature,” he said.

Little hopes to pique interest in the parks and the history of Beaver Creek. “I would love to see people get interested in there and start going down there and really giving it the honor and respect it deserves,” he said.

“Gretchen” can be purchased on Amazon in both paperback and eBook form. “Gretchen” can also be found at area businesses: Marty’s Family Discount Drug at 2249 Lisbon St., Mama’s Attic at 147 N. Market St., Alcatraz Body at 16136 OH-170, Killy’s Kauldron at 645 E State St., and Slacks Antique Mall. Little also sells the book at Brian’s Lawn Mower Parts & Repair Inc., located at 16780 Annesley Road.

“Gretchen” gives an entertaining twist to the history of Gretchen’s Lock while also providing a great story line, according to Little. “I am actually doing a continuation of the story,” he said. “The main characters will continue on their adventure.”