When did you become a children’s book author?My path to writing children’s books is probably a little unusual. I’ve spent my career as an Advertising Art Director / Creative Director, creating ad campaigns for clients large and small. Typically, there are creative teams in advertising agencies, made up of an art director and a copywriter, who come up with the ideas for campaigns for clients. Ironically, I’ve been on the art and design side for most of that time. But I’ve always enjoyed the writing aspect of the advertising campaigns I’ve helped create and have always contributed to the writing in a lot of the work I’ve been fortunate to have been a part of. Do you have a writing background?I don’t! But we all have unusual gifts, as the Magoo story shows. While I studied advertising at the University of Delaware, and, in that program, you definitely had to be proficient in both the art and copy side of advertising, I was always teased for coming up with puns. And now I’ll get teased for coming up with rhymes but it’s what I love so I’ve got to share it with the world! How did you come up with the story?Magoo was our beloved meatball of a cat for an unforgettable sixteen years. He loved Temptation turkey treats, my wife’s turkey meatloaf and, honestly, destroying the litter box. Anyone who has had a cat can relate to those times where it’s not quite safe to be near the litter box. That idea, that Magoo had this unique “gift,” was the spark behind “Magoo and His Magic Poo.” How did you come up with the character?The main character, of course, is inspired by Magoo and his special “talent.” He was also a cat that loved to be loved. That spirit of Magoo lives on in the book, and in the kindness and love that Magoo shows toward the puppies he meets in our story. How do you select names for your characters?That’s a great question. We have some unusual names; Magoo, Macy, Tippy, Shamus, Lacy, Rufus and Bart. I wish I could tell where those names came from. I’m going to credit the universe. Did you hire an illustrator or do the illustrations yourself?Luckily, I teamed up with an amazing illustrator. Years ago, I was invited to judge an Advertising Awards show in Seattle. That’s where I met Michael Harring, who is still based in Seattle today. Michael is one of the most incredibly talented artists I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. He’s not only amazing at developing great looking and memorable characters, but he’s very strategic in his choices. He’s brilliant in the details that he’ll add to push not only the storytelling but the level of humor as well. He’s added several fun little “Easter eggs” in this book that I think can keep repeat viewing of the book fresh and fun. Are you self-published or published through a publishing company?Magoo and His Magic Poo is published on Amazon’s KDP platform. From the day you came up with the idea for the story until you were holding your published book in your hand, how long did it take you to complete this book?If I’m being honest, this book has been more than a decade in the making. This was a passion project from the very beginning, and we just kept chiseling away at it when our schedules would line up. If I’m being honest, this book has been more than a decade in the making. This was a passion project from the very beginning, and we just kept chiseling away at it when our schedules would line up.I love this question. When asked why I wrote this, I like to say: Because poo is funny and kindness is cool. What is one thing you wish you knew before beginning your book publishing journey?It’s pretty early in the journey so I don’t have much advice to give but I’m open to feedback and learning as much as I can. Any tips for future children’s book authors?Be yourself. I think you just have to find something that feels authentic and true to you. Rhymes and cats and silliness and kindness resonate with me and that’s what I went with. Anything else wouldn’t have felt right. What is the best reaction from a reader, so far?One early reviewer, a mom, said “This book had my littles and I in stitches.” What is something you’d like people to take away from your book(s)?That we all have our unique gifts and talents, no matter how unusual they may seem and that we can use those gifts as a force for good. Where do you get ideas for your stories?I think some ideas are born from real life experience and some from the universe and I’m grateful for both. When I’m riding my road bike, it’s kind of a form of meditation and I think that helps in being receptive to ideas that come “out of nowhere.” What's your writing process like?Magoo and His Magic Poo is written in rhyme. Ever since I was young, I’ve loved coming up with rhymes. I write rough ideas and rhymes down in my sticky notes on my phone. And I find myself coming up with rhymes when I’m doing other things. And of course, the sillier the better. Do you have any other books in the works?Yes, Magoo and His Magic Poo will be a series. The second book is in the works. He’ll use his special gift once again as a force for good in an entirely different scenario. What does literary success look like to you?Making people laugh. No better reason. Do you read all of the book reviews you receive?Yes! Grateful for every review! What was the hardest thing about getting your book published?Finally getting it done. But we persevered! What is your favorite children's book(s) of all time?The Cat in the Hat, of course! Give me a rhyme anytime.
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