This interview highlights Michael S. Lingo’s journey into storytelling and his creative process. We’ll explore how everyday inspirations, collaborations, and life experiences shaped his work, and how he sees stories as bridges that connect people. The conversation centers on creativity, resilience, and the ways narratives—whether for children or adults—can bring people together and spark curiosity about the world.

Michael, thank you for joining us. To start, could you introduce yourself and share a little about what you do and what drives your work?

My professional background is in architecture and construction, so becoming a children’s book author wasn’t a path I had initially envisioned. What began as a lighthearted idea slowly became a project I couldn’t stop thinking about. After carrying that “what if” in the back of my mind for a long time, I finally committed to writing my first book.

In August 2024, I self-published The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn. That first step sparked a deep passion for writing and storytelling, and now I’m back with the second book in the series, Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery. I’m already looking ahead—illustrations for the third book begin this January, and plans for a fourth are taking shape. Writing has quickly become a creative pursuit I can’t imagine stepping away from.

What first drew you toward writing and storytelling, and how did that interest grow into something you actively pursued?

My inspiration comes from my two rescue dogs, who serve as the heart of my creative work. The personalities and mannerisms of Bunny and Fawn are directly influenced by them. My interest truly solidified as I neared the completion of my first book. Writing was nothing like anything I had done before and demanded that level of creativity, but the moment I held the finished copy, I knew I was hooked. With so many ideas for future stories, writing quickly became something I hoped to pursue for a lifetime.

When you think back on your early inspirations, whether people, places, or experiences, what moments stand out as shaping your perspective?

At the moment, my writing isn’t shaped by other authors or books. My greatest inspiration comes from my dogs and the traits I’ve adapted into my characters. As I continue developing new stories, I’m sure certain authors will influence my style over time. For now, my life experiences and my four-legged companions are my guiding force.

Collaboration plays a role in many creative fields. How has working with others influenced your process and the final outcomes of your projects?

Collaborating with Damien on illustrations has brought each book to life in a unique way. His ability to envision scenes or refine earlier designs to better serve the story has elevated the quality of both books. At times, he has seen potential where I couldn’t, and his contributions have enriched every page.

From the writing perspective, my editor, Jessica Powers, has been invaluable. Despite her extensive experience, she never tried to impose her vision onto my work. Instead, she supported my creative goals while offering insightful feedback that helped me strengthen the storytelling.

Your stories often emphasize friendship, resilience, and discovery. Why are these themes important to you, and what do you hope readers take away from them?

Friendship, resilience, and discovery are truly universal themes. Our lives are shaped by the people around us. We learn from mentors, as Bunny does in my first book when Fawn teaches her how to stay safe in the forest. Life is unpredictable, and we must be prepared for challenges and opportunities alike.

I hope readers understand the value of learning from every experience, whether good or bad, as each one makes us stronger. As for discovery, the world offers endless chances to meet new people or embark on new adventures, and ignoring those opportunities only limits what life has to offer.

Can you walk us through how you typically develop an idea—from the spark of inspiration to the finished piece?

My process has evolved significantly since my first book. Initially, I had no clear direction until a major life event inspired a new storyline. When my wife and I moved from Pennsylvania to Florida, the transition gave rise to a theme about loss and renewal. That experience led to rewriting most of the book.

For Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery and the upcoming third book, I built on the previous stories along with a list of ideas. This approach allowed me to draft the core narrative within a couple of hours. My first drafts are unpolished and focused on getting ideas out rather than on perfecting grammar.

I then take a week or two between revisions to see the story with fresh eyes. My wife often provides valuable feedback, and one major revision in Bunny and Fawn: The Midnight Creature Mystery came directly from her suggestion about the tone. Finally, my editor provides professional insight to refine the story, which helps polish the final version. Open dialogue during this stage is essential, and learning not to take feedback personally has been key to a successful collaboration.

Looking back on your journey so far, what milestones or accomplishments have felt the most meaningful to you, and why?

The most meaningful milestone has been refusing to give up on my first book. Tapping into what I call “the gray,” or the creative space between black and white, has never come easily to me. In the past, I often abandoned projects that lacked clear direction.

Holding that first finished copy filled me with a sense of pride unlike anything I had ever experienced. I had gone beyond what I thought myself capable of achieving, and it was both humbling and eye-opening. In many ways, I believe writing children’s books, regardless of commercial success, is what I am meant to do.

Many writers draw from personal experiences in subtle ways. How do your own life experiences find their way into your creative work?

My life experiences play a relatively small role in my books. The stories are almost entirely inspired by my dogs, who have brought immense joy, energy, and imagination into my life. They continue to be my greatest source of inspiration.

Storytelling has the power to shape communities. How do you see your work contributing to shared understanding or connection among readers?

Children are constantly learning how relationships and family dynamics work. I think back to my own experiences at summer camp, where new friendships were formed and old ones rekindled each year.

Those early lessons about kindness, forgiveness, and acceptance still matter to me today. Through my stories, I hope to pass along those values and show that empathy and second chances can build stronger, more connected communities.

What advice would you share with someone who wants to pursue a creative path but feels uncertain where to begin?

Don’t give up. It may sound cliché, but finishing something, even if only a few people ever read it, is far more rewarding than abandoning it halfway through. I have walked away from projects before, and I know the regret that follows. Sticking with this one changed everything for me, and now I am working on my third book with clear plans for more.

If you were to write your bio in your own words, what would you say? What legacy do you hope to leave?

I would want my body of work to reflect meaningful themes that resonate beyond childhood. The lessons in my books are intended for readers of all ages. My hope is to leave behind stories that inspire kindness, resilience, and curiosity in everyone who reads them.