Written by: Daniella Felix
Micheal S. Lingo
1. The very endearing trope of found family is prevalent in The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn. Was this done purposefully, or did it happen spontaneously?
The main characters, Bunny and Fawn, were inspired by my two rescue dogs. Their unexpected arrival in my wife’s and my life deeply influenced the book's central theme of found family. Despite being different species, Bunny and Fawn have embraced each other and chosen to share their lives in harmony, embodying the essence of unconditional acceptance and companionship.
Do you feel that your younger self would’ve read The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn?
I believe this is a book I would have read—or at least had read to me—as a child. I can relate to the dynamic between the main characters, who are sisters, as I grew up with a younger brother. I particularly connect with Fawn, the older sibling, as her role resonates with my own experiences. I vividly remember being read stories at night, and my younger self would have thoroughly enjoyed a tale filled with family, fun, excitement, danger, and ultimately, a heartwarming happy ending.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Recently, I’ve developed an interest in participating in vendor shows, not just as a guest but as a vendor. Engaging with readers to discuss my current and upcoming books, as well as signing purchased copies, has challenged me to step outside my comfort zone—an experience I’m thoroughly enjoying and eagerly looking forward to at future events. Beyond my writing, I spend much of my free time with my wife attending various classes, including painting and West Coast Swing. Additionally, I’ve taken up heavy bag boxing, which has been an incredible outlet for stress relief over the past few years.
Some families are the ones we’re born in; others are the ones we make for ourselves. Why do you think it’s important to teach children that not all families are the same?
Teaching children that families come in many forms is vital for fostering inclusivity, empathy, and respect for diversity. By normalizing the idea that families can take different shapes and sizes, we help nurture compassionate, open-minded individuals who value the richness of human relationships. These concepts resonate through the characters of Bunny and Fawn, who, despite their differences—one being a rabbit and the other a fawn—demonstrate that love and connection transcend physical differences, making their story relatable and impactful for young readers.
What was your inspiration for this story?
The inspiration for this book was drawn from my dogs and real-life experiences. I incorporated their unique characteristics and mannerisms into the personalities of their story counterparts. A pivotal real-life event that reshaped the direction of the book was my wife’s and my move from Pennsylvania to Florida. Before the move, I struggled to fully develop the story, but this experience inspired me to include a similar challenge for the characters. This led to the addition of the storm that compels Bunny and Fawn to leave their familiar home and embark on a journey to find a new one. Through this, they navigate the emotions associated with leaving the comfort of the known for the uncertainty of the unknown. This event prompted a substantial rewrite—approximately 75% of the book—and I am grateful for it. The final version truly embodies everything I aspired to achieve in my debut work.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? How did you begin?
Growing up, I never had any interest in writing as a hobby or otherwise. The idea for my first book was merely a sentence spoken to my wife, mostly as a joke, approximately five years ago. I never believed the idea for a children’s book would materialize into anything substantial, thus I never was acted on it for two more years. My wife gave me a book on self publishing a children’s book and I felt like I needed to act upon the initial idea. I was unsure how’d I reach my goal of writing a book or how to start, but I was determined to finish the project regardless of the outcome. Two years later and I was finally holding my first, and certainly not last, children’s picture book.
This is your very first children’s book. Congrats! How do you feel about it?
I am incredibly proud of myself for seeing my first book through to publication. Along the way, I often questioned whether I was making the right choice, but I knew the regret of not finishing would far outweigh any uncertainty I felt about the outcome. Stepping outside my comfort zone, I pushed forward and accomplished something I once thought unimaginable—completing my first book. Even now, I occasionally catch myself wondering if it’s real, only to realize with pride that, yes, I am a published author. The ability to share a piece of myself with the world through my writing is an indescribably rewarding experience.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters? If so, which one?
I deeply relate to Fawn, as being an older sibling myself, I’ve always felt a responsibility to look out for my younger brother’s safety. Much like Fawn guiding Bunny throughout the story, I’ve tried to share the lessons I’ve learned from my own experiences to help my brother navigate life. This connection makes Fawn’s character especially meaningful to me.
The importance of family and resilience during difficult times are important messages in this story. Do you have any other messages for your readers?
One important lesson I’ve learned through this journey is the value of perseverance. There were countless moments during the writing process when I felt tempted to give up because of how challenging it was. As a person who tends to think in ‘black and white,’ the creative process—which often exists in the ‘gray’—was a significant hurdle for me. Writing required me to step outside my comfort zone, embracing ambiguity and uncertainty. Despite the challenges, I was determined to prove to myself that I could complete something difficult. Seeing the book through to its completion has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m grateful for the experience. Now, I approach new writing opportunities with confidence and excitement, no longer afraid of what they might entail.
What is your writing process like?
Whenever an idea for a character, location, or event came to me, I would jot it down on a list, unsure of when or if it would fit into the story. Once I had a collection of ideas, I began sorting them into potential storylines, not knowing whether they would ultimately come together cohesively. After considering the viability of combining various ideas, I organized them in a PowerPoint presentation. This program allowed me to easily view and scroll through my notes, helping me visualize and arrange them into a logical sequence. Additionally, I’ve found that both reading and writing allow me to vividly visualize the story in my mind, which has been incredibly helpful. While I typically write the story first, there are times when I first visualize it and then write based on what I’ve seen in my mind's eye.
How long did it take you to complete The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn?
The entire process, from the initial concept of the story to its completion, took roughly five years. Once I fully committed to writing the book, it took about two years to complete. Interestingly, the writing itself took only a fraction of the time compared to the illustrations. This was largely due to Damien, the illustrator and a close friend of mine, working on the artwork during his evenings and weekends, whenever his schedule allowed.
Can we expect more of Bunny and Fawn? I hope we get to read more of their adventures!
Absolutely! I’m nearly done writing my second book and Damien is working diligently on the cover (title and cover artwork will be fully revealed on January 1st, 2025). I learned much from my first book regarding process and time requirements, both of which have influenced how I’m approaching not only my second book, but all future installments in the Bunny and Fawn series. Based on my current list of ideas, I believe I know where I’m going to start the third and possibly the fourth books. I’m very excited to continue writing as it’s now a new passion and I want to continue writing the Bunny and Fawn series as long as possible.
Why do you think stories addressed to children are important?
Children's stories are incredibly important as they significantly contribute to a child's emotional, intellectual, and social development. They encourage imagination, impart valuable life lessons, build communication skills, and foster a lifelong love for reading. Through these stories, children are given the tools to grow, explore, and better understand both themselves and the world around them. Relating this to The Adventures of Bunny and Fawn, my hope is that young readers can connect with themes of family, home, and self-reliance in a way that resonates with their unique experiences and understanding.
Is there something about the writing or creative process that surprised you?
What surprises me most is how much my perspective on writing has changed. I once saw it as tedious and boring, but now it's become my newest passion. I went from being hesitant to fully committing to my first book, and now I’m eager to continue developing Bunny and Fawn in future installments. I have gained a deep respect for authors and the entire writing community, and I’m thrilled to be part of it. Above all, I’m incredibly proud to call myself an author.
How do you decide which themes, ideas, or messages make it into your story?
The theme of family was present from the very beginning of the book, as it was deeply inspired by how my own family was shaped through the adoption of my dogs. I always knew that family would be a core element of the story. However, the themes of home and self-reliance emerged later, particularly after my wife and I moved. Our relocation prompted a reimagining of much of the book, as I wanted to explore how moving affects a person, especially a child. Leaving behind something familiar for the unknown is a powerful experience, and I knew Bunny and Fawn needed to go through that same emotional journey.
For Fawn, home was something emotional, defined by her bond with Bunny and their physical closeness. Bunny, on the other hand, viewed home more physically, seeing their log as a symbol of safety and belonging. This contrast helped to convey the idea that home is not just a place, but also a feeling—something each character experiences differently.
The theme of self-reliance developed from the need to challenge the sisters by separating them and having them navigate their own paths. I gave Fawn the responsibility of teaching Bunny how to survive and find her way back after their separation, allowing her to grow and develop the independence needed to reunite with her sister. This journey of loss, growth, and reconnection ultimately strengthened their bond and reinforced the idea of self-reliance.
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