Welcome to BookView Interview, a conversation series where BookView talks to authors.
Recently, we talked to Michael Cooper about his writing and recently released book, How to Make a Perfect S’more, a heartwarming tale of summer camp adventures, friendship, and personal growth (read the review here).
Michael Cooper is a first-time author and second-time dad. When he is not coming up with creative stories to entertain his family, you can usually find him in the kitchen enabling their s’mores habit. Aside from writing, he enjoys photography, travel, and vintage timepieces. If he had a dog, it would be named Murphy. If he could travel anywhere, it would be to New Zealand. If he could eat one meal for the rest of his life, it would be fajitas.
Who and what ultimately inspired you to become a writer?
As a first time writer, I absolutely fell into this by a happy accident. While I’m a storyteller by nature this path has been far more in the nurture vein. I was in the kitchen, doing dishes and my son wondered past saying, something to the effect of, “Hey dad, you know what would be awesome, if we could have s’mores anytime we wanted.” That is what lit the spark of inspiration for what evolved from a bedtime story into a book to share with others.
Does your family support your career as a writer?
My family has been immensely supportive at every turn. From the kids encouraging me to take the main character Miles from concept to an illustration and now into print, to my wife urging me to participate in our local elementary school’s Read Across America week, I couldn’t ask for a more supportive environment. Unknowingly, my daughter has been a huge source of ideas for my creative writing. For a period of time it seemed like she would ask for a new story every night. Even outside of bedtime, she consistently implored me to “tell her another story”.
Is writer’s block real?
I’m not sure if it is real…My writing process is usually influenced, and inspired by everyday life. It could be as simple as a passing comment I happen to hear or two stuffed animals on a misadventure in our living room. Inspiration comes from everywhere and everyone. It usually strikes me in bursts, but, like a storm it passes for weeks without having any lasting staying power.
After the writing’s finished, how do you judge the quality of your work?
My kids are the true litmus test, as they will always tell it like it is, unvarnished – good or bad. They’re an amazing barometer along with our close family friends. They were very supportive during this iterative process. Kids know when things don’t make sense, if something feels off, or if it’s just not working. Their matter of fact, unfiltered responses are helpful, but they can sting too! Since I did this for them, they are at the forefront of my mind. As a first time author, I was fearful of both sharing my work and of the feedback it would receive. However, when I finished reading the book to my daughter’s 3rd grade class their faces lit up, which was truly a magical feeling.
If you could only change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I am extremely unorganized, or so my wife says. This process has helped me stay even more on top of deadlines, and be more engaging with those I’ve collaborated with throughout this process. Fortunately, I worked with an extremely talented illustrator, Penny Webber, who helped bring How to Make a Perfect S’more to life. Penny not only helped me tell the story visually but also helped me better understand the book building propress, expectations, and future timelines. While I’m still learning to loathe spreadsheets less, I’m learning to embrace my inner nerd more.
What do you hope readers will take away from this story?
It is my desire that for both readers and those being read to understand modern families are diverse, and their makeup changes over time. Sometimes for the better, but unfortunately not always. Those life changes impact our willingness to trust, and just because someone has had a different experience or upbringing doesn’t mean they don’t have anything unique or valuable to share.
Miles, as the main character, may live in his granny’s apartment in the city and come from a life very different from his fellow campers, but he’s thoughtful, articulate, and loving, especially when he’s met and seen.
As the dad of two mixed race kids, I want my kids to be comfortable as they walk through this world. Making How to Make a Perfect S’more, with a primary character particularly inspired by my son, was one way I could help ensure they saw the world and literature represented them.
What’s next for you?
I’ve tested a few drafts for a second book about Miles and Gus with my kids and the drafts are showing great promise, although they tell me I have more work to do. Assuming they are decent judges, we may have a series on our hands as I also have a concept for the third book as well.
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BookView Review 
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