In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of delving into the world of author Mike Darcy, the creative mind behind the children’s book Little Joe & The Big Rain. Through this in-depth conversation, we explore the inspiration behind his writing, his journey towards becoming an author, and the captivating themes woven into his heartwarming tale. Join us as we uncover the fascinating insights and experiences that have shaped Mike Darcy’s literary endeavors, from the creation of endearing characters to the collaborative process of bringing his enchanting story to life.

But First, who is Mike Darcy?

Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.
When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.

Mike Darcy’s Books:

What inspired you to write “Little Joe & The Big Rain”?

About 20 years ago, my flower asked me for a bedtime story, that is the short and very quick story of how Little Joe came to be. He was a bedtime story who popped up again with my own child and several others over time.

Can you share some background about your writing journey and how you became an author?

I love to tell stories, no matter who they are for. I think storytelling is a gift that we were all given as social creatures. Funnily enough, I’m not the writer in my household. My wife and child truly have that gift. However, I was encouraged to write the stories I tell, which led to me writing Little Joe and allowing me to grow from an oral storyteller to an author.

Are any of the characters in the book based on real people or experiences from your life?

With the exception of the name “Anna” (the name of my flower girl) all of these characters are products of my imagination. Now, I have personally chased after deer in the woods, and I have had several encounters with bears while in the woods. But no, this story is not based on anything or anyone on purpose.

What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from “Little Joe & The Big Rain”?

I hope that Little Joe is a reminder to see each other, and to acknowledge the challenges we each face. And to help freely with kindness and love, no matter our differences.

What challenges did you face while writing and how did you overcome them?

This story has ebbed and flowed over the past two decades. Since it was 15 years before I wrote the first draft, things have shifted, expanded, and contracted, and I’m sure that I’ve lost elements of the first telling. The challenge I faced was that while the stories were for others, what I wrote was just for me. It was a big moment when I sought an editor and had them read it.

The illustrations in the book are captivating. How did you collaborate with the illustrator to bring your story to life?

This was a process and I’m sure it was not the most efficient way to do it. I paid dozens of illustrators for samples based on an excerpt from the book. I narrowed it down to three artists with help from others, and Tincho was always on the list. Then I paid two of them to create the illustrations for the scenes I selected. In the end, Tincho’s work had a delightful uniqueness, and I grew to see that his vision was Little Joe.

How do you engage with your audience, especially young readers, to encourage a love for reading?

We are competing with the constant barrage of stimulation, and instant access to anything we want. That can be addictive, but I believe we still want to use our imagination, to lose ourselves in a world that is not our own. That is what I hope to share in my writing. An adventure that the reader can take at their own pace with characters they can relate to. I don’t write down to young readers, My book is not a chapter book and not a picture book. It is a challenging length for young readers but still visually engaging. I hope that young readers will disappear into the world of Little Joe and not get hung up on the word count. They’ll just ask for more.

Do you plan to continue writing children’s books, or do you have interests in exploring other genres?

I have already written the next two books of Little Joe, Little Joe and the Big City, and Little Joe and the Big Snow. I am working on even more expansion in the world of Little Joe; I hope readers are as excited to follow him on his adventures as I am to share them. Now, to the second part of the question. I’m a storyteller, and I have spun a few yarns in my time. I’ve been working on some ghost stories and horror stories and some science fiction retellings of classic fairy tales. We will have to see where the journey takes me, but I hope you haven’t heard the last of me as an author.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors, especially those looking to write for children?

If your story or your characters evoke an emotion, then it is worth sharing. It is that simple. It took me 19 years to finally write it down, so know there is no wrong way to do this. As for the target audience of children, don’t write down to them… just write to them. We have the advantage of getting an audience before their attention span is limited to 280 characters.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with your readers or those following your journey?

First, thank you. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It means a lot to me that you enjoyed the world I’ve shared. Second, this story started with an audience of one and I still feel that way. We may never meet, and I may never tell you this story myself. But now you are part of our family. I am sharing Little Joe because I believe in the power of storytelling to create community. Every person who reads this book is now connected forever to all the others. So, welcome to the family. I’m thrilled to have you.

Thank you, Author Mike Darcy, for taking the time to answer our questions. Your thoughts and creative process behind “Little Joe and the Big Rain” have inspired us, and we hope readers will be as inspired by the book as much as we have.