Featured Author: Michael King
In this engaging conversation, Michael shares the story behind his debut children’s book, his creative process, and what he hopes readers will take away from Bernard’s journey. Let’s dive in!
Q. What inspired you to write Bernard the Blue Lobster?
Funniest thing. I was working at the time in the offshore oil and gas fields of the coast of Newfoundland. I had just started my days off and was having a drink with a friend of mine, a very talented artist in her own right. She suddenly said,
“You should write a children’s book, and I will illustrate it.”
Q. Can you share the story behind Bernard’s character? How did you come up with the idea of a blue lobster?
There is no real story about his character other than the fact that blue lobsters are very rare in the wild, something that will resonate with the reader, like a child asking, “Mom, I thought lobsters were red?” That’s where the interaction begins...
Q. What themes or messages do you hope children will take away from Bernard’s story?
I hope children understand that it’s perfectly okay to be different and that there’s nothing to fear about standing out. I also want them to see the power of kindness—that being kind and treating others with respect, even when they haven’t been kind to you, is always the right path to take.
Q. Why did you choose a lobster as the main character? Does Bernard represent something specific to you?
There wasn’t a specific reason for choosing a lobster—it just felt right. Similarly, I once wrote a story called Thomas and The Big Red Bike, inspired by a friend named Tom. Every time I saw him, I’d jokingly say, “Thomas and The Big Red Bike.” That story is part of my short story collection, Two Weeks Under the Maple Tree by M.E. King, a book that’s sure to touch your heart.
Q. Can you also tell us what you do aside from being a children’s book author? Our readers would love to know more about your other interests, hobbies, or professional endeavors.
As the saying goes, I don’t let much grass grow under my feet. I’m about to embark on an exciting business venture—selling my spice blend, The Hangry Chef Food Seasoning. It’s a versatile, multipurpose blend designed to be a great salt alternative. Currently, I’m waiting on lab analysis to determine its nutritional values and finalize the nutritional facts panel. Once that’s done, the next step is launching it on Amazon. If it turns out to be low in sodium and gluten-free, I believe it has the potential to revolutionize the spice industry!
Q. What has been the most rewarding part of being a children’s book author?
The look on my friend's faces when I present a copy of the book to them. You see, I keep my professional life separate from my personal life for the most part. They know about some of my travels for work, but I tend to keep it mostly private.
Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring children’s book writers?
Here’s my advice: Focus on creating big, memorable characters, but don’t overwhelm the story with too many. Keep your word count in check—I learned that lesson the hard way during editing! Don’t be afraid of making mistakes; they’re part of the process. The team at Write and Release Publishing is there to guide you, fix issues, and keep you on track. The term “Book Coach” doesn’t do justice to how much support they provide. And above all, just start writing—because that’s the most important step!
Q. Are there any interesting or fun facts about the making of this book that you’d like to share?
It’s the little moments in the writing process that truly matter. Sometimes, you might feel like you’re wasting time, but then your book coach—who feels like a mind reader—says something unexpected that reignites your drive. I remember being ready to give up at one point. I even called Kerri Anne to tell her I was done. But she reminded me why my story was important and encouraged me to keep going. I couldn’t have finished without her support. And when you finally see those rough drafts of the illustrations, that’s when it all becomes real—it’s an incredible feeling!
Q. What was the most surprising reaction you’ve received from a child, parent or anyone about the book?
Parents were surprised to learn that I had written a children’s book, and they were even more impressed by the story it told. Children who have read Bernard the Blue Lobster or had it read to them have enjoyed the adventures of Bernard and his friends. One memorable moment came from two sisters—the older one read the story to the younger, and both immediately commented on Sally’s behavior:
“She’s not very nice.”
It’s clear that the story’s moral is resonating with readers, which is incredibly rewarding.
Q. How did Write and Release Publishing help you on your journey to publishing Bernard the Blue Lobster?
As I’ve said before, this book would never have come to life without the incredible team supporting me throughout the process. They answered every question—no matter how simple or challenging—with patience and care. Most importantly, they never let me give up, even when I felt like I couldn’t move forward. Their dedication made all the difference.
Q. What was it like working with Write and Release Publishing? Were there any specific aspects of their support that stood out to you?
This is my second self-published book, but it’s been a completely different experience from my first, which was a struggle from the very beginning with a big-box company that I won’t name.
With this team, the support, guidance, and collaboration were exceptional. It felt like I was part of the editing and illustration process every step of the way. For example, Max the Mussel had specific details that were important to me—his shell and color. I thought I might be asking too much, but instead, the team delivered revised illustrations within 24 hours, allowing the process to continue seamlessly.
The process is tubular; free flowing and smooth. Nothing is done without your final permission. It’s beyond anything I ever expected.
Q. Would you recommend Write and Release Publishing to other aspiring authors? If so, why?
Without a doubt, I highly recommend Write and Release Publishing to any aspiring author.
What readers don’t see in a finished book are the countless sleepless nights, the constant tug-of-war between your instincts and that persistent internal editor (believe me, mine is very vocal). They don’t witness the self-doubt or the moments when you question everything about your work, even when deep down you know you’ve created something worthwhile. This is where your book coach comes in. Mine was there at every turn, even when I said that I was done with the project. She held it together and in turn held me together. If it wasn’t for her and the team that work with her daily, my project would have never seen the light of day.
This is where Write and Release Publishing stands out. I’ve used a different self-publishing platform on my first endeavor and was sadly disappointed by the complete lack of attention to the project.
I have told my friends that have the same interest in getting something published. They clearly see the passion that I have for the process and in turn this gives them just a little bit of encouragement that they need.
Q. Do you have any future projects or upcoming books that you’re excited about and can share with us?
Another project I’m currently working on is "Kelly Bakes a Cake". It’s the story of a girl who’s new to her class and feels out of place. The other students notice she doesn’t have the latest fashions or the best backpack, making her feel different. But over time, she makes friends, and together they overcome challenges and learn important life lessons.
The main event in the story is a bake sale. There are whispers about how Rebecca will manage to bake anything. With the help of her new friend and her friend’s mom, who works at a bakery, they learn to make cupcakes. Their cupcakes end up being the best sellers at the bake sale, and the class realizes that true friendships aren’t built on material things but on kindness and support.
The kicker is that the book will include a recipe for my scratch chocolate cake, so kids can bake it with the help of a parent. It’s a story that blends friendship, resilience, and a touch of sweetness.
Q. What do you hope children and parents will remember most about Bernard the Blue Lobster?
It’s okay to be different. It’s okay to be kind and caring. It's okay to be yourself and everyone matters.
Parents should realize that bullying is not okay and that they should instill this into their day-to-day interactions with children.
Also, Bernard made a choice.
He chose to go to The Kelp Beds even though he knew that Sally would be there.
He chose to help Sally even though she had always been very mean to him.
He chose to be kind, caring, and helpful.
In my eyes that makes Bernard a stand-up guy!!!
Coming Soon in 2025:
This year, Michael King will unveil his much-anticipated new book, “The Boy Who Lost His Balloon”—a deeply personal and meaningful story that promises to resonate with readers on many levels. Inspired by his own journey of processing grief, Michael is currently crafting this heartfelt story, bringing a unique blend of vulnerability and insight to a topic that deeply touches us all. Let’s come together to support Michael on this incredible journey of storytelling and self-discovery. Together, let’s celebrate the profound power of stories to heal, inspire, and bring us closer to understanding one another.
Michael's work is a reminder that every story matters, and the best ones come from the heart.
Michael King’s story teaches us that creativity knows no bounds, and great things can come from the simplest inspirations—like a rare blue lobster or a friend’s encouragement. His journey reminds us that it’s okay to be different, to embrace kindness even in the face of challenges, and to never give up on our passions.
Whether through his writing or his adventures, Michael shows that perseverance, teamwork, and a willingness to share your unique voice can create something truly special. His work is a reminder that every story matters, and the best ones come from the heart.