If you’ve ever felt that something you loved deeply wasn’t quite as loved by others, then today’s picture book is for you.

David McMullin is currently a world traveler.  In the past he was a youth specialist with the Henderson, Nevada Public Libraries, an actor, and a teacher! McMullin has published poetry and is now debuting as a picturebook writer. His greatest influences include animals, theater, ancient ruins, and food.  You can learn more about him at his website or follow him on Instagram or Twitter.

FREE TO BE FABULOUS! is David’s debut picture book.  It’s a story of young Daniel who loves a singer, Fabulina.  He is a fan of everything she does and loves dancing just like her.  When he hears that the school has a talent contest, he knows he has to enter it and show off his dance moves.  What happens from there sadly won’t be a surprise: he is talented, he is acknowledged, he is scorned.  It’s a dance we know all too well.  Yet this story has twist and turns, as well as wonderful shimmy-kicks that will leave readers rooting for Daniel in ways they hadn’t anticipated.  I know I certainly felt my heartstrings getting pulled, as well as impressed by some freshly covered ground I hadn’t seen in a story like this before.

Welcome David!

Me: Can you talk a little bit about yourself and about your writing journey up to this point?  What brought you to this book?

David: After years as an actor, then a teacher, then a library youth specialist, I am now a full time traveler. My husband and I run a YouTube channel which is just finding its legs. I started writing after I left performing as a way to remain creative. I joined SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators) in 2014, and am just now publishing my first book, ten years later. It’s been a lot of work, but luckily I have loved every step of the journey. This book is the icing on top. Coming to my debut with a story that means so much to me is very special.

Q: I love this story of Daniel and his love for all things Fabulina (and dance).  He reminds me of one my students.  What gave you the idea for this story?

David: There was a video that went viral of a young boy who was invited up onto a stage to perform with his favorite singer. That video got a lot of attention both positive and negative. I couldn’t help but wonder what that experience would be like for a young person.

Me: I love how you described The Mean without putting a face or a name to it.  By not making it a person, you could show how aggressive it could be, how inhuman.  That’s so smart!  Was this always part of the story?  Or did it come about during revision?  How many revisions did this story undergo?

David: The mean was always there but in a very different form. As you can guess by the stories inspiration, the original concept was that Daniel had a video of himself go viral on the internet which was attacked by cyberbullies. These bullies were less personal, but still faceless. That version of the story was elaborate! It had pop-stars, reporters and talkshows, all making appearances. The manuscript went through three R&Rs (revise and resubmit) with my editor before they made an offer. We decided that an intimate school story would be more relatable and thus more effective in delivering its message.

Me: I know you’ve written many manuscripts over the years (52 first drafts in one year!).  I hope you can remember: what is one thing that surprised you in writing this story?

David: Although I have written a large variety of stories, I had never written one that was so personal. I enjoy writing quirky, humorous characters and situations. Things that could never happen in real life. Although this story started out a bit fantastical, it was always focused on an artistic boy (maybe not too unlike I was) learning that what he loved (but was teased for) could be a strength. There is more of myself in the main character than any of my other stories.

Me: As you have written so many stories, I have to ask: what was it about this story that pushed it ahead of every other manuscript you’ve written?  Why did you want it to get revised and polished, submitted and published before any other?

David: The simple answer is I knew it was a strong idea—contemporary, relatable, and full of illustrative possibilities. The less glamorous answer is that it was simply one of many stories. I had been writing seriously for so many years that by time I got my agent, I had twenty to thirty stories that were submission ready. As far as submitting to editors, this is an instance where my agent knew best. Of course, I loved this story or I wouldn’t have shared it with her, but she encouraged me to include it in our first round of submissions.

Me: The illustrations by Robbie Cathro are perfect for this story.  I love the retro look he captures so well, and all of the details he brought to the story.  Were there any illustration surprises for you?  Any favorites?

David: Yes, they are perfect! It’s funny you mention the retro look. While writing the book, because of its cyber themes, I was envisioning a much more modern look, but as soon as Robbie was suggested I knew he was the right illustrator. I was delighted with his depiction of the Mean, and by his use of the pop-star, Fabulina to be Daniels “shadow.”

Me: Any advice for other new picture book writers?

David: You are talented. Your work is amazing. Being, as of yet, unpublished does not make that untrue. Submit your manuscripts, share your knowledge, build community, enter contests, celebrate other’s successes. Learn, learn, learn. Write, write, write!

That is wonderful advice.  I love that!  Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today David.

Dear readers, this book was just released two days ago.  It’s a story of being different, but also recognizing that difference as a strength, told with creativity and love. If you haven’t had a chance yet to check it out, you won’t want to miss it!