Do you know someone who has Cellphoneitis?
Michelle S. Kennedy is a children’s author and poet dedicated to creating stories that blend laugh-out-loud humor with heart. Her mission is simple: to help the next generation discover the joy of reading! Her debut picture book, Cellphoneitis, has quickly become an essential resource for digital wellness, praised by parents, teachers, and library media specialists for its relatable and rhythmic approach to screen-time balance.With a background in the corporate world and the real-life experience of raising a son in the digital age, Michelle understands the modern family’s struggle to stay connected. Now an empty nester in Sugar Hill, GA, she draws inspiration from the world around her and the often unexpected “growing pains” of life. When she isn’t writing, Michelle brings her creative eye to interior design and her family’s advertising business. You can learn more about Michelle at her website or follow her in BlueSky or Twitter.
CELLPHONEITIS is a picture book parody. Owen gets a cell phone for his birthday and becomes obsessed and tuned out. Before you know it, everyone but Owen himself realizes he’s got a bad case of Cellphoneitis.
Welcome Michelle!
Me: Can you tell us a little bit about your writing journey? When did you start writing picture books? How has that brought you to writing this picture book?
Michelle: I drafted my first picture book when my son was three. He’s now 20! My first manuscript was based on a nightmare that my son had. I turned it into a funny story so he could go back to sleep. The next day I wrote the story premise down and then I decided to make it rhyme—since what kid doesn’t love a good rhyming story?! I quickly learned I knew nothing about writing picture books or rhyming for that matter!
Fast forward to today: I have since learned the art of rhyme (which really is about meter), by taking Renee LaTulippe’s Lyrical Language Course. (I recommended it to anyone wanting to write in rhyme.) I studied and practiced meter for years to become really good at it. It’s not as easy as people think, but it can definitely be learned. I set aside my writing for a period of years to raise my son, but for the last seven years, I’ve become involved in organizations like 12×12 and SCBWI (I’m part of the regional team) and I continue to work on my writing almost every day in some capacity. I would say that connecting with the illustrator through local SCBWI events and being good in rhyme and meter is what opened up the opportunity for me to write this picture book. Bonnie and I admired one another’s talents. We became friends through SCBWI and wanted to work together on project.
Me: I love that you’re taking the tech obsession head on. What gave you the idea for this story?
Michelle: The concept and title were actually Bonnie’s (the illustrator) idea from 2012. She asked me to collaborate with her to rewrite the story.
Me: I noticed that you included quite a bit of back matter. How much research did you have to do? Were there any shocking discoveries?
Michelle: I spent several hours researching what the use of cell phones do to a child’s brain. I feel like all the information I learned was pretty shocking. I think most people don’t realize how harmful they can be to a child, mainly because they can cause a real disconnection relating to people in person.
I also found it interesting that there is actually a word for having a fear of being without a cell phone. It’s called “nomophobia.”
Me: What is one thing that surprised you in writing this story?
Michelle: I was surprised at how quickly it all seemed to come together!
Me: Can you talk about the marketing of your book? Why did you decide to pursue the self-publishing route?
Michelle: At this time, most of our marketing has been through word of mouth and posting through social media. I also created a Cellphoneitis Facebook “launch team” page. Getting positive reviews on Amazon is key. The more positive reviews you have, the higher you move up in the algorithm to get found by others. Bonnie and I have done various podcasts and blogs to get the word out too.
In this industry, if you’re a writer, you don’t typically get to choose your illustrator if you go the traditional route. Bonnie and I wanted to do a project together so self-publishing was the only way we could do it.
Me: The illustrations by Bonnie Bright are pitch perfect! I love all the humor she conveys through the main character’s transformation. Were there any illustration surprises for you? Any favorites?
Michelle: Bonnie is certainly talented. I was surprised by how fast she was able to illustrate 40+ pages of a picture book! Her speed blew me away. One of my favorite pages is where Owen is going through all the signs of withdrawal. The facial expressions are so much fun! I also adore the movie theatre scene.
Me: Do you have any advice for aspiring picture book writers?
Michelle: Put in the work to hone your craft. Study and read current picture books. Take writing courses. Join 12×12 and SCBWI and become involved in your local chapters and get support through critique partners and others in the industry. Never stop learning! There are lots and lots of rejections along the way so know this going into it and be persistent and patient.
That’s great advice Michelle. Thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Dear readers, this book published in February. It’s a funny story with a lighthearted attempt to look at a problem that can actually have quite serious consequences for young developing brains. Trust me when I say, you won’t want to miss how this one handles the subject matter.