Michael Grady is a musician with the UniverseXplodes, and he is a stained-glass artist. Michael’s music can be found at theuniversexplodes.com. His art is displayed and sold at Island Thyme Shop – Crow Valley Gallery in Eastsound, Washington. Coauthor Gigi Carter is founder and CEO of My True Self, a socially conscious nutrition and wellness practice, and author of The Plant-Based Workplace.

LITPICK INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR MICHAEL GRADY

When LitPick hit up Michael Grady, coauthor of The Spinach in My Teeth, for an interview we had only one special request: We told him to have fun with it! Oh, and he did....

How did you get started writing? I started writing in fifth grade, to entertain my fellow students. One character, Greta Girdle Grinder, was a huge hit with my friends but, strangely, not my teacher.  

Who most influenced you? Dr. Seuss, hands down. The imagination, the rhymes, his own new vocabulary. Truly amazing. 

Do you have a favorite book from childhood? Where The Wild Things Are captures so much of what I love. Adventure, strange creatures, childhood angst and wonder. Amazing art, it is a classic.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to be an author? Even if it seems far out, wacky, or strange, go with it. Being spontaneous and letting the story flow out is very satisfying. Also, working with someone who is organized and goal-oriented is a huge help.

Where is your favorite place to write? I love to write sitting on the floor with a pen and note pad. That's when the muse can really do her thing. I also like to talk through story ideas. Working with a co-writer is a great way to be in the moment and come up with fresh ideas.

What else would you like to share with us? I've been writing songs and lyrics for quite a while now, and I've gotten pretty good with rhymes. I love to revisit older songs and write new verses or a bridge. I like the idea that what I've written can continue to change, that it's never really finished.

Until next time, your next new rhyme, we'll talk again... A fresh new line, should be real fine, so see you then... Sorry, Michael, couldn't resist a little rap-rhyme to bid farewell for now!