Page 68 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

Dr. Marc Fetscherin Shares How
Fatherhood and Life Experiences Inspire
His Heartfelt Children’s Books
Dr. Marc Fetscherin discusses how personal experiences, especially fatherhood, inspired his shift from academia to children’s literature, creating inclusive, emotionally resonant stories that celebrate family, imagination, and meaningful traditions.
Stories of FamilyImagination, and Connection
Dr. Marc Fetscherin's Bones is Back is a delightful, award-winning masterpiece that breathes new life into Halloween traditions. With its playful, family-centered story, Bones encourages creativity, positive behavior, and year-round fun. This stress-free and inclusive tale teaches that Halloween is about more than candy. A must- have for families, this book creates cherished memories and joy for kids and parents alike!
His stories, including We Are Family but Not Married and Bones is Back, are more than just enga- ging tales for young readers—they are deeply personal, beautiful-
ly inclusive, and purposefully designed to foster joy, connection, and understanding within modern families. With a storyteller’s soul and a researcher’s precision, Dr. Fetscherin creates characters and experiences that resonate across cultures and family dynamics, always with a focus on emotional truth and imaginative play.
Bones watches the parents too, that he can be touched and pla- yed with during the day, and that he doesn’t always move at night—making the experience more flexible and fun for families.
68 II NOVELIST POST
MBy Carly Preston
arc Fetscherin is a
emotional depth and imaginative wonder of children’s story- telling. A globally acclaimed professor of marketing and branding, Dr. Fetscherin ranks among the top 1% of scientists worldwide—but beyond the lec- ture halls and research journals, he is a devoted father and gifted author whose children’s books pulse with heart, wisdom, and creativity.
As a university professor specia- lizing in branding, my professional life has been deeply rooted in research and academic writing. However, personal experiences— particularly those involving my daughters—sparked a desire to create stories that resonate with my family situation. Witnessing the impact of storytelling on my child- ren and their excitement thereafter inspired me to channel my writing skills into children’s literature, aiming to craft narratives that are both meaningful and magical—sto- ries that foster connection, spark imagination, and create lasting memories for families.
How did your personal experiences influence the narrative in We Are Family but Not Married?
The book was born out of my own journey through divorce and the challenges of explaining this new family dynamic to my young children. I noticed a lack of resour- ces that addressed such situations in a positive and empathetic way. Drawing from my experiences and discussions with experts, I crafted a story that uses simple language to convey a complex concept and situation of co-parenting, avoiding terms like “divorce” to minimize negative connotations and help children understand that families can thrive in various forms.
What role did your daughters play in the creation and development of Bones is Back?
My daughters, Margaux and Mi- reille, were the inspiration behind Bones is Back. One October, they
questioned why our Halloween skeleton didn’t move like their
Elf on the Shelf. This led us to create our own tradition of moving the skeleton, which evolved into the character “Bones.” Their enthusiasm and creativity played
rare literary force who bridges the world of academ- ic rigor with the
In this insightful interview, Dr. Fetscherin opens up about the inspirations behind his books, the influence of his daughters, and the intentionality behind every word and character. It is a conversation that will not only inspire fellow writers, but remind parents, educa- tors, and readers alike of the trans- formative power of stories rooted in love, empathy, and authenticity.
What inspired you to transition from academic writing to children’s literature?
How do you balance your professional academic work with creative writing for children?
Balancing academic
and creative writing
requires discipline
and passion. I allocate
specific times for
research and teaching,
ensuring that my
academic responsibili-
ties are met. Creative
writing takes place
during my personal
time, serving as both
a creative outlet and a
way to connect with
my children. The two
realms, while distinct, complement each other by allowing me to apply structured research skills to storytelling and vice versa.
What message do you hope families take away from the
a key role in shaping the story and the interactive elements that make this Book & Toy Set truly unique. Over time, we added additional features—like the idea that