Interview with Mickey Carolan

1-When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

In Elementary School, I earned a “Young Author” award t-shirt, sparking the idea of making writing a lifelong goal. Fueled by my passion for books and reading, the initial concept for this book emerged during the 2014 National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The flame was reignited in 2023 when I fully committed to bringing Mom Dad Not Hear to the world.

2-How do you schedule your life when you’re writing?

I don’t structure my life around writing; instead, I integrate writing into my existing schedule. Writing holds therapeutic value for me, and making it feel like an obligation diminishes its therapeutic qualities. When actively working on a book, I create a timeline and set a weekly writing goal, aiming for 2-3 chapters. Balancing various aspects of my life, this approach proved effective in completing Mom Dad Not Hear.

3-What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I have two consistent writing quirks that stand out. Firstly, I always keep a book within sight—any book works. It acts as a subtle reminder that my own book could be on someone else’s table one day, motivating me to keep writing. Secondly, I prefer to sit on my living room couch with my laptop and lap desk, accompanied by a sporting event playing on the television.

4-How did you get your book published?

I established my own publishing imprint, Third Culture Books, to expedite the process and retain control over decision-making. Being proactive in learning about the industry and collaborating with talented individuals has been integral to my approach.

5-Where did you get your information or idea for your book?

The inspiration for my book comes directly from my life experiences. It delves into my personal journey and the lessons I gleaned from growing up with Deaf parents.

6-What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Outside of writing, my primary pastime is chasing after my children. I find great joy in coaching whatever sport they’re interested in, not only for my own kids but also for their friends. The rewards of coaching are incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, I indulge in weightlifting and reading during my free time.

7-What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your book?

One of the most surprising revelations during the creation of my book was underestimating the wealth of information readily accessible about the publishing process and industry. The valuable insights I discovered have proven to be immensely beneficial on this journey. Kudos to those generous individuals who share their knowledge!

8-Is there anything you would like to confess about as an author?

I decided to remove a chapter from the manuscript. Upon reflection, I realized it needed to be written from a therapeutic perspective, but I’ve chosen to keep it private. I’m grateful to my wife, Erin, for guiding me to that realization.

9-As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

As a child, my aspirations seemed to shift every year. At different points, I wanted to become a Professional Baseball Player, Dairy Farmer, Banker, Accountant, and Author.

10-How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?

Handling negative book reviews is undoubtedly challenging. It’s crucial to differentiate between constructive criticism and mere negativity projected onto you. Viewing it as an opportunity to learn can contribute to personal growth. However, for reviewers, it’s essential to recognize that there are individuals behind the book—people who invested considerable time and energy in bringing it to life. Empathy carries significant weight in this process.

Author Bio:

Author and Speaker Mickey Carolan is a storyteller with a unique perspective. Growing up with two Deaf parents, he became fluent in one of the most beautiful languages in the world, American Sign Language. Fueled by a passion to honor his family’s remarkable legacy, Mickey’s words leap off the page, inviting readers into his world.

Nestled just outside the vibrant hub of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Mickey shares his life with his cherished wife and their two dynamic children. Amidst the hustle and bustle of optimizing global supply chains and being his wife’s trusty cheerleader in the salon realm, Mickey finds inspiration in writing about leadership and the intricate dance of life.

Beyond the keyboard, Mickey finds joy in a variety of roles – a family man devoted to his loved ones, a youth sports coach molding future champions, an avid reader delving into diverse realms of thought, and a fitness enthusiast who finds strength not only in lifting weights but in the weights of life’s experiences.

Mickey Carolan adds a new layer to the legacy he seeks to preserve with every word he crafts. Through his stories, we’re reminded that the beauty of life lies not just in its smooth paths but in the unexpected twists and turns that shape us.

Mickey currently has two installments in his Deaf Kids Can series. Sky, the Deaf Home Run Hero: A Lesson in Courage and Bonnie and the Deaf Bake Squad: A Lesson in Confidence. His non-traditional memoir titled Mom Dad Not Hear: 30 Powerful Stories and Lessons about Leadership, Life, and Love from My Deaf Parents will be released on February 13, 2024.

Book Description

In this endearing, non-traditional memoir, the son of a Deaf mother and father takes you on an adventure inside a culture most of us have never experienced.

In Mom Dad Not Hear, Mickey Carolan exposes the joys and heartaches of living as a hearing person in a non-hearing home, and he shares 30 intimate stories and lessons learned from his life as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults).