Meet Mister Figg | Children’s Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mister Figg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mister, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always had an interest in writing. It was just a matter of discovering which path in writing I would walk. Through years of going through various writing experiences, and educational and life growth moments, I was brought to my current path as a children’s author of mainly fantasy, adventure, and light sci-fi. It’s also added to a place of happiness for me in ways that I honestly can’t describe, but can only enjoy as I walk this path.

Alright, so let’s move on to what keeps you busy professionally?
For me, I don’t really try to set myself apart from anyone. I just write what I’m inspired to write, and let everything else fall into place. Sometimes my work sets me apart, and sometimes I’ll fall into the crowd. I’m okay with either. Maybe that’s what sets me apart? I don’t know. As long as I’m creating something that takes place in a fantasy or adventure or science fiction world, and kids gain some joy or mind-growth, I’m happy with that.

I’m most proud of being among those writers, and really all creatives, that can say that I am doing something that genuinely makes me happy. For me, doing in life at least one thing that makes you happy is something we all should strive for. Writing is it for me. It’s the one thing I’m most proud of, no matter where my path takes me.

As for whether this is easy or not, it’s definitely not easy. Anyone who enters anything within the creative industry should be prepared for that. You can only do it if you love what you’re doing, especially if you don’t see achievements happening or goals reached. For me, loving this is what helps me overcome the challenges. It keeps me determined, and it keeps me moving along the path, taking alternate routes as I see the twists and turns along the way. It’s indeed a challenging journey, but it’s also an enjoyable one that helps me grow in so many ways – both as a creator and as a person.

As for lessons learned, I think my biggest one is to just stay the course if there are still paths open for that course. Also, and probably more of a reinforcement of what I originally felt when I entered this, enjoy every moment, appreciate everything gained, and expect nothing while seeing everything beyond just being able to be a children’s author as icing on the cake.

As for me and my brand, whether a story is an adventure in a backyard or set in fantasy, my stories usually take readers away from the everyday world. My goal is to always create a story that is entertaining while providing a lesson or two. I also aim to feature characters that represent children from all backgrounds and all homes. Finally, as a personal add, I also would like to encourage parents to do storytime with their children at home – even if it takes just a few moments, and even as many parents will have to face personal challenges to add this to their lives (just a hope of mine).

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me, as a creative, I’d encourage everything to support South Florida creatives.

Off the top of my head, I’d first start by telling everyone to get out to a bookstore. We all know Barnes and Noble, but I’d also encourage any one of the Books & Books locations. It’s a great bookstore run by many great people. I’d also encourage them to get out to Sweet Haven Books in Cauley Square, especially for anyone that lives in the South Dade area.

As for other activities for creatives, I’d include any of the many art walks and art studios throughout Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach. I’d encourage getting out to Wynwood for the many art experiences that can be found there – studios, street art, etc. I also recommend, for South Dade, someone visiting the rest of the previously mentioned Cauley Square – many cool things like art, a unique lamp and lighting store, a vintage clothing store, scenery, peacocks, and more. Further north, I’d recommend getting out to the Little Haiti Cultural Center, which is representative of part of my culture. Nearby, you can visit Villain Theater, which has some very entertaining improv performances done by local talent. There are many other venues to get out to.

As for events, I will always recommend the Miami Book Fair. Also, I recommend the Local Books Fair which is hosted by the Miami-Dade Public Library System. There is also the Little Haiti Book Festival. There is also the South Florida Book Fair in Broward County. There are many other South Florida book events.

In addition to the book events, as mentioned, there are many art walks in the tri-county area. I also recommend getting to the other creative events such as the local seafood festivals that feature many other vendors that are creators for each theme. Also, look for the schedules for creative events at any of the colleges and universities.

That’s what I’d invite a friend to do while here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
For me, I have to give credit to people that I have encountered in my life – both for good experiences and for the experiences that have helped me grow as a person.

I also have to give great credit to the main association I participate in and have learned so much from, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and our chapter in my home state, SCBWI Florida, and also my writing siblings at #MiamiCritiqueGroup.

And of course, my other writing siblings that I have worked with along my writing path.

Website: www.misterfigg.com

Instagram: @realMisterFigg

Twitter: @realMisterFigg

Other: Anyone can search for me on Google: Mister Figg

Image Credits
Miami Book Fair Miami-Dade Public Library System Homestead Cybrarium Deering Estate The Children’s Trust Books & Books Little Haiti Book Festival Michael Marko