Dr. Marc Fetscherin Shares How Fatherhood and Life Experiences Inspire His Heartfelt Children’s Books
PHOTO: Dr. Marc Fetscherin, acclaimed professor and beloved children’s author, draws inspiration from his daughters to craft stories rooted in love and connection.
Stories of Family, Imagination, and Connection
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.
Marc Fetscherin is a rare literary force who bridges the world of academic rigor with the emotional depth and imaginative wonder of children’s storytelling. A globally acclaimed professor of marketing and branding, Dr. Fetscherin ranks among the top 1% of scientists worldwide—but beyond the lecture halls and research journals, he is a devoted father and gifted author whose children’s books pulse with heart, wisdom, and creativity.
His stories, including We Are Family but Not Married and Bones is Back, are more than just engaging tales for young readers—they are deeply personal, beautifully 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.
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, educators, and readers alike of the transformative power of stories rooted in love, empathy, and authenticity.
A brilliant academic and compassionate storyteller, Dr. Fetscherin creates books that beautifully blend life lessons with heartfelt, imaginative family narratives.
What inspired you to transition from academic writing to children’s literature?
As a university professor specializing 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 children 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—stories 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 resources 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.
“I crafted a story that uses simple language to convey a complex concept and situation of co-parenting.” — Dr. Marc Fetscherin
What role did your daughters play in the creation and development of Bones is Back?
My daughters, Margaux and Mireille, 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 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 Bones watches the parents too, that he can be touched and played with during the day, and that he doesn’t always move at night—making the experience more flexible and fun for families.
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 responsibilities 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 Bones is Back Halloween tradition?
I hope families see the Book and Toy set of Bones is Back as an opportunity to create fun, family traditions that encourage positive behavior and quality time for families. Unlike some holiday characters, Bones is designed to be touched and played with, making the experience more engaging and interactive for children. Through Bones’ adventures, kids learn that Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy but about connections.
“Balancing academic and creative writing requires discipline and passion.” — Dr. Marc Fetscherin
In what ways has your background in branding influenced your approach to children’s storytelling?
At its core, branding is about evoking emotion—just like a great children’s book. A successful brand tells a story that resonates with its audience, and similarly, a compelling children’s book draws young readers into a world filled with imagination and magic. Valuable brands are strong, unique, and distinctive—qualities that also define memorable characters in children’s literature. Bones was developed with these same principles in mind. He’s unlike any other holiday character—both in what he represents and how he appears. From his glowing-in-the-dark body to the hearts on his body (one in the center of his chest and an upside-down heart forming his nose), every detail was designed to make him emotionally engaging, visually unique, and symbolically rich.
How do you ensure your books remain inclusive and accessible to families from all backgrounds?
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of my work. I strive to create stories that reflect diverse family structures and experiences. For instance, Bones is Back is designed to be a tradition that any family can adopt, regardless of cultural or religious background. This is another distinctiveness compared to other holiday characters. Furthermore, the story focuses universal themes like fun, family, love, togetherness or encouraging positive behavior.
“Follow your heart…turning it into a great book takes time—not only months but sometimes years.” — Dr. Marc Fetscherin
What has been the most rewarding response or feedback you’ve received from parents or children about your books?
Whether it’s reading heartfelt reviews on Amazon/Goodreads or—even better—seeing children’s faces light up when they meet the Bones figure, those moments are the most rewarding. Watching their smiles and joy in real time is truly priceless. Knowing that something I created brings joy, fun, and meaningful memories to families is deeply fulfilling. Just as meaningful, though, is knowing that Bones helps parents show their children that Halloween isn’t only about costumes or candy, but about connections.
What advice would you give to other authors who want to turn personal experiences into meaningful children’s stories?
My advise is to follow your heart. Let your story come from a place of authenticity. But also know that passion alone isn’t enough—you need dedication, endurance, and a willingness to keep going, even when it gets tough — and it will. The idea might come to you in a moment of inspiration, but turning it into a great book takes time—not only months but sometimes years. Involve children in the process if you can; their feedback is invaluable. And don’t underestimate the importance of visuals—partnering with a talented illustrator can bring your story to life in ways you never imagined. Most of all, don’t give up and enjoy the process. If your story matters to you, chances are it will matter to others too.
Bones is Back by Marc Fetscherin
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!
