The Spotlight Network Feature with Logan Crawford

In October 2023, I had the pleasure of chatting with Logan Crawford for a feature on The Spotlight Network. To get to talk about my sweet Eddie and my book was a delight. I am so thankful to Logan and his team!

Spotlight Interview with Molly Michieli

Logan Crawford: Welcome to Spotlight! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with a fantastic writer, Molly Michieli. She’s the author of Eddie's Spaghetti, a charming book inspired by her lovable rescue dog, Eddie, and their shared affection for Italian cuisine. Molly lives in the beautiful state of Colorado with her family and playful dogs. She balances her time between her marketing career, nature adventures, culinary explorations, and her passion for writing delightful books like Eddie Loves Spaghetti. We’re thrilled to have her here on Spotlight today. Don’t forget to support writers like Molly by subscribing to our channel and purchasing her wonderful book. The links are provided below.

Molly Michieli: Thank you so much for having me, Logan. It’s great to be here!

Logan Crawford: Let’s dive into Eddie's Spaghetti. Can you tell us a bit about the story?

Molly Michieli: Of course! The book was inspired by my dog, Eddie, who I always felt was like a human trapped in a dog’s body. He adored food and would eagerly sniff around the kitchen whenever we cooked. I started writing this story while I was pregnant with my first daughter, imagining what parenting would be like. Eddie was my closest example of what it meant to nurture and care for someone, so I daydreamed about what life would be like if he were human. That’s how the story of family, food, and Eddie’s love for spaghetti came to life.

Logan Crawford: Who was the first person to read your book?

Molly Michieli: It was actually my dad. He read it first and loved it, which led my sister to read it as well. She encouraged me to pursue publishing it, and the rest is history!

Logan Crawford: Have you shared the book with any children? How do they react to it?

Molly Michieli: Yes, I have two daughters—my oldest is nine and my youngest is five. They both adore the book. The theme of food and family resonates with them, as we often come together over meals. Hearing my nine-year-old read the book back to me was an incredibly rewarding experience.

Logan Crawford: What lessons or messages do you hope to convey to young readers?

Molly Michieli: I want to emphasize the importance of putting love into everything you do. Whether you’re creating something new or trying something for the first time, if you do it with love, it will turn out great. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help—it's one of the bravest things you can do. In the story, Eddie seeks help from his mom, who teaches him about spaghetti, and it’s all done out of love.

Logan Crawford: Your deep connection to Colorado's landscape is evident in the book. Could you tell us more about that?

Molly Michieli: Absolutely. Growing up, I developed a love for the outdoors, which I’m passing on to my daughters. While the setting of the book could be any urban area, I wanted to capture the Denver feel, especially towards the end where Eddie ends up with an office overlooking a beautiful city. Denver is my favorite place, and I’m thrilled to include a bit of that in the book.

Logan Crawford: Are you working on any new projects?

Molly Michieli: Yes, I’m currently working on some rhyming poetry for children. I love how rhyme helps with phonemic awareness and letter sounds. My writing often revolves around childhood and self-discovery, and I definitely plan to write more books in the future.

Logan Crawford: Are these poems aimed at children or adults?

Molly Michieli: They’re primarily for children, but I believe there’s a lot for adults to enjoy and learn from as well. Children’s books and poetry often offer valuable lessons for readers of all ages.

Logan Crawford: Reading to children can be such a special bonding experience. What’s your approach to storytime with your daughters?

Molly Michieli: My husband and I take turns reading to our girls each night. We have fun traditions, like using different voices or taking turns reading parts of the story. Instilling a love for reading in them is very important to me, and I’m grateful that they both enjoy books and storytelling.

Logan Crawford: Did Eddie get to enjoy much spaghetti in his lifetime?

Molly Michieli: He did! Eddie passed away last September at the age of 16. He lived a great life and got to enjoy a few bites of spaghetti and other special treats during [the] holidays. He was a very lucky dog, and I was a fortunate dog mom.

Logan Crawford: Tell us a bit about the illustrations in the book.

Molly Michieli: My publisher, Austin Macauley, paired me with a fantastic illustration team who brought Eddie and his mom to life in a way I could never have imagined. One of my favorite illustrations is the last one, where they’re at an outdoor dinner party. It feels so real and relatable.

Logan Crawford: Have you considered adapting Eddie Loves Spaghetti into an animated film or series?

Molly Michieli: That would be a dream come true! I can definitely see a series exploring new recipes and family traditions. It’s something that’s very close to my heart, and I’d love to see it celebrated in a larger format.

Logan Crawford: Before we wrap up, can you share a bit about your marketing career?

Molly Michieli: I’ve been in marketing for about 12 years, currently working as a Content Strategist. I help write and strategize copy to engage the right audience. It’s been a rewarding experience that complements my creative writing pursuits.

Logan Crawford: Did you write Eddie Loves Spaghetti all at once or was it a more gradual process?

Molly Michieli: It was definitely a gradual process. The initial idea came from a fun concept with my niece, and the poem evolved over time. I continued to tweak it and refine it until it felt complete. The final edits by the publisher were minimal, and that’s when I knew it was ready.

Logan Crawford: The hard work has certainly paid off. Eddie's Spaghetti is a wonderful book. Thank you for joining us today, Molly.

Molly Michieli: Thank you, Logan. It’s been a pleasure.

Logan Crawford: And thank you to our viewers for joining us on Spotlight. Don’t forget, Eddie Loves Spaghetti is available everywhere books are sold, including Amazon. The links are below. Until next time, take care!