Today, I had the pleasure of chatting with HD Ronay, the creative mind behind the hilarious and heartwarming Magoo and His Magic Poo series. When asked about what makes his work stand out, Ronay revealed that rhyme has always been his not-so-secret weapon. "When I was a kid, I rhymed all the time. There's something about words sounding the same that sparks something magical in your brain." This love for rhyme, which he uses to craft the Magoo series, transforms his books into catchy, engaging stories that resonate with readers of all ages.
Of course, the journey of an author is not without its challenges. While writing is a joy for Ronay, the publishing process can often be more difficult. However, he points out that we live in an era of endless resources and support. "There are so many resources and fellow authors willing to help, especially The Children's Book Authors and Illustrators group on Facebook. While some tools can be tricky to use, there’s always someone willing to lend a hand." This sense of community plays a huge role in navigating the complexities of bringing a book to life.
Collaboration is another key aspect of Ronay’s work. He credits his illustrator, Michael Harring, as more than just an artist but as a true co-creator of Magoo’s world. "Michael provides great input on the story and the rhymes, and I build on his illustration ideas. It’s this open dialogue and ever-evolving conversation that I enjoy most about the process of bringing Magoo’s stories to life." Their partnership highlights the magic that can unfold when two creative minds work in tandem.
Looking ahead, Ronay is eager to continue building the whimsical world of Magoo. With Magoo and His Magic Poo: A Winter’s Tale on the horizon, he promises more adventures and laughter for his readers. His goal is simple but profound: to bring joy and laughter to readers of all ages.
Beyond the technical aspects of writing, Ronay reflects on what truly fuels his creativity. One of his greatest strengths, he says, is embracing the unexpected paths life takes you on. "I was a creative director at global ad agencies for over 20 years, where I created, among other things, the Chips Ahoy cookie guy! In my presentation, 'The Magic of Creativity and Kindness,' I trace my path from deciding to pursue advertising in college to writing Magoo. It’s a reminder that you can be creative in anything you choose to do, and that we all have a gift—no matter how unusual—that can be used for good." This message of finding your unique creative voice and using it for a positive impact is central to Ronay’s journey as an author.
However, even with his extensive experience, visibility remains a challenge. "Patience is key," he notes. "I hope everyone who has read Magoo tells a friend, and everyone who appreciates the humor and message tells 10 friends!" It’s clear that Ronay’s passion for storytelling is matched only by his belief in the power of word-of-mouth to spread joy.
One of the most delightful parts of our conversation was hearing how deeply connected Ronay is to his inner child. Reflecting on a billboard in Times Square that promoted Magoo with the tagline "Fart Meets Heart," he laughed, saying, "That’s my inner child right there on display." It’s a perfect representation of the playful spirit of his work—stories that make kids laugh while also fostering kindness and a love for animals.
In speaking with HD Ronay, it’s evident that he pours his heart and soul into creating stories that not only entertain but also encourage readers to embrace their own unique gifts. As he continues to build the world of Magoo, there’s no doubt his books will keep bringing laughter and joy to children and adults alike. After all, as Ronay reminds us, "We all have a gift that can be used for good."
