From Illustrator to Novelist: Ypsilanti’s Darren Cools on his Debut "Light in the Canyon"

In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Darren Cools, a Ypsilanti-based illustrator, graphic designer, and author. Originally from Washington state, Darren moved to Michigan in 2020 and has since become a vibrant part of the local creative community.We learned more about his debut young adult science fiction novel, Light in the Canyon, which explores themes of grief, wonder, and the “space between life and death”. Darren also shares a sneak peek into his ambitious new “solarpunk” series set in a futuristic Ypsilanti (reimagined as Woodruff’s Grove), where rebels on bicycles navigate a world built on radical hope.Episode Highlights:* The “Physical Drama” of the West vs. Michigan’s Subtle Beauty: Darren discusses the transition from the waterfalls and cliffs of the Pacific Northwest to the subtle, “quiet” beauty of the Michigan landscape.* A Lifelong Dream Realized: From writing his first story at nine years old to balancing life as a father of three and a user experience writer, Darren talks about finally claiming his identity as an author in his thirties.* The Mystery of Wavy Green: The true story of a local headstone in Ypsilanti’s Highland Cemetery that inspired a character in Darren’s upcoming series.Special Reading:Listen at [00:19:15] as Darren reads a beautiful, evocative passage from the end of Chapter 7 of Light in the Canyon, where the protagonist, Hailey, stands under a “sky thick with stars”.Upcoming Events:* Book Launch Celebration: Join Darren at the Corner Brewery on Thursday, June 25, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The event is free, open to all, and will feature book signings and a short reading.Preorder & Connect:* Preorder Light in the Canyon:* Indie Book Bound* Barnes and Noble* Kindle Version* Follow Darren’s Work:* darrencools.com* Darren Cools - Slant Books. Get full access to Life In Michigan at lifeinmichigan.substack.com/subscribe