Cochran: Well, for my first children's book, The Forever Dog, I tackled a very difficult topic (death of a pet), but still managed to weave some humor and smiles throughout the book. My editor asked if I could tackle another difficult topic in the same way. Having been through both sides of divorce, I felt it was a natural next topic for me, and I'm very pleased with how it turned out. I think it's a funny book, that just happens to be about a very serious topic.

My day job is as an advertising copywriter where I write for clients, so writing from the heart in children's books is a welcome escape for me.

ETC: Okay, so how did the story come about? And more importantly, did you nickname your elbows?

Cochran: After several unbelievably sappy drafts, I finally stumbled upon a line, "My parents are divorced, but that doesn't mean I'm weird." And I loved it. I tried to imagine what I really would've wanted to hear when I was 7 and my parents first separated, and that was exactly it. So I created this kid, Ted, who is a great, self-confident, albeit slightly weird kid, whose parents just happen to be divorced. He does a lot of weird stuff like makes soap mohawks in the tub, sleeps in one sock, wears capes all year round, and yes, he gave his elbows nicknames. The cape and the soap Mohawks were autobiographical. The elbow nicknaming was completely made up. I guess I'm a lot like Ted in that I have a weird imagination.

ETC: What makes this a unique book about divorce?

Cochran: Well, I haven't read every other children's book about divorce, but I like how this one is written from the kid's perspective. There's nothing about the parents telling him "It's not your fault." I don't think that's the point; I think what matters the most is that divorce just flat out hurts. I think my book is heartfelt and honest (and like I said before, funny). I really like how Ted talks about how bad it hurts. I was afraid to be honest about it when I was 7. So, in a way, I'm letting Ted talk it out for me.

ETC: You write heartfelt books, but I heard you do stand-up comedy?

Cochran: Not stand-up. I do improv comedy with a troupe here in Dallas called Ad Libs. It's a great show and we have a great time. We basically take suggestions from the audience and put on a completely different, hilarious show every time. Yeah, it's a far cry from my tear-jerker children's books, but I think my comedy background is what sets my books apart.

ETC: Was divorce hard on you?

Cochran: Yes. Very. The part in the book where Ted can't sleep at night because he's thinking about it? That was me.

ETC: Do you feel better now?

Cochran: Yes. I'm very blessed in this life. My Mom and Dad did always love me despite not being together.

ETC: What's next?

Cochran: Actually, I'm working on a book for slightly older boys. Right around 9 to 10 years old. I didn't really like reading as a kid, but I had a creative mind. So I'm hoping to write a book that my 9 year old self would've loved, and perhaps have been inspired by. It's about a normal kid who wants super powers. Of course, I may tackle another hard topic if an editor out there wants me to. Whatever I do, I'm going to keep writing from the heart.

ETC: What are some things that people might not know about you?

Cochran: Hmm. I'm a huge track and field nerd. I follow the sport religiously. I am deathly afraid of Scuba diving. My favorite food in the world is Chinese dumplings. I love to sing, but I have really awful rhythm. Awful. Oh, and when I was 19 years old I won $6,500 on a television game show, "Press Your Luck". Big Bucks, No Whammies!