Chalk and Ink: The Podcast for Teachers Who Write and Writers Who Teach

Send us a textIn this episode, Nancy McCabe talks about revising for authentic voice, taking detours, and hermit crab essays. Let's get started.To prep for our next episode be sure to check out Ann Marie Stephens's delightful, cat-centered, early childhood math books Scattered and Catawampus.Support the show

Send us a textIn this interview, Cindy Jenson-Elliott lets us in on incredible interview tips. In addition to interview tips, Cindy talks about researching and writing simultaneously, nonfiction proposal dos and don'ts, and the importance of making connections.Support the show

Send us a textAnn McCallum exposes the root of nonfiction in this episode. Ann has tons of tips for you including how to find a nonfiction structure that highlights your passions, how to craft enticing sidebars, and how to write a nonfiction book proposal.Our next episode will feature Cindy Jensen Elliott. Her newest nonfiction book, The Doomsday Detectives, How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinctions, just released on March 11th. We'll also be talking about Weeds Find a Way, which is one of my all-time favorite books and her picture book biography Antsy Ansel.I want to take this moment to thank Sarah Brannen, the creator of Chalk + Ink's artwork. Her picture book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, is one of nine books that some parents are trying to ban in the Mahmoud vs. Taylor Supreme Court Case. Join me in supporting Sarah and the other authors in this case by clicking on the court case link above to sign a petition through Pen America to fight against book banning.Support the show

Send us a textAmanda Jones definitely gives writing tips in this episode such as listen to music that reflects the mood that you're trying to convey in your manuscript, start with a bang to hook the reader, and seek feedback from a trusted critique partner. I could have featured one of those quotes. But I feel it's time to get real because during these dark days it's important to remind ourselves why we show up in the classroom, or the library, or at our desks.Each time we put pen to paper or walk into a classroom or give a school presentation, we're striving to make the world a better place. Our hope is that our words and ideas bring joy, wonder, and acceptance to each reader that happens upon our books or each student that steps into our classrooms. Some days the job feels overwhelming, and we may feel defeated before we step foot inside the door or sit down at the desk, but Amanda shows us how to embrace perseverance to help others.And as Amanda says during this episode, if she can do it, so can we. Without further ado, here is That Librarian Amanda Jones.Our next episode will feature Ann McCallum and her newest middle grade nonfiction book, Fantastic Flora: The World's Biggest, Baddest, Smelliest Plants.Support the show

Send us a textSarah Prager talks about her passion for queer history, learning how to write for a YA audience, and how to research.Our next episode will feature school librarian Amanda Jones. She fights against censorship and advocates for protecting intellectual freedom so that every child sees themselves reflected on library shelves.Support the show

Send us a textApril Jones Prince, Jody Little, Josh Galarza, Katrina Moore and Zetta Elliott talk about the courage to be emotionally vulnerable on the page, writing about subjects for kids that people have told you kids shouldn't read about, and the fact that even though publishing has a long way to go before it's truly equitable that in 2014 only 8.4% of creators of children's books were people of color and by 2023 that number had risen to 45.6%. Whether or not any of those snippets speak to you, I feel confident that something in this episode will grab hold of your heartstrings and not let go. Support the show

Send us a textJeannine Atkins is one of the kindest people I know, and her compassion radiates through her verse. So, my wish for all of you is that your year is filled with kindness, just like Jeannine's novels.In this episode we talk about the power of compression, repetition, and representation. Let's get started.Thanks so much for listening and for being part of the Chalk + Ink family. Join us for our next live Chalk + Ink Chat about author's craft on Sunday, January 19th at noon EST. I can't wait to talk about writing moves with April Jones Prince, Jody Little, Josh Galarza, Katrina Moore and Zetta Elliott. You can sign up by clicking on the link above or on my website at www.katenarita.com/podcast. Bring your notebooks, favorite pens, and your questions too and join us for what's sure to be an enlightening discussion.Support the show

Send us a textJen Ferguson talks about opportunities to sharpen our work, why characters mirror one another in dialogue, and why we need different books for different readers. Let's get started.Our next episode will feature Jeannine Atkins. Support the show

Send us a textIn today's episode Sarah Aronson talks about the importance of embracing conversations, challenges, and community. Sarah's latest biography, Abzuglutely!, celebrates congresswoman, lawyer, and activist, Bella Abzug,  Our next episode will feature Jen Ferguson. Jen's latest novel, A Constellation of Minor Bears is a USA Today bestseller.Support the show

Send us a textJen Malia and I talk about celebrating neurodiversity, identifying your audience, and writing on location.Our next episode will feature Sarah Aronson. Sarah's latest picture book biography, Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing, Bella Abzug released last month.Support the show

Send us a textA.S. King talks about her newest novel, Pick the Lock, ACES or adverse childhood experiences, and the importance of honesty and expression. Our next episode will feature Jen Malia. Check out her chapter book series The Infinity Rainbow Club  to prep for our next episode. Support the show

Send us a textAndrew Hacket, Ernesto Cisneros, Marcie Flinchum Atkins, Lisa Stringfellow, and Tina Athaide talk about creating classroom writing communities. In addition to their wonderful voices, authors Cindy Jenson-Elliott, Valerie Bolling, and Jody Little also contributed to this heartfelt discussion.Our next episode will feature the only two-time winner of YALSA's Michael L. Printz award, A.S. King. She's as honest and kind in conversation as she is in her books. So be sure to join us again in two weeks. Support the show

Send us a textI had a blast chatting with Ryan Bani Tahmaseb. We celebrate his debut picture book, Rostam's Picture-Day Pusteen, and talk about collaborating, connecting with family, and leading with curiosity. Click here by 11:30 AM EST on Sunday, September 22nd, to sign up to join our live chat with Andrew Hacket, Ernesto Cisneros, Lisa Stringfellow, Marcie Atkins and Tina Athaide. If you aren't able to join us, no worries. The recorded episode will release in two weeks.Support the show

Send us a textDebut author Josh Galarza talks about the importance of veracity, voice, and vulnerability in this episode, all of which are embedded into his heartfelt, hilarious, and heartbreaking debut, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky. Let's dig in.Click here for the transcript.Join Andrew Hacket, Ernesto Cisneros, Lisa Stringfellow, Marcie Atkins, and Tina Athaide to glean some tips to enrich your classroom writing community and for the chance to ask them questions about the craft of teaching writing. Don't miss this priceless opportunity. Click here to sign up.To prep for our next episode and for picture day, which is just around the corner, be sure to read Ryan Bani Tahmaseb's debut picture book, Rostam's Picture-Day Pusteen. Support the show

Send us a Text Message.Chalk + Ink presents the top ten writer's workshop tips for the 2024-2025 school year:Choose Community Building BooksPartner with FamiliesEmbrace Growth MindsetIncorporate Multiple Entry PointsUse ArtMimic Mentor TextsListening Is KeyBe VulnerableHave Fun and CelebrateBelieveJoin us in two weeks to hear from young adult author, Josh Galarza. If you, your students, or someone you love has ever suffered from disordered eating or struggled with body positivity, you have to read Josh's debut, The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky. Sign up for the first celebratory Chalk + Ink Chat on Sunday, September 22nd at noon EST. Andrew Hacket, Lisa Stringfellow, Marcie Flinchum Atkins, Tina Athaide, and Ernesto Cisneros will talk about creating a community of writers in the classroom. Make sure to bring your questions so you can get the answers you need. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Tip Number 10: Tap Into Classroom AdventuresTip Number 9: Head to the LibraryTip Number 8: Write from a Personal PlaceTip Number 7: Mine Memory MomentsTip Number 6: Travel New PlacesTip Number 5: Take a Deep Dive When You ReviseTip Number 4: Explore OutdoorsTip Number 3: Find Nooks and CranniesTip Number 2: Learn and CollaborateTip Number 1: Celebrate and CreateI'm signing off for the summer to focus on revising. This episode has me ready to write, and I hope it's done the same for you, too. If it has, please be sure to share this episode with someone who could use it,  write a review, and let me know which tip helped you out.Support the Show.

On June 22nd, I will be participating in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk in Boston. I will be walking 16 miles to raise money to stop suicide. If this podcast has been helpful to you in any way ever, if it has made you a better teacher or a better writer, or even brought a smile to your face, please click here if you're reading the show notes or go to the show notes and click on the link to make a donation to stop suicide. This heartwarming episode is dedicated from Andrew and me in loving memory to Sergeant Patrick Clarke Cumming. Please listen to the end of the episode to find out more about this amazing young man.During this episode, Andrew Hacket and I talk about stealing moments to write, giving back to the community and being true to ourselves. Let's get started.Support the Show.

Chloe Ito Ward talks about mining memory moments, authenticity, and celebrating the present. For our next episode, please read debut author Andrew Hacket's picture book Ollie the Acorn and the Mighty Idea which celebrates the power of kindness. If you happen to live in Massachusetts, Andrew has two launch events this weekend. On Saturday, April 13th, he'll be at the Silver Unicorn in Acton at 11 AM. On Sunday, April 14th, he's teaming up with Tidepool Bookshop and Overlook Farm in Rutland. He'll be at Overlook Farm from 11-1 on Sunday.Support the show

Tom Bober, and I talk about making history 3-D, the power of collaboration, and taking things off of our plates.For our next episode, please read debut author Chloe Ito Ward's honest, anti-racist, heartwarming picture book Love Grows Here.Support the show

On today's show with author and educator, C.K. Malone, we talk about sitting down and getting to work, that tomorrow is a new day, and that anyone can succeed.Have you reviewed the show? If not, please do so and help me turn 24 in 2024 from a dream into a reality. By doing so, you'll be entered to win a copy of CK Malone's A Costume for Charly. Thanks in advance for helping me out.To prep for our next episode with elementary librarian and author, Tom Bober, be sure to peruse his latest book Literature and Primary Sources or listen to his podcast The Primary Source Podcast.Support the show

Janelle Harper talks about reclaiming narratives, positive phrasing, and creating safe spacesTo prep for our next episode with picture book author and secondary educator C.K. Malone, be sure to read their fabulous debut picture book, A Costume for Charly, which features an innovative bigender character who creates a Halloween costume that reflects their whole self.Support the show

Brooke Hartman talks about the power of social media, breaking through the fourth wall, and staying true to the original story. To prep for our next episode with Bronx author Janelle Harper, be sure to read her fabulous debut picture book, My Block Looks Like, which is illustrated by the incomparable Frank Morrison.Support the show

Jen Gennari, author of Muffled and My Mixed Up Berry-Blue Summer, talks about flagging filter words, personifying drafts, and cultivating artistic vision.To win a critique or a virtual author's visit, go to www.katenarita.com/podcast during the month of March and leave a comment on Jen's post saying which giveaway you'd like to win. Good luck!Support the show

In this episode with Gita Varadarajan we talk about national boundaries dissolving in the classroom, writing as therapy, and the power of writing partnerships. Gita is as delightful as her books Save Me a Seat and My Bindi, which a lucky listener can be eligible to win simply by sharing this episode on social media and tagging Gita and me.To prep for our next episode with Alaskan author Brooke Hartman, be sure to read one of her fabulous picture books such as The Littlest Airplane or Dream Flights on Arctic Nights.Support the show

Mk Smith Despres talks about all the different kinds of walks they take from the everything-is-the-worst walk, to the there's-a-problem-in-the text walk, to the walking-with-the-kids walk.But most of all, this episode focuses on the importance of relationships–relationships with our editors, our students, and our writing process. You can preorder Mk Smith Despres' debut picture book from  Imaginary Bookshop or The Eric Carle Museum.To prep for our next episode with Gita Varadarajan, be sure to read her new picture book My Bindi and reread the fabulous novel she co-authored with Sarah Weeks, Save Me a Seat..Support the show

Earlier this fall, we had an all things kindergarten chat with Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Tina M. Cho. Today we talk about all things preschool with Susan Edwards Richmond and René Colato Laínez.We chat about classroom communities, differentiation in the classroom, and the importance of families.Support the show

Kristy Acevedo talks about how writing is like painting, writing with pens and pencils, and the importance of creating personal checklists.To prep for our next episode, grab a copy of Susan Edwards Richmond's, Night Owl Night and René Colato Laínez's We Play Soccer/Jugamos al fútbol. We'll talk about these books along with their other amazing creations and we'll celebrate the joy of early childhood communities.Happy listening!Support the show

Veera Hiranandani and Ruth Behar talk about the incredible parallels in their work, othering and writing from a personal place.Join us for our next live chat on Sunday, October 29th at 12 PM EST. We'll be talking all things preschool, picture books, and early literacy with Susan Edwards Richmond and René Colato Laínez. Sign up on my website at www.katenarita.comFor our next episode, read Kristy Acevedo's young adult novels, The Warning and The Fallout. Happy listening!Support the show

Debut picture book author, Hà Dinh, talks about being a night owl, wildflower wonders, and the importance of trailblazers.To prep for our next episode, read or listen to one of Veera Hiranandani's novels and one of Ruth Behar's novels. We'll travel back through time to pre and post World War II and the 1960s. Pack your bags and get ready to go.Support the show

On this episode, Jyoti Rajan Gopal and Tina M. Cho talk about all things kindergarten. We talk about beautiful beginning of the year books to build community, the importance of extended family, and Tina and Jyoti's upcoming releases. To prep for next episode, read Hà Dinh's wonderful debut picture book, Where Wildflowers Grow.Support the show

In this episode,  H.M. Bouwman teaches us how to embrace interiority, separate out revision rounds, and share our writing processes with students. To prepare for our next chat and episode, read one of Tina M. Cho's or Jyoti Rajan Gopal's fantastic picture books to prepare for our chat. It's fun to compare and contrast Tina's The Ocean Calls with Jyoti's My Paati's Saris. Go to buymeacoffee/chalkandink to support the show. Thanks so much!Support the show

New England SCBWI's regional advisor, Stacy Mozer, delves deep into writer's workshop. In addition to writer's workshop, we also talk about how reading is a writing and a teaching superpower, and the importance of developing a relationship with your local librarian. Before our next episode, read one of H.M. Bouwman's fantastic middle grade novels. Gossamer Summer just came out this past May. In addition to being truly delightful, it's less than 200 pages. It's a quick, fun read jam-packed with magic.Support the show

It's the season three finale.  I've compiled the top ten writing tips from this season's guests to help get listeners psyched up for a creative, productive summer. Tip Number Ten: It's Gotta Be Fun with Linda Urban, Torrey Maldonado, and Jessica LanderTip Number Nine: Set a Schedule with Andy J. Pizza, Sally Engelfried, and Ruth BeharTip Number Eight: Get Organized with Tracey Baptiste, Ralph Fletcher, and Erika Thulin Dawes with Mary Ann CappielloTip Number Seven: Get Outside with Susan Edwards Richmond, Nicole D. Collier, and Jessica LanderTip Number Six: Read Craft Books with Sally Engelfried and Sandy Stark McGinnisTip Number Five: Create Community with Andy J. Pizza, Cindy Rodriguez, and Hanh BuiTip Number Four: Get Specific with Tracey Baptiste, Linda Urban, Stacey Shubitz and Melanie MeehanTip Number Three: The Beginning Holds the End with Kyle LukoffTip Number Two: Write for the Unseen Reader with Chris Baron, Torrey Maldonado and Hanh BuiTip Number One: Writing Starts with You with Chris Baron, Michelle Cusolito, and Emily FrancisSupport the show

Chris Baron talks about how writing starts with you, reaching unseen readers and the magic of maps. Sign up here for our next live Chalk + Ink Chat on May 24th with Newbery Honor winner Veera Hiranandani and Pura Belpre Award winner Ruth Behar. It's free and it's fun.Our summer writing tips episode airs on May 26th. Be sure to listen to glean the best writing tips from Chalk + Ink's third season.Finally, many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. Just like Chris Baron's novels are great summer reads, Summertime Sleepers, written by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Sarah, is a great summer read, too. Check it out.Support the show

In this episode, picture book author, Hanh Bui, highlights the helpers who welcomed her and her family to the United States in the 1970s and the helpers who taught her how to write, as well as staying true to her story and surrounding herself with positive people.Sign up here for our next Chalk + Ink Chat with Newbery Honor winner Veera Hiranandani and Pura Belpre Award winner Ruth Behar on Wednesday, May 24th, from 8-9 PM EST. We'll be talking about historical fiction and epistolary middle grade novels.For our next episode, please read one of Chris Baron's amazing middle grade novels All of Me and/or The Magical Imperfect. You'll be delighted no matter which one you choose. Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for our Chalk + Ink podcast art.Support the show

Mary Ann Cappiello and Erika Thulin Dawes talk about trusting the process, text sets, and the magic of working on multiple projects at once.If you would like to attend the next chat with Lisa Stringfellow and Michael Leali on April 26th, please go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and fill out the Chalk + Ink Chat form. It's free and it's fun. We'll talk about being a debut author and diversity, equity and inclusion in middle grade novels. Read Hanh Bui's debut picturebook, The Yellow Ao Dai, to prep for our next episode.Happy listening!Support the show

Jessica Lander talks about celebrating students' strengths, using text structure to synthesize research, and self-care.Remember to sign up for our next Chalk + Ink Chat on April 26th with Lisa Stringfellow and Michael Leali to talk about their debut year and DEI in middle grade novels. Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and fill out the Chalk + Ink Chat form.To prep for our next episode, please read Text Sets in Actionby Mary Ann Cappiello and Erika Thulin Dawes. Don't have a lot of time before April 14th? No worries. Mary Ann and Erika formatted the book so that readers could choose to read which sections interested them, just like people click on interesting web pages, instead of reading a whole website.Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. Congrats to Sarah on her latest book sale. I'll echo another critique group member and say I can't wait to see Lolly on the ice and on bookshelves.Support the show

Nicole D. Collier talks about fear, asks tough questions about whether or not we're betraying ourselves, and gives listeners tips to create courage. Sign up for our next Chalk + Ink Chat featuring Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders at 8 PM EST. For our next episode, please read Making Americans: Stories of Historic Struggles, New Ideas, and Inspiration in Immigrant Education by Jessica Lander.Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art.Happy listening!Support the show

Kyle Lukoff talks about puzzling out books, gives tips to librarians to protect their patrons' right to choose their own books and compares picture books to formalist poems. Remember to sign up for our next Chalk + Ink Chat on March 29th, 2023 with Carole Boston Weatherford and Rob Sanders to talk about biographies, collaboration, book bans and more. Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and fill out the Chalk + Ink Chat form.For you, please read Nicole D. Collier's Just Right Jillian and/or The Many Fortunes of Maya. Happy listening!Support the show

On today's episode, Ralph Fletcher talks about how writing is a process of self-discovery, how the writer's notebook is a place to honor students' voices, and creating idea treasure maps.For homework, be sure to read Kyle Lukoff's Newbery Honor book, Too Bright to See.Happy listening!Support the show

This week Melanie Meehan and Stacey Shubitz from the Two Writing Teachers Podcast talk about how writing helps us live wide-awake lives, discuss why the best teachers of writing, write, and how as authors it's our responsibility to ask for what we need from a critique. Join us for a Chalk + Ink Chat on the last Wednesday of every month, from September through May, from 8-9 PM EST. Our February 2023 featured guest is none other than the fabulous Melissa Stewart.Special thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art.Happy listening!Support the show

On today's episode, Emily Francis talks about transparency and honoring our students' stories as well as their wishes.Stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out how to win a signed copy of Emily's incredible epistolary autobiography,  If You Only Knew: Letters From an Immigrant Teacher.I'm hoping you'll help me spread Chalk + Ink cheer throughout the new year. Boost the podcast on your favorite social media platform, tell a friend, family member, or write a review on your favorite podcast platform, or go to buymeacoffee/chalkandink and support the show with a simple click.Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art and call attention to the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal. Last year at ALA, Summertime Sleepers, written by Melissa Stewart and illustrated by Sarah Brannen, won the Sibert Honor. The ALA awards are only ten days away and I can't wait to see which book wins the Sibert Medal this year.Happy listening!Support the show

Welcome to Chalk + Ink's 50th episode! Without Andy J. Pizza, Chalk + Ink wouldn't exist. Want to know why? Give a listen.In this episode, we discuss the definition of creativity, what it means when we say art works, and how to produce a successful podcast. After you listen to this episode, if you want to hear more of what Andy has to say, be sure to check out his podcast Creative Pep Talk.  He's about to drop his 400th episode.Listeners, here's your homework. Before our next episode, be sure to read Emily Francis's If You Only Knew: Letters From an Immigrant Teacher. For me, my homework is to read The Energy Clock by Molly Fletcher, which is the book Andy talks about at the end of the episode. The book's arriving at my house tomorrow. Maybe, I'll even be able to start it this weekend.I also plan on listening to one new writing or educational podcast each month in 2023, and then, if it seems like a good fit, following up with the creator, to see if they're interested in a swap, as Andy suggested. If you have podcast recommendations for me, please fill out my contact form on my website at www.katenarita.com or find me on Twitter or Instagram.Feeling generous? Please review the show wherever you listen to your podcasts. This will help more listeners find Chalk + Ink.Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021.Happy listening!Support the show

On today's show, with we talk about getting outside, the importance of cultivating a gratitude mindset, Susan Edwards Richmond, and how it takes community collaboration to create a powerful picture book.Stay tuned to the end of the episode to find out how to win one of Susan's signed picture books or one of Susan's picture book critiques.I'm hoping you'll help me spread Chalk + Ink cheer throughout the new year. Boost the podcast on your favorite social media platform, tell a friend, family member, or write a review on your favorite podcast platform, or go to buymeacoffee/chalkandink and support the show with a simple click.Many thanks to to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. Support the show

Today, Tracey Baptiste lets listeners in on the organizational tricks that have scaffolded her breakthroughs as an author and as a teacher. In addition to talking about organizational tools, we talk about the subconscious and debunking inaccurate historical “facts.”Before our next episode, please read one of Susan Edwards Richmond's fantastic picture books, Bioblitz! and Bird Count.Feeling generous? Please review the show wherever you listen to your podcasts. This will help more listeners find Chalk + Ink.Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. We'll talk again in 2023.Support the show

Torrey Maldonado highlights the importance of fun, whether it's on the page in one of his amazing middle grade novels or in the classroom. We also talk about key questions and multidimensionality.Before our next episode, please read one of Tracey Baptiste's fantastic books. Although Tracey is probably most known for her Jumbies series, we focus on her nonfiction titles Because Claudette and African Icons in this episode.Want to support the podcast? It's easy. Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink and with one single click you can buy me a latte-no subscription necessary.Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. Support the show

Linda Urban  talks about the importance of ditching “have-tos,” and embracing specificity and small moments.Want to win a signed copy of one of Linda's heartwarming books? Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode's post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Please complete one of these actions by Friday, November 25th. The winner will be announced on Friday, December 2nd, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.Speaking of December 2nd, It's homework time. Before our next episode, please read one of Torrey Maldonado's fantastic novels. Secret Saturdays, published in 2010, is markedly different from his most recent releases Tight and What Lane?, which pubbed in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Torrey talks about the cause for the shift and how it stemmed from observing readers in his classroom.Want to support the podcast? It's easy. Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink and with one single click you can buy me a latte-no subscription necessary.Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. Support the show

In this episode, the perseverant Sandy Stark-McGinnis talks about parallels, plot and point of view. Stay tuned till the end of the episode to find out how to win a signed copy of Extraordinary Birds or The Space Between Lost and Found from Sandy. Congrats to Jennifer Roman for winning a signed-copy of Sally Engelfried's debut middle grade novel, Learning to Fall.Want to support the podcast with a simple click? Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink I don't know about you, but I love Christmas and so does author, Linda Urban. Treat yourself to a holiday delight and read her young adult novel, Talk Santa to Me before our next episode on November 18th. If Christmas isn't your thing, check out her newest middle grade novel, Almost There and Almost Not.Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. Support the show

Today Sally Engelfried talks about productive weekends, innovative ways to use a writer's notebook, and how to find a story's emotional core. Please help me spread the word by sharing the podcast on social media, writing a review wherever you listen to your podcasts, and/or sharing this episode with family, friends and colleagues.Maybe you're not into promotion but you want to give me a boost and buy me a latte. It's easy. Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink and with one single click you can support the podcast-no subscription necessary.In addition to being an amazing author and educator, Sally Engelfried is very generous. She's creating a five-minute video for Patreon supporters. Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter and check it out.Sally also generously donated a 30-minute classroom or library visit to a lucky podcast listener and a signed book to another lucky podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag Sally and me, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode's post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, complete one of these actions by midnight on Friday, October 28th. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 4th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. Support the show

In this episode with Cindy Rodriguez, we talk about the importance of embracing opportunities, growth mindset, and developing relationships in and out of the classroom.Please help me spread the word by sharing the podcast on social media, writing a review wherever you listen to your podcasts, and/or sharing this episode with family, friends and colleagues.Maybe you're not into promotion but you want to give me a boost and buy me a latte. It's easy. Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink and with one single click you can support the podcast-no subscription necessary.In addition to being an amazing author and educator, Cindy Rodriguez is very generous. She's creating a five-minute Let's Write video that educators can use in their classrooms. Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter, you can have access to Ruth's video as well as videos by April Jones Prince, Marcie Flinchum Atkins, Zetta Elliott, Erin Dealey, René Colato Laínez, Michelle Cusolito, Ruth Behar and Lisa Stringfellow. Cindy also generously donated a 30-minute classroom or library visit to a lucky podcast listener and a signed book to another lucky podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag Cindy and me, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode's post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, complete one of these actions by midnight on Friday, October 14th. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 21st, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page. Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. If you haven't read Sarah's book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, check it out. It's on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021. Support the show

In this episode, Ruth Behar and I talk about solitude, storytelling and surprises.If Chalk + Ink has made you a better author and/or educator, please fill out this form so I can feature you on our 50th episode.It would be great if this season, the number of downloads per episode would double compared to the second season. Please help me spread the word by sharing the podcast on social media, writing a review wherever you listen to your podcasts, and/or sharing this episode with five colleagues.Maybe you're not into promotion but you want to give me a boost and buy me a latte. It's easy. Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink and with one single click you can support the podcast-no subscription necessary.In addition to being an amazing author and educator, Ruth Behar is very generous. She's creating a five-minute Let's Write video that educators can use in their classrooms. Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter, you can have access to Ruth's video as well as videos by April Jones Prince, Marcie Flinchum Atkins, Zetta Elliott, Erin Dealey, René Colato Laínez, Michelle Cusolito, and Lisa Stringfellow. Ruth also generously donated a 30-minute Zoom classroom or library call to a lucky podcast listener and a signed book to another podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag Ruth and me, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode's post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, September 16th. The winner will be announced on Friday, September 23rd, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.It's homework time. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Nope. Nunca. Not going to happen,”? If so, then you have something in common with Beto, the main character in Cindy Rodriguez's delightful new picture book Three Pockets Full. Give it a read before Cindy's interview releases on Friday, October 7th.Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink's podcast art. Happy listening!Support the show