Shaped by Stories

Author Ruth Mitchell joined me for this episode to discuss some of the influential books in her life. We talk about growing up in a children's book, how channeling Pippi Longstocking got her into mischief, and the perils of loaning books to middle school crushes. We also discuss the books that made her want to become a writer and chat a bit about her own book Deleted. You can find Ruth online and learn more about her book Deleted on her website www.literallyruth.com, and you can follow her on Instagram @literally.ruth.mitchell. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

This episode I chat with children's book editor Alex Messina-Schultheis about some of the books that are most important to her. We cover the sweetest birthday books ever, a myriad of literary crushes, and pulling her first reading all nighter. You can follow Alex on Instagram @commasandcarbs. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. If you’re subscribed to the podcast, you may have noticed a lengthy hiatus — putting together a podcast takes a lot of time and with 2020 being what it was, I needed that break. But I’m excited to be back with a new episode and hope to keep new episodes coming in 2021. However, I’m taking a relaxed approach to producing and publishing the podcast, so staying subscribed in your podcast app of choice is the best way to know when a new episode is out! Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

While I have long been familiar with The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, I had never heard of Ende’s book Momo until my guest Tabby Pawlitzki brought it to my attention. Tabby first encountered the book as a child growing up in Germany, and it has been a favorite ever since. We discuss becoming a kid detective, reading in translation, and the many life lessons to be learned from a tortoise. You can follow Tabby on Instagram @tabbypawlitzki and keep up with her podcast at https://www.modernlifepodcast.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is one of those books that sticks in your imagination. Such was the case for writer and scholar Dr. Trinna S. Frever who counts A Wrinkle in Time as a lifelong favorite. We chat about the joy of being read to, hideaway reading nooks, and the wonderful appeal of books with a touch of magic. Dr. Frever also tells me more about her latest project, Your L. M. Montgomery Story. You can follow Dr. Frever on Instagram @trinna_writes and keep up with all of her projects at www.trinnafrever.com. You can learn more and participate in the Your L. M. Montgomery Story project at www.yourlmmstory.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith has long been a favorite book of my guest, writer Katharine Schellman. We talk about growing up in a family of readers, devouring books in a series, and the difficulties and complexities of growing up, even if you do happen to live in a castle. We also chat about Katharine's new novel, The Body in the Garden.You can follow Katharine on Instagram @katharinewrites and keep up with all of her literary adventures at www.katharineschellman.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton might not be familiar to you unless you grew up in the U.K., but my guest Elizabeth Bornstein fell in love with them while growing up in Alaska, starting with the first book Five on a Treasure Island. Elizabeth and I chat about the most adorable mother-daughter book club, reading just about every childhood mystery series, and the fun of discovering the real life inspiration behind the settings of our favorite books.You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @asuitcasefullofbooks and read more about her literary travel adventures at www.asuitcasefullofbooks.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

If you've only read one Jane Austen novel, chances are it's Pride and Prejudice. This novel is beloved for many reasons, and my guest Megan Cregge is more than happy to take you through the full list. We discuss why Wishbone was the greatest show ever, Megan's original childhood Goodreads challenge, and she tells me what first drew her to Pride and Prejudice and the parts that still make her swoon. Also, shout out to Miss Wilson, wherever you may be!You can follow Megan on Instagram @glitterandplato. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is one of those childhood classics that many of us have a deep attachment to, and my guest Cat Gray counts it as a lifelong favorite. We chat about growing up in Scotland, inheriting book collections, and the wonder and anticipation of discovering secret gardens - even if only in our imaginations.You can follow Cat on Instagram @wellreadcat. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Lisa Klein's book Ophelia takes on the character from Hamlet and reimagines her life and the ending that Shakespeare originally gave us. This book had a huge impact on my guest Kara Harte, and it's one that she has continued to turn to as an adult. We discuss getting dressed up for story time, reading as a potential fire hazard, and the power of finding a character that you immediately connect with.You can follow Kara on all social media platforms @kattitudereads and find her blog at https://kattitudereads.wordpress.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Judy Blume loomed large in many a childhood, and this was certainly true for teacher and podcaster Carrie Vittitoe who connected deeply with Blume's book, Then Again, Maybe I Won't. Carrie and I chat about old-timey systems of news delivery (except not THAT old-timey), traveling to pony book homelands, and the ways that books can continue to inform our lives, years after that initial reading.You can follow Carrie's podcast on Instagram @perksofbeingabookloverpod and find her blog at https://mooddisorderedmama.blogspot.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Published in 1935, Little House on the Prairie and the rest of the Little House series were all childhood favorites of my guest, Rose Miller. We talk about exploring treasure filled attics, sisterly dynamics, and the difficulties of selecting books for a long journey. You can follow Rose on Instagram @shire.library and find her etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/shirelibrary. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

A 1986 Newbery Honor book, Gary Paulsen's Hatchet was also a sixth grade classroom read for my guest, novelist Summer Rachel Short. We discuss reading romance novels in middle school, classroom reads and the fun activities that accompany them, and the ways that survival stories can inspire us to call on our own inner strength. We also talk about Summer's book, The Mutant Mushroom Takeover, out from Simon & Schuster this fall and available now for pre-order! You may hear me reference the book by another name during our conversation, and that's because the title was changed after we taped this episode.Content warning: We do discuss a scene of self-harm that occurs in the book Hatchet. This discussion starts around minute nineteen and lasts for about two minutes.You can learn more about Summer on her website www.srachelshort.com and follow her on Instagram @summerrachelwrites. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Winner of the 1961 Newbery Medal, The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell had a deep impact on my guest, novelist Rachel Toalson. We chat about growing up as the child of a librarian, the lasting influence of amazing teachers, and how portrayals of survival and resilience in our favorite books can make us feel seen and heard during a difficult childhood. Rachel also talks to me about her wonderful new book, The Woods, out now from Little Bee Books.You can learn more about Rachel on her website www.racheltoalson.com and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @racheltoalson. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Are you looking for a great book to make you cry? Because Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls has you covered. My guest Jessica Stefani and I chat about a lifelong love of animal stories, growing up in the country with dogs, and the love (often heartbreaking!) that we have for the animals in our lives. This episode also contains a very special edition of literary tea party featuring an original piece of fiction by Jessica!You can learn more about Jessica on her website www.jessicastefani.com and follow her on Instagram @jstefaniauthor. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

This episode we head to Narnia with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. My guest Selah Pike is a lifelong friend of Narnia (side note: she does NOT approve of Turkish Delight). We discuss reading in closets, family read alouds, and the wonder of finding literary magic in your own backyard. Also, shout out to all the amazing story time librarians out there! You can follow Selah and learn more about #AYearWithChristie2020 on her Instagram @abibliophilesstyle. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Did you know that the movie you watched on repeat as a kid was originally a book? The Neverending Story by Michael Ende was and is a beloved book for writer and academic Sasha Tamar Strelitz. We chat about childhood book clubs, believing in magic and fairies, and the important role of literature in feeding and shaping our imaginations. We also mourn the loss of Borders (RIP). You can follow Sasha on Instagram @shegotlongblackwavyhair. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Almost everyone knows Little Women, but Louisa May Alcott wrote many other novels, including my guest Autumn Krause's favorite An Old-Fashioned Girl. We discuss saving books for the future, getting philosophical as a teenager, and how a gentle book is sometimes just what we need for emotional comfort. Autumn also chats with me about her new novel A Dress for the Wicked. P.S. This episode also contains spoilers for Little Women.You can learn more about Autumn and her work by going to www.autumnkrause.com and you follow her on Instagram @AutumnSarahStory. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Happy Halloween, all! We're celebrating the spookiest day of the year with Goosebumps! This episode I'm chatting about R. L. Stine's Night of the Living Dummy with bookworm and future teacher Julie Martin. We get into the glories of the Scholastic Book Fair, terrible sibling dynamics, and how spooky stories can help us to process our own fears in a safe environment. You can follow Julie on Instagram @fictitiouswonderland. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

The Hardy Boys series is a classic of the kid detective genre, and my guest Beth Anne Dunphy credits the series with sparking her love of reading. We talk about Beth Anne's early book pusher tendencies, listening to audiobooks in the days before smartphone apps, and the enduring appeal of reading mystery novels where the loose ends are always resolved and the hero or heroine always prevails. You can follow Beth Anne on Instagram @Bookworm_Baggins and you can check out her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thebookwormbundle. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Jane Eyre is a book that many people have a deep and abiding affection for, and my guest Kaylee Gwyn stans hard for Jane Eyre, both the character and the book. We discuss reading in the laundry room, the perils of teen romance, and what Jane has to teach all of us about courage and resilience. Also, shout-out to all the cool moms out there!You can follow Kaylee and view her video reviews on her Instagram @LiteraryPengwyns. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

The Trixie Belden books are one of many kid detective series that have been popular over the years, and podcast guest Darla Rennegarbe is a lifelong fan. We chat about reading as an escape from pesky brothers, fortuitous bookstore purchases, and the power of books to foster empathy in a young reader. Also, Darla fires the first shot at Nancy Drew!You can follow Darla and her bookish life on Instagram @DarlaReads. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

The Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace are a beloved series for many readers, and my guest Liz Blaufuss has a long history with the adventures of Betsy Ray. We talk about Liz's childhood lending library, the joy of reading about happy families, and what Betsy has to teach us about being true to your own self.You can follow Liz and her wonderful collection of books (pony and otherwise!) on Instagram @Pony.Books. You can also follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Winner of the 1959 Newbery Medal, The Witch of Blackbird Pond is still widely read and taught in schools today. This book was also a childhood favorite of actress Laura Rocklyn, in a childhood that was filled with books and literary magic. We chat about some of that magic, including the glories of a window seat for reading, searching cupboards for Narnia, and how certain books can immediately make you feel safe and right at home. Plus, some very fun American Girl chat. You can learn more more about Laura and her work at www.laurarocklyn.com and you can follow her on Instagram @Laura_Rocklyn. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

This episode we're diving into a classic middle grade mystery book. Written by popular and prolific kid’s book author Bruce Coville, The Ghost Wore Gray is a beloved favorite of writer Amanda Cherry. We discuss staying up all night to read, getting "fired" from the 8th grade for preferring science fiction to the classics, and the ways in which our early reading habits can continue to influence and inspire us. Also, for any Victorian literature stans out there, some very strong opinions on George Eliot and Charles Dickens are expressed. Consider yourself warned. You can learn more about Amanda and her work at www.thegingervillain.com and you can follow her on twitter @MandaTheGinger. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Charlotte's Web is a classic of the childhood literary canon, and former elementary school teacher Jon Meyers has a long history with E. B. White's tale of an unlikely friendship. We chat about why Jon identifies with Wilbur, the ways in which Charlotte's Web influenced his teaching, and what this book has to teach us about loss and friendship. Also, we come up with a great idea for a middle grade series. Paranormal whales, anyone? You can see Jon's amazing photography and follow along with his travel adventures on Instagram @RedHouseYonder. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website, www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Generations of readers have formed a deep attachment to L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables and her imaginative, spirited heroine Anne Shirley. My guest Mary Pollard certainly counts herself among that group of kindred spirits. We discuss Mary's early love of historical fiction, why Anne of Green Gables is basically Harry Potter, and how an Anneish outlook can promote mindfulness and gratitude in one's own life. Plus, a little bonus hat chat at the end! You can learn more about Mary and follow along with her bookish adventures on Instagram @AHatForEveryRead. You can email me at shapedbystoriespod@gmail.com and you can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

The BFG by Roald Dahl is full of silliness and fun, but it's also filled with sweetness and lessons about dreams and friendship. Guest Francesca Williamson fell in love with The BFG in elementary school and is continuing the tradition with her own children. We discuss the joy of the school book fair, becoming a book pusher, and the importance of dreaming big. You can learn more about Francesca and her work at https://francescaorfw.wordpress.com. You can email me at shapedbystoriespod@gmail.com and you can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams is a beloved children's classic, and a book that is heartbreaking in its loveliness and sweet sentimentality. The book was a childhood favorite of my guest, Jana Light, and is still one of her most beloved books to this day. We chat about reading for pizza (remember Book It!?), why the horse in The Velveteen Rabbit is the Oprah of the toy world, and the feeling of seeing something so lovely that it makes your heart hurt a little. You can learn more about Jana and her work at JanaMLight.com. You can email me at shapedbystoriespod@gmail.com and follow Shaped by Stories on Instagram @shapedbystoriespod. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Welcome to the first episode of Shaped by Stories, a podcast that chats with interesting and creative people about a special book from their childhood or early adolescence. Jane Austen's Mansfield Park is rarely listed as a favorite of the Austen oeuvre, but Austen scholar Dr. Susanne Cammack has fond memories of reading Mansfield Park as a young teen. We talk about reading in trees, her Austen-fueled teen rebellion, and why an introverted high school student might identify with Fanny Price. Plus, a tiny dash of literary criticism chat.You can learn more about Dr. Cammack and her work at SusanneCammack.com. You can email me at shapedbystoriespod@gmail.com and follow Shaped by Stories on Instagram @shapedbystoriespod. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.