Podcasts about young adult author

We revisit our episode with Gregory Maguire.******"That's really all we are obliged to do for those we call our enemies. We are obliged to see them as humans, and then we behave the way we will. We are obliged not to consider them as less than human because that way, all hell breaks loose. - Gregory MaguireGregory Maguire expresses himself with extreme precision. While many of us may grasp for words to communicate a specific emotion or to describe a series of events, Gregory seemingly has words and turns of phrase on command. What a delight it is to listen to Gregory talk about his journey, his writing, and his thoughts on a wide variety of topics. Close to Gregory's heart is the belief that everyone has a backstory, a context—even our enemies. And no matter how difficult the task may seem, he believes it is our duty to understand that story and find it within ourselves to empathize with them—not to excuse them but to simply see them as humans.Gregory has built his career around telling the stories of antiheroes, most notably through the reimaginings of classic fairytales in novels such as "Wicked," "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister," and "Mirror Mirror." That ability to find empathy and a curiosity to understand even the most seemingly undeserving characters emerges in his other children's and young adult books and is deeply rooted in experiences from Gregory's early life.In this episode, Gregory shares those early life experiences (which can honestly be described as “Dickensian”) and how his relationships with his father and siblings have impacted his writing and life choices. He tells us about his love of the “arresting strangeness” of literary worlds and how this sensation inspired him to become a writer. He also shares why he believes in the children's stories he writes, not always getting a “happily ever after.”***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, Arresting Strangeness (a term coined by J.R.R. Tolkien), Gregory has compiled a list of his favorite books that envelop you completely and force you to look at the world around you anew. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/gregory-maguire***This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Lauren Mobley, a middle school librarian in Atlanta, Georgia. She tells us about a fun reading program she set up in her school inspired by a hit reality TV show.ContentsChapter 1 - Travel of the MindChapter 2 - Home, the Orphanage, and back againChapter 3 - The Children of Green KnoweChapter 4 - Harriet the RecorderChapter 5 - Origins of EmpathyChapter 6 - The Absence of a Happily Ever AfterChapter 7 - Arresting StrangenessChapter 8 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupGregory MaguireGregory (@gregorymaguire) • Instagram photos and videosWICKED Official Trailer (2024)by JRR Tolkien - On Fairy-StoriesThe Children of Green Knowe (Green Knowe, #1) by Lucy M. Boston | GoodreadsThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

  Welcome back to the studio.  This is My Day of Play, where you're taken into the real events and actions of how it happens long before the process of editing or cleaning up.  This is how it really went.  Reinventing the wheel is an everyday thing.  So is reinventing your recording studio because Mother Nature has taken a swing at you.  We start things off with a very raw in technology conversation with actor Scott Patterson from Sullivan's Crossing. Conversation number two goes deep into the experience of being a young adult author in a very complicated world. It's Robin Benway. This is My Day of Play.  Completely unedited in the way of meeting the wizard behind the curtain.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/arroe-collins-unplugged-totally-uncut--994165/support.

We revisit our episode with Matt de la Peña.****"Kids are growing up in an interesting time and they're led to believe that if we don't feel happy, we're doing something wrong. I think what I respond to is a deeper truth, which is, happiness is incredible and we should strive for it, but we should also acknowledge that half of our life is challenging or melancholy." - Matt de la PeñaHailing from a working class border town in Southern California, Matt de la Peña (Last Stop on Market Street, Mexican WhiteBoy, Milo Imagines the World) grew up in an environment that deeply valued strength and stoicism and oftentimes discouraged big displays of emotion from men. Instilled with a strong work ethic and the pursuit of opportunities, he followed in the footsteps of the men in his family and community. But still, there was a deeper truth to life within a buried emotional side that he felt compelled to explore.As early as high school, Matt would embrace this side of himself by secretly writing poetry, continuing on this journey to emotional self discovery throughout adulthood. Now, influenced by writers such as Kate DiCamillo and the late Cormac McCarthy, Matt's books seek out the deeper and sometimes darker parts of life, teaching kids the invaluable skill of acknowledging melancholy and granting them the permission to appreciate their own emotional complexity.In this episode, Matt will share his lifelong journey to accessing his own emotions and how his writing teaches kids to do the same. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Matt on social @Mattdelapena.***For his reading challenge, Conversation Starters, Matt invites us to ponder alongside our youngest readers with his curated selection of picture books. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculture.com/matt-de-la-pena.This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal's 2020 school librarian of the year, from Gwinnett County Public Schools. Cicely, aka the Read Woke librarian, shares about an awesome way to keep high schoolers excited about reading for pleasure and also a very fun birthday tradition at her school. ContentsChapter 1 - One Side of the Border (2:24)Chapter 2 - The Good, Bad, and Masculine (7:20)Chapter 3 - The Closet Poet (11:14)Chapter 4 - Sutree (14:38)Chapter 5 - The Future of Latinx Voices (24:38)Chapter 6 - Leaning Forward (27:58)Chapter 7 - Writing Up (31:58)Chapter 8 - Conversation Starters (33:59)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:55)LinksThe Reading CultureMatt de la PeñaMatt's BooksThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureWhy We Shouldn't Shield Children From Darkness | Matt's Letter to Kate DiCamilloThe Children's Book PodcastHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

We revisit our episode with Sabaa Tahir.******"This is happening in our world and at the very least you can bear witness to it. That's literally the absolute least you can do. - Sabaa TahirSabaa Tahir's (“All My Rage,” “An Ember in the Ashes” quartet) upbringing in the Mojave desert, isolated nearly 100 miles from the nearest city, exposed her to an unforgiving landscape and also many unforgiving truths of humanity. Within this backdrop, one place held significant importance in shaping her worldview: The Motel, a small business operated by her immigrant parents.  As she notes, “The good is what helps you survive, but the bad is what makes you wary and careful and makes you lonely at times.” Sabaa ventured into the realm of academia and later pursued a career in journalism, where her understanding of the world's imperfections deepened. The essence of Sabaa's stories lies in the raw exploration of sorrow and frustration…and taking action.  In this episode, Sabaa delves into the experiences of her childhood that left an indelible mark on her perspective of the world. From the motel her parents ran, to sonic booms, to wearing (dreaded) dresses on Mondays, Sabaa's youth sounds eerily like a superhero origin story. She also opened up about the “outsized impact” of her time copy editing at The Washington Post and its influence on her writing. Sabaa reveals how she channels her outrage to resonate with her coming-of-age readers, validating their shared frustrations and coming to terms with her own.***Keep up with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Sabaa on social @SabaaTahir***For her reading challenge, Authors of the Muslim Diaspora, Sabaa wants readers to open up to other perspectives from Muslim diaspora authors, including their cultures, traditions, mythologies, and humor. She curated a fabulous reading list, and I invite you to check it out. Reading challenges are always available at thereadingculturepod.com.In this episode, we're once again changing things up for our Beanstack featured librarian. Today we give the mic one more time to Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada, the current American Library Association president, to share more about the upcoming ALA conference and exhibition. Beanstack has proudly participated in ALA exhibitions for the last eight years! ContentsChapter 1 - The Middle of Nowhere (for real)Chapter 2 - The MotelChapter 3 - One ArtChapter 4 - The Eyes of an EditorChapter 5 - Books Like Sad SongsChapter 6 - Back to Fantasy LandChapter 7 - Lego Proof SocksChapter 8 - Muslim DiasporaChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureSabaa TahirSabaa's Books The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureSabaa Tahir on growing up in a motel - VoxALA Annual ConferenceThe Children's Book PodcastHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"...the reader's mind is filling in the blanks in between those panels and as a lip reader, that's what I do. I fill in the blanks. I'm trying to piece together what that person says. So, comics really make sense to me.” - Cece BellI first came to know Cece Bell through her groundbreaking semi-autobiographical graphic memoir novel, “El Deafo.” It was SO good that I had to read more by her. That's when I found out, through reading aloud with our (then younger) kids, that Cece's work is hilarious. Her zany, expressive storytelling combined with her vibrant illustrations create her unique style which she dubs, “absurdism for children.” During our conversation, Cece explains that it is in fact a style born out of misunderstandings, of her trying to make sense of the world around her while navigating it with deafness. While Cece is best known for "El Deafo," which received a Newbery honor, most of her books are for a slightly younger set. These include her laugh-out-loud funny "Chick and Brain" series, and her earlier Sock Monkey trilogy. Cece's journey to pursuing a career as an artist was first dependent on her discovering confidence in her abilities, and also in her disability. Something that she didn't fully realize until she wrote “El Deafo.” In this episode, Cece shares insights into her creative process, revealing how her experiences navigating the world with deafness have shaped her storytelling and sense of humor (and draws the connection between her deafness and her love for puns). She also tells us about the gory job that convinced her to pursue a career as an artist. For any budding comic creators, she also reveals the only book you need to read before your write your first graphic novel.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***For her reading challenge, Sibling Stories, Cece has curated a list of books that highlight the special relationships between siblings, something that has always fascinated her. In case you wondered, Cece has two older siblings. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com/cece-bellThis episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Amanda Maslonka, a 26-year veteran in education, and an elementary school librarian at Pasadena ISD in Texas. She tells us a funny and heartwarming story from her days working with first graders.ContentsChapter 1 - Funny Family (2:02)Chapter 2 - No One Makes Fun of the Funny Kid (6:23)Chapter 3 - At The Dentist (13:54)Chapter 4 - Understanding Comics (18:08)Chapter 5 - El Deafo (24:21)Chapter 6 - High Tech Hearing (26:46)Chapter 7 - Absurdism for Children (31:05)Chapter 8 - Animal Albums (37:08)Chapter 9 - Sibling Stories (39:24)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (41:04)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupCece Bell (@cecebellbooks) • Instagram photos and videosCece Bell Animal Albumsscottmccloud.com - Understanding ComicsLittle Nemo ComicsCece Bell on El Deafo at the National Book FestivalCece's Reading Challenge: Sibling StoriesThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureJordan Lloyd BookeyHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Young Adult Author Kristi McManus joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Kristi McManus is a Registered Nurse by trade, but avid reader and enthusiastic book lover all her life. Her debut novel, Our Vengeful Souls, was released Summer 2023 by CamCat Books. When she isn't writing, she enjoys photography, art, and considers napping to be a form of cardio. She lives in Toronto with her husband. Kristi: Query | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon Read the full transcript. If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqmcmanus  This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

"Love is risky. Love always ends. Should you do it anyway?” - Nicola YoonLove is a feeling that never exists solely on its own, and those likely companions to love (anxiety, grief) often bring questions such as, is this worth it? It's this question and others like it that Nicola Yoon explores in each of her novels. Nicola is a hopeless romantic. The affliction began in childhood after the discovery of her aunt's harlequin romance collection. From then on, Nicola's love of love would only grow stronger. But while her passion for romance was a love at first sight, her passion for writing was more of a slow burn.Today, Nicola Yoon boasts an impressive resume as a two-time New York Times bestselling author, a finalist for the National Book Award, a recipient of the Michael L. Printz Honor Book, and a winner of the Coretta Scott King New Talent Award. Notably, her first two novels have been successfully adapted for the big screen.In this episode, she'll tell us why she fell in love with the romance genre, and how she found her way to writing as a career after 15 years in finance. She also shares her own ridiculously cute, out-of-a-movie love story about how she ended up with her husband and fellow writer, David Yoon. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***Inspired by her own novel, "Instructions for Dancing,” in her reading challenge, Good Grief, Nicola invites us to explore the intersection of love and grief with a list of some of her favorite books.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Nikki Hayter, a library manager with the Des Moines Public Library system. As summer inches closer, she tells us about a unique program her library started a couple of years ago with graphic novels.ContentsChapter 1 - Harlequin Romance (1:37)Chapter 2 - An Unrequited Love (6:36)Chapter 3 - The Great Gatsby (11:24)Chapter 4 - A Requited Love (16:26)Chapter 5 - The Airport Scene (19:02)Chapter 6 - Questions About Love (22:53)Chapter 7 - Not a Case of Love at First Sight (25:43)Chapter 8 - Expectations of Love (27:34)Chapter 9 - Don't read this book! (applies to children) (31:21)Chapter 10 - Joy Revolution (33:40)Chapter 11 - Good Grief (36:45)Chapter 12 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (38:22)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupNicola YoonEVERYTHING, EVERYTHING - Official Trailer 2THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR - Official TrailerJoy Revolution, Imprint Led by Nicola Yoon and David Yoon, to Launch Inaugural List in Spring 2023 | Penguin Random HouseJoy Revolution Books (@joyrevbooks) • Instagram photos and videosThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

"I'm putting every single ounce of who I am into every single book that I write, so y'all know to expect the blackest books you have ever read from yours truly.”  - Derrick BarnesDerrick Barnes' introduction to vulnerable storytelling was through the jazz and R&B records he found in his family's collection. For young Derrick, reading the liner notes in albums was just as important as any other kind of reading. Eventually, artists like Prince, Rakim, and John Coltrane taught him about the power in simply and truly being yourself. Inspired, young Derrick began writing his own poetry and short stories, which served as the beginning of a long and fruitful writing career. A career that includes being the first black creative copywriter for Hallmark cards.In his work as an author, Derrick embodies the authenticity of his idols, being uncompromising in his goal to tell an array of black stories, for black kids. Although already an established writer, Derrick's breakthrough picture book, "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" brought him national attention and accolades such as the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award, a Newbery Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Award. More recently he earned a National Book Award honor for the graphic novel “Victory Stand! Raising My Fist for Justice.” In this episode, Derrick tells the story of how music inspired him to write, how his idols taught him to never compromise his voice as a black man, and why he considers himself a freedom fighter. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Derrick's reading challenge, "Resistance and Resilience" he invited us to read powerful stories of resilience from America's black history.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Connie Sharp, a Librarian Training and Development Specialist at Metro Nashville Public Schools. She told us about how her district utilizes Beanstack with community partnerships to encourage students to read.ContentsChapter 1 - Jazz, Hip Hop, R&B (1:59)Chapter 2 - Literacy and Lyrics (6:31)Chapter 3 - A Hallmark Story (9:11)Chapter 4 - The Fresh Cut (12:52)Chapter 5 - Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave (19:22)Chapter 6 - Freedom Fighter (25:00)Chapter 7 - The Blackest Books (28:56)Chapter 8 - The Legacy of Derrick Barnes (31:29)  Chapter 9 - Resistance and Resilience (35:31)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:29)LinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupDerrick BarnesCaleb McLaughlin Reads "Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut" | Bookmarks | Netflix JrVictory. Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice - National Book FoundationThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Happy Thursday, Fabulous Listener! We are almost halfway done with our welcome back celebration. It's day four and we have the talented Fantasy and Young Adult Author, Ms. Mila Velimirovich. I'm thrilled to be chatting with Ms. Mila about her debut book, Orianna's Legacy. This is the first book in a seven book series full of adventure and magic. Mila Velimirovich grew up reading and writing stories, but lacked the confidence to share them. After always telling her students to follow their dreams, she decided it was time to follow her own. Now she is thrilled to share all the stories she has hidden in her mind and give everyone the opportunity to go on amazing adventures in their own home. If you want to learn more about Mila's journey, just check out her links at: https://Linktr.we/authormilav. If you are new to the podcast, make sure to subscribe. You don't want to miss a single episode. We will be back tomorrow as part of our new season's celebration. Happy Listening, DC

"Books can be the perfect prescriptions to let us know that we're going to be okay.”  - John SchuJohn Schu's entire life has been shaped by books. As a kid, he fell in love with Shel Silverstein; Emily Dickinson comforted him as he was battling an eating disorder, and “The One and Only Ivan,” well, that book changed his life. In fact, it nearly put him into debt (he tells that story in the episode!)The powerful impact books have had on his life inspired him to dedicate his life to sharing this power with everyone he can. His career as an educator led him to the library, the library led him across America, and now he has started a new career as a writer of stories himself.John made his debut with "This is a School," followed by "This is a Story" and "The Gift of Story." However, in his latest work, "Louder Than Hunger," he bravely delves into a new realm of vulnerability. This semi-autobiographical tale draws from the most challenging period in his life, navigating the depths of his battle with anorexia.In this episode, Mr. Schu, as in Mr.SchuReads,  tells us about the transformative reads that shaped his life and explains how some of those stories helped him and some actually harmed him. We'll hear how he became an author, and about the emotional toll it took to write “Louder Than Hunger.”***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In John's reading challenge, Story Within a Story, he wants us to read the actual books found in the pages of his book, “This is a Story.”You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Amanda Maslanka, a 26-year veteran in education and an elementary school librarian in South Houston. She offered valuable advice for parents and caregivers to get kids excited about reading.ContentsChapter 1 - Mr.SchuReads' GrandmaChapter 2 - An Internal StruggleChapter 3 - Recovery and Emily DickinsonChapter 4 - Best Teacher EverChapter 5 - Becoming a WriterChapter 6 - The One and Only IvanChapter 7 - Power to Heal, Power to HarmChapter 8 - Ready to ShareChapter 9 - Story Within a StoryChapter 10 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupJohn SchuMr. Schu ReadsLouder Than Hunger by John Schu | GoodreadsThe One and Only IvanThe Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show"It's practice. Vulnerability is practice. It is learning that you can do things and say things that seem scary, but ultimately know that you're safe.”  - Mark OshiroMark Oshiro was taught to fear the world. To be someone they were not and to repress someone they were. But books were an escape. Books taught them that freedom was possible.Mark spent over a decade blogging about the stories they consumed, empathizing with characters, criticizing choices, and embracing every person's journey. But then they realized it was their turn to share, and in that sharing, they learned the transformative power of storytelling from the other side of the pages. They knew the healing power of vulnerability.Mark debuted on the YA scene with their 2018 novel “Anger is a Gift” and has since written titles such as “Each of Us a Desert" and the latest installment in the Percy Jackson universe, “The Sun and the Star.” But their recent semi-autobiographical novel, 'Into The Light,' represents their most ultimate and vulnerable storytelling to date.In this episode, Mark shares their life story and reflects on the refuge that books and libraries offered them as a youth from an abusive household. They also discuss how lowering their emotional defenses led them to discover the healing power of vulnerability.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Mark's reading challenge, "Stories of Vulnerability," they want us to explore other stories with the same rawness they bring to their work.You can find their list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Cindy Philbeck, a teacher librarian at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. She told us about her library's lunchtime strategy that encourages students to visit and see the space as a refuge.ContentsChapter 1 - A Controlled EnvironmentChapter 2 - Safety in BooksChapter 3 - Losing GripChapter 4 - We Are OkayChapter 5 - Mark Does Stuff (lots of stuff)Chapter 6 - The Practice of VulnerabilityChapter 7 - Closure?Chapter 8 - Stories of VulnerabilityChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinksThe Reading CultureThe Reading Culture Newsletter SignupMark OshiroMark Does StuffAnger Is a Gift by Mark Oshiro | GoodreadsWe Are Okay by Nina LaCourCindy Phillbeck's Library (this week's featured librarian)The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content)Beanstack resources to build your community's reading cultureHost: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

[This interview was conducted online so there may be some audio variation.] For the 10th anniversary year of Minorities in Pub, Jenn speaks with author Matt Mendez about his new young adult novel, The Broke Hearts, a companion to his debut YA Barely Missing Everything. Jenn and Matt discuss the unrealistic expectations of knowing your path at a young age, male representation for young readers, and parental influence on young people not only in life but in writing for younger readers.  [Transcript of episodes can be found on Tumblr. You can sign up for the MiP monthly newsletter with job listings, guest news, and new eps here.] Intro/Outro music is by Moutaineer and licensed through Premuim Beat.

On Today's Show "It's not like I haven't experienced pain or tragedy or grief in my life, and it's not like I want to deny that. I don't think that that's the entirety of my song. When I want to look back on my life, I want to look at all the amazing things and experiences I had because that's what makes the time we have in this world so incredibly special, is that we have these connections, we have these experiences with people.” - Oge Mora Life is full of small pleasures, bits of magic in ordinary moments that so often go underappreciated. Oge Mora wants to draw attention to those small things and show us the true depth and meaning those moments have in our lives.In her work as a collage artist, she takes bits and pieces of scrap material and shows us their beauty when all put together. Much like her stories, we are shown that small things are what make the big things, like a Saturday spent with a loved one, or the enticing aroma of an old family recipe. Oge Mora burst onto the kid lit scene with her picture book “Thank You, Omu!”, a book that earned her a Caldecott Honor, a Coretta Scott King John Steptoe New Talent Award, and a host of other accolades. She was also a 2021 Forbes 303 Under 30 lister. In this episode, Oge tells us about the community support that built the foundation for her career, the art school epiphany that shifted her perspective from shame to pride, and why she wants her books to feel like a cup of hot cocoa. If you're looking for a moment of joy, you have found it here. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Oge's reading challenge, "Story Collage" she shares some of her favorite picture books with collage illustrations.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Alli Buffington, Library Media Specialist at Holley Navarre Intermediate School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. She'll tell us about the most successful reading challenge she's run at her school.ContentsChapter 1 - Repeat Renewals (2:31)Chapter 2 - Sister Catherine and The Doodler (7:13)Chapter 3 - A Street Called Home (14:27)Chapter 4 - That Little Bit of Shift (18:40)Chapter 5 - An Homage to Connection With Others (25:28)Chapter 6 - More of Less, and More (32:12)Chapter 7 - Collage of Stories (32:57)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:15)Links The Reading Culture The Reading Culture Newsletter Signup Oge Mora Forbes 30 Under 30 - Oge Mora Oge Mora (@oge_mora) • Instagram photos and videos Columbus Public Library King Arts Complex “A Street Called Home” Mural – 2005 – Kristine Schramer Aminah Robinson Romare Bearden Alli Buffington's Library (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "There's these universal truths [...] specific details, but universal feelings and universal experiences that people hopefully can relate to. And that's what I go for in all of my books. Common humanity.” - Hena Khan Hena Khan didn't believe her perspective mattered. As a Pakistani-American Muslim, she grew up not seeing her or her family reflected in the media she was consuming. As any kid might do, she concluded that it was simply because her experience was not important, a realization that became clearer in hindsight. Recalling her childhood writing, she discovered she had unintentionally white-washed her own homemade family newspaper.Building confidence in her perspective was a gradual process, extending into adulthood. Initially lacking self-assurance, she began writing while toning down her cultural identity to conform to perceived publisher expectations. Over time, her confidence grew, and today, she is recognized for authentically portraying stories rooted in her culture and religion.Reflecting on her own reading experiences, Hena values shared human experiences that transcend cultural backgrounds. She aims to demonstrate that these relatable moments exist in stories featuring non-white characters and diverse cultures.Renowned for works such as "Amina's Voice," its sequel "Amina's Song," the "Zara's Rules" series, and "More to the Story," Hena Khan shares her journey of grappling with invisibility as a young reader and the evolution of her faith in herself and her unique perspective. She also recounts the unexpected connection to a book about Christian white sisters in the 1800s in her unconscious quest for stories reflecting her Muslim immigrant family.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Hena's reading challenge, "Read Desi" she encourages us to celebrate South Asian American writers.You can find her list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Allie Buffington, Library Media Specialist at  Holley Navarre Intermediate School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. She tells us about the importance of making the library a space that kids want to come back to.ContentsChapter 1 - “Religious Holiday” (2:38)Chapter 2 - Gogol Search (6:16)Chapter 3 - Little Women (and the Khanicles) (9:43)Chapter 4 - Three Cheers From Andrea (18:17)Chapter 5 - Just Living (22:18)Chapter 6 - Common Humanity (30:20)Chapter 7 - Curious About Curious George (33:50)Chapter 8 - The Door is Open (35:31)Chapter 9 - Read Desi (37:28)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (38:54)Links The Reading Culture The Reading Culture Newsletter Signup (for bonus content) Hena Khan Little Women by Louisa May Alcott | Goodreads Hena Khan's More to the Story is a Love Letter to Little Women | School Library Journal Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin  The Salam School for Girls  Alli Buffington's Library (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (to see reels of author conversations) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

A Good Guest: Daniel Nayeri on the Obligations of a StorytellerOn Today's Show "Don't follow your dreams if that's the only thing you're doing. Ask yourself, what will make you most useful? What will make you most, in terms of a purpose, help you do meaningful work?” - Daniel Nayeri You want Daniel Nayeri at your dinner party. Always with a story or an insightful question, it turns out he is also the person you want on your podcast! The Iranian-American author of the Printz Award-winning “Everything Sad is Untrue,” and the more recent “The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams,” offered up fresh conversation and a good deal of humor. As a writer, Daniel Nayeri is deeply aware of the impact his writing has on readers. As he noted in our conversation, there is perhaps no more intimate power than becoming the dialogue in one's head. And Daniel feels strongly about using that power to have a positive impact on those who read his words. Part of his purpose, or obligation, he believes, is to “remystify the world.” Just wait until we talk about why cherries grow in pairs! In this episode, Daniel explains what he means by remystifying the world, talks about the roadside storyteller that initiated his storytelling journey, and shares his views on purpose (why he takes his so seriously). From his life-changing experience with the Junior Great Books program in elementary school to his current film and book projects, Daniel delves deep into his role as storyteller. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In Daniel's reading challenge, "Wise Shorts" he keeps our work and life load in mind offering a curated selection of short stories, reminding us that even the smallest things can have a major impact.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Today's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Nikki Hayter, Library Manager at Franklin Avenue Library in Des Moines, Iowa. Nikki tells us about a program that highlights the deep impact libraries have on communities.ContentsChapter 1 - The Ferris Wheel and The Storyteller (2:15)Chapter 2 - A Retired Conan the Barbarian (6:43)Chapter 3 - Alberic The Wise (11:30)Chapter 4 - Remystifying the world (7:18)Chapter 5 - You get a memoir! And you get a memoir! And… (25:25)Chapter 6 - How to be interesting (28:20)Chapter 7 - Wise Shorts (33:31)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:32)Links The Reading Culture Daniel Nayeri Alberic the Wise by Norton Juster | Goodreads The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

In this conversation between Kate McKinney and Dr. Paige, Kate talks about her new book, "When to Hold On" about female relationships, both love interests and friendships, grief and holding space for silence. The book also focuses on finding beauty in nature. Written in verse it's a wonderful read.Spoiler alert: I highly recommend that if you are at all interested, that you read the book first as there are lots of spoilers in the interview.

On Today's Show "It (TV) was my junk food, but also it was my in with the kids to be able to talk about pop culture, to know all the little nuances and jokes about the cultural zeitgeist things.” - Dan SantatMedia and stories around us around us are more than just entertainment. They provide a common space, a piece of the world around us that connects us to others. We learn from these stories, shape our own views and ideas, and listen to and share these ideas with others. Dan Santat, a son of Thai immigrants in rural SoCal, found solace and belonging in the storytelling of 80's TV shows and movies, connecting with others' experiences and perspectives. His fascination with storytelling coupled with his talent for drawing led him on a journey of self-discovery that would ultimately diverge from the career path his parents had urged him to pursue.In this episode, Dan shares openly about his fraught relationship with his dad. Dan's honesty is humorous and nostalgic and real all at once. He talks about the freedoms and limitations of growing up in the 1980s and how they helped him discover a passion for storytelling as a means of communicating. Dan also tells us about his experience of embracing art, despite his parents' differing expectations, and how his journey has impacted the messages he imparts to students he meets today.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "Profound Panels" Dan wants listeners to embrace the hidden wisdom in the medium that first sparked his love of storytelling: comics.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Connie Sharpe from Metro Nashville Public Schools. She told us about the importance of the connection between administrators and librarians. ContentsChapter 1 - Thai in SoCal (2:25)Chapter 2 - Crime Fighting (vehicle here) (6:55)Chapter 3 - The Trial and Death of Socrates (12:59)Chapter 4 - A Book About Dan (21:04)Chapter 5 - Passing on Heritage (and advice) (24:09)Chapter 6 - A Storyteller's Legacy (31:03)Chapter 7 - Profound Panels (34:17)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (35:40)Links The Reading Culture Dan Santat Dan Santat | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Longlist for National Book Award for Young People's Literature Shane (movie) - Dan's dad's favorite movie before moving to America X-Men (comics that changed Dan's life) Flowers in the Attic (how were we allowed to read this at such a young age?!) The Trial and Death of Socrates (a critical book for Dan) The Replacements (Dan's show on Disney) Kung Fu: The Movie (starring David Carradine…hmmm) Dan's acceptance speech at Caldecott-Newbery banquet A conversation about “Drawn Together” by Dan and Minh Lê American Born Chinese (a book that is very important for Dan) Dan Santat Dan Santat | Twitter, Instagram, Facebook | Linktree Connie Sharp at MNPS (this week's featured librarian) The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I think that has a lot to do with why I was so interested in writing for children. It's like, I was trying to heal. I was trying to heal my childhood experiences through writing, through these characters.” - Kacen Callender Just as books provide readers with a space to learn, see themselves, reflect, and cope with their inner thoughts, writing has served as a means for Kacen Callender to process and heal from their own trauma. Throughout their writing journey, Kacen has traversed the various stages and ages of their life, opening wounds and finding ways to heal them through fiction. This transformative process began with their debut novel “Hurricane Child” in 2018 which not only earned Kacen critical acclaim but also accolades such as the Stonewall Book Award and Lambda Literary Award. Since then, Kacen has authored other titles such as “Felix Ever After” and “King and the Dragonflies”, the latter of which won a National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Now, Kacen is entering the next phase in their writing journey, delving into the enduring adult repercussions of childhood trauma.Kacen's vulnerable and emotional storytelling has had profound impacts on readers around the world, particularly Queer readers who often find their own journeys reflected in Kacen's work. In this episode, Kacen shares more about their personal journey of processing trauma through writing. They also discuss how fanfiction played a pivotal role in inspiring their creative path and how the fictional storyline within a Canadian teen drama that helped them come to terms with their own identity.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In their reading challenge, "Trans YA Spec"  Kacen wants readers to imagine freedom for the trans community through works of speculative fiction.You can find their list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Meredith Derrick, library coordinator for Klein Independent School District outside of Houston, Texas. She shares a funny story about a student's attempt at a thoughtful teacher appreciation surprise.ContentsChapter 1 - Reckoning with TraumaChapter 2 - Annie JohnChapter 3 - Fiction in Our Own HandsChapter 4 - Honest RepresentationChapter 5 - The Journey ContinuesChapter 6 - Dream StateChapter 7 - Diversity on the ShelvesChapter 8 - Trans YA SpecChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian Links The Reading Culture Kacen Callender Fan Fiction Adam Torres (Degrassi) Annie John Stonewall Book Award | Kacen Callender Klein ISD The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I'm just being real. I'm telling my story. I think Nikki Giovanni calls it dancing naked on the floor. I am unafraid and I'm doing my dance… I don't feel like I can go wrong if I'm just being me.” - Kwame AlexanderExciting reluctant middle school kids about reading (or really, anything) can be a battle. Getting them to think reading is cool is another. Kwame Alexander excels at both. His ability to authentically relate to his readers is a skill around which he has built his career.Kwame is beloved by parents, educators, and students, for his ability to ignite a love of reading (especially middle school boys) through poetry and characters who reflect their real experiences. But his impact extends beyond just an introduction to books, he also opens the door for readers to explore their own emotional depths. As he tells us, “I think part of my job is just to show a different side of masculinity.”Kwame is best known "The Crossover," "The Undefeated," "The Door of No Return," and numerous other novels and poetry collections. He also recently authored his memoir "Why Fathers Cry at Night." He won the Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Book Award among many other awards, and this year "The Crossover" was adapted into a Disney Plus original TV series. In this episode, he tells us about his own upbringing surrounded by Black storytelling and literature, reveals his secret to making middle-schoolers think he's “cool”, and shares about a letter he received (which was “not fan mail”) that inspired a surprise visit to an unsuspecting kid.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "Blackout,"  Kwame wants listeners to utilize their favourite books to look inward and make some art of their own.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Kirsten, the programming specialist for the Indianapolis Public Library. She shares some moving stories about a book club she runs for teens at a residential treatment facility. ***ContentsChapter 1 - Glasses first (2:10)Chapter 2 - Mom's stories, dad's garage (3:53)Chapter 3 - Love After Love (9:11)Chapter 4 - The “Reluctant” Readers (14:01)Chapter 5 - Kwame Shows Up (17:50)Chapter 6 - America's Next Great Authors (24:18)Chapter 7 - Blackout (27:34)Chapter 8 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (28:09)Links The Reading Culture Kwame Alexander Folly Island NYT article by Teddy Wayne about the potential benefits of clutter Beef, No Chicken Love After Love by Derek Walcott Kwame's Newbery Banquet Speech Why Fathers Cry: The Podcast | Kwame Alexander #KwameShowsUp Nikki Giovanni Collected Poems, 1948-1984 -  Derek Walcott The Crossover | Official Trailer | Disney+ America's Next Great Author The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and bonus content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I think it comes down to caring about the characters. When you care about the characters, you care about the world that they live in.” - Neal Shusterman When Neal Shusterman was in college, he was told to stop building worlds and start building characters. He listened. And from then on, his worlds became more magical and deep than ever before, because, as he says, when you care about characters, you care about the world they live in.Neal's career has revolved around incredible and fantastical lands of his own creation. In these worlds, he builds rules and structures that he sticks to rigidly, even if that means following a story arc he had no intention of writing to begin with (he tells us that story in the episode). Getting immersed in settings unlike – but not far from – our own provides crucial lessons about perspective. This outside perspective allows us to shed our preconceptions and witness characters and events in a way we would be unable to otherwise. It's an incredibly impactful storytelling style for young readers just learning these skills, and Neal is a master at it.Neal Shusterman is best known for his "Unwind Dystology" series, his Printz-winning "Scythe" trilogy, and "Challenger Deep," which won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2015. In this episode, Neal shares how getting immersed in his favorite fictional worlds inspired him to create some of his own, he'll talk about how and why he prioritizes characters to enhance immersion, and how seriously he takes sticking to the rules of his world.***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "The Nature of Consciousness," Neal wants to send us into various fictional worlds to challenge our perception of a prevailing debate in our own world: A.I.You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Danielle Masterson, assistant director at the Wilmington Public Library in Massachusetts. Danielle shares some wisdom to settle the debate of what “qualifies” as reading.ContentsChapter 1 - The Trouble with Star Trek Blueprints (2:11)Chapter 2 - The Jaws of (Neal's) Life (9:02)Chapter 3 - Desktop Quotes (10:32)Chapter 4 - Stories From the Cabin (15:14)Chapter 5 - No Characters, No World (18:02)Chapter 6 - A Sense of Hope (24:10)Chapter 7 - The Power of a Teacher (27:12)Chapter 8 - The Nature of Consciousness (30:30)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (31:23)Links The Reading Culture Neal Shusterman Neal's National Book Award Speech for “Challenger Deep” Jaws movie trailer The Talmud Neal's Upcoming Graphic Novel, “Courage to Dream” The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Challenger Deep - National Book Foundation Wilmington Memorial Library The world of Scythe - An interview with Neal Shusterman Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "That's still my trick too, never tell them how they're feeling. Never begin to even show how they're feeling. They'll get it anyway. You're describing negative space and the negative space you can't even get at.” - Jon Klassen Where there is empty space, our brains will fill in the blanks, and often, the way in which we personally fill those blank spaces is far more potent than anything that can be written in words or shown in an image. That's why despite being gifted in both illustrating and writing, Jon Klassen always intentionally restrains himself from specificity. Jon is a Caldecott Medal winner author and illustrator known for his distinctive minimalistic art style and quirky but profound writing. His work includes his Hat Trilogy, starting with "I Want My Hat Back", along with newer works such as "The Rock from the Sky," “The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale” and many collaborations with his longtime friend and author Mac Barnett. In this episode, Jon tells us the story of how he learned to embrace the unspoken through a “gunshot moment” in his youth. He'll talk about how he intentionally incorporates negative space into his work and why that is so impactful for young readers in particular, and we'll hear about the SNL classics that inspired his coy sense of comedy. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. ***In his reading challenge, "A Tale to Remember," Jon invites readers to follow a process that for him emerged unintentionally in the creation of his latest book, "The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale." You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack Featured Librarian is Ellen Clark, the Children's Outreach Librarian for Kokomo Howard County Public Library in Indiana. Ellen shares an experience she recently had that highlights the emotional impact librarians have not just on a community writ large, but on each individual reader.ContentsChapter 1 - Seventies University Guy Reads (2:25)Chapter 2 - Sketch Book Art Kids (not Jon) (7:51)Chapter 3 - Waiting For Godot (13:10)Chapter 4 - The Existential Gun Shot (19:40)Chapter 5 - No Sad Bears (21:47)Chapter 6 - Part 2 (28:34)Chapter 7 - A Girl and Her Skull (30:37)Chapter 8 - A Tale to Remember (34:51)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (36:12)Show Links The Reading Culture Jon Klassen The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Elm Trees of Manitoba P.D. Eastman Mac Barnett Jon's Ghost Story The Hat Trilogy Waiting for Godot For Whom the Bell Tolls Jack Handy - Fuzzy Memories George and Martha by James Marshall Book Review: ‘The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale,' by Jon Klassen - The New York Times The Far Side Comics Bill Watterson Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy The Children's Book Podcast KHCPL.org Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "For me, in the fiction, it is so much about keeping that continuum going, that someone's going to come along after me and tell a story that's connected to the story that I've told. I'm telling the story that's connected to the writers and the relatives who came before me.” - Jacqueline Woodson Jacqueline Woodson was born a watcher. An observer. Even as a young girl, she recognized that our stories are part of an enduring legacy that stretches far before and beyond our own lifetimes. Woodson is an icon in American literature, and author of works like “Brown Girl Dreaming,” “Red at the Bone,” and “Each Kindness.” Her voice has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape.In this episode, she shares about her relationship with her siblings growing up, her sense of melancholy as a child, and how some of the earliest books she read gave her a deep sense of fairness and social justice. She reveals the book that most impacted her own writing and the one thing that gives her hope, even in dark times. Jacqueline has witnessed the evolution of literary spaces over decades, along the way establishing herself as a legendary voice in the industry. She has become a guiding force, pushing publishers, readers, and writers toward a more inclusive future, a future that features creators of the global majority. She reflects on the industry's evolution throughout her career through the lens of a Black queer writer, and she talks about setting the next generation up to carry on our stories and the stories that came before us. Now, in addition to her own work, Woodson dedicates her time to providing resources and support to the next generation of voices through the Baldwin For the Arts. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Connect with Jacqueline on social @jacqueline_woodson.***For her reading challenge, Reading Black, Jacqueline challenges us to use her reading list as a way to look forward and back. The books she has chosen are all by black authors, telling their brilliant and varied stories of the American diaspora - stories this country is attempting to erase through book bans and challenges. She asks us to read these books and consider what other books they remind us of? For those we reread, what is new in the re-reading? What was it we missed the first time around? What thoughts and ideas have changed for us in the re-reading? You can find her list, designed for high school to adult readers, and all of our author challenges at thereadingculturepod.com.Returning as this episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal's 2020 school librarian of the year, from Gwinnett County Public Schools. Cicely, aka the Read Woke librarian, talks about why read-alouds are so important even for high school students, and why she refuses to stop using the word “woke” to inspire young people to read important narratives.ContentsChapter 1 - Starting in the Middle (2:30)Chapter 2 - The Continuum (5:44)Chapter 3 - Ballad of the Sad Café (10:44)Chapter 4 - Jacqueline's Beginning (15:44)Chapter 5 - Empowering the Future (20:31)Chapter 6 - A Different Story (28:00)Chapter 7 - 500 Questions (35:37)Chapter 8 - Reading Black (36:33)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (37:41)Links The Reading Culture Jacqueline Woodson Carson McCullers reads from The Ballad of the Sad Cafe (1958) Baldwin for the Arts The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture The Children's Book Podcast Cicely Lewis (Read Woke Librarian) Brown Girl Dreaming Red at the Bone Ballad of the Sad Café Greenville, SC Juno Diaz Jamaica Kincaid MacDowell Bastard Out of Carolina Toshi Reagon Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

TakeawaysPeople who read fiction are nicer.“Write with the door closed, edit with the door open.” Stephen KingKeep going.It's OK to find the thing that makes your heart sing.Keep your eyes on your own paper.MentionedNicole KronzerFollow Nicole Kronzer on InstagramThe Girl I Am, Was, and Never Will Be, Shannon GibneyThe Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation, K. Woodman-MaynardEmotion ThesaurusOn Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, Stephen KingBig Magic, Elizabeth GilbertStory Genius, Lisa CronWhere You See Yourself, Claire Forrest

A conversation with Ann Jacobus, young adult author and suicide prevention advocate, about her latest book, The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent. The book tells the story of a young person recovering from their own mental health challenges, only to be thrown into caregiving for an aunt with a terminal cancer diagnosis. We talk about suicide prevention, mental health, and grief. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/faithandgrief/support

On Today's Show "Kids are growing up in an interesting time and they're led to believe that if we don't feel happy, we're doing something wrong. I think what I respond to is a deeper truth, which is, happiness is incredible and we should strive for it, but we should also acknowledge that half of our life is challenging or melancholy." - Matt de la Peña Hailing from a working class border town in Southern California, Matt de la Peña (Last Stop on Market Street, Mexican WhiteBoy, Milo Imagines the World) grew up in an environment that deeply valued strength and stoicism and oftentimes discouraged big displays of emotion from men. Instilled with a strong work ethic and the pursuit of opportunities, he followed in the footsteps of the men in his family and community. But still, there was a deeper truth to life within a buried emotional side that he felt compelled to explore.As early as high school, Matt would embrace this side of himself by secretly writing poetry, continuing on this journey to emotional self discovery throughout adulthood. Now, influenced by writers such as Kate DiCamillo and the late Cormac McCarthy, Matt's books seek out the deeper and sometimes darker parts of life, teaching kids the invaluable skill of acknowledging melancholy and granting them the permission to appreciate their own emotional complexity.In this episode, Matt will share his lifelong journey to accessing his own emotions and how his writing teaches kids to do the same. ***Connect with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Matt on social @Mattdelapena.***For his reading challenge, Conversation Starters, Matt invites us to ponder alongside our youngest readers with his curated selection of picture books. You can find his list and all past reading challenges at thereadingculture.com/matt-de-la-pena.This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Cicely Lewis, School Library Journal's 2020 school librarian of the year, from Gwinnett County Public Schools. Cicely, aka the Read Woke librarian, shares about an awesome way to keep high schoolers excited about reading for pleasure and also a very fun birthday tradition at her school. ContentsChapter 1 - One Side of the Border (2:24)Chapter 2 - The Good, Bad, and Masculine (7:20)Chapter 3 - The Closet Poet (11:14)Chapter 4 - Sutree (14:38)Chapter 5 - The Future of Latinx Voices (24:38)Chapter 6 - Leaning Forward (27:58)Chapter 7 - Writing Up (31:58)Chapter 8 - Conversation Starters (33:59)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:55)Links The Reading Culture Matt de la Peña Matt's Books The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Why We Shouldn't Shield Children From Darkness | Matt's Letter to Kate DiCamillo The Children's Book Podcast

On Today's Show "This is happening in our world and at the very least you can bear witness to it. That's literally the absolute least you can do. - Sabaa Tahir Sabaa Tahir's (“All My Rage,” “An Ember in the Ashes” quartet) upbringing in the Mojave desert, isolated nearly 100 miles from the nearest city, exposed her to an unforgiving landscape and also many unforgiving truths of humanity. Within this backdrop, one place held significant importance in shaping her worldview: The Motel, a small business operated by her immigrant parents.  As she notes, “The good is what helps you survive, but the bad is what makes you wary and careful and makes you lonely at times.” Sabaa ventured into the realm of academia and later pursued a career in journalism, where her understanding of the world's imperfections deepened. The essence of Sabaa's stories lies in the raw exploration of sorrow and frustration…and taking action.  In this episode, Sabaa delves into the experiences of her childhood that left an indelible mark on her perspective of the world. From the motel her parents ran, to sonic booms, to wearing (dreaded) dresses on Mondays, Sabaa's youth sounds eerily like a superhero origin story. She also opened up about the “outsized impact” of her time copy editing at The Washington Post and its influence on her writing. Sabaa reveals how she channels her outrage to resonate with her coming-of-age readers, validating their shared frustrations and coming to terms with her own.***Keep up with Jordan and The Reading Culture @thereadingculturepod and subscribe to our newsletter at thereadingculturepod.com/newsletter. Join Sabaa on social @SabaaTahir***For her reading challenge, Authors of the Muslim Diaspora, Sabaa wants readers to open up to other perspectives from Muslim diaspora authors, including their cultures, traditions, mythologies, and humor. She curated a fabulous reading list, and I invite you to check it out. Reading challenges are always available at thereadingculturepod.com.In this episode, we're once again changing things up for our Beanstack featured librarian. Today we give the mic one more time to Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada, the current American Library Association president, to share more about the upcoming ALA conference and exhibition. Beanstack has proudly participated in ALA exhibitions for the last eight years! ContentsChapter 1 - The Middle of Nowhere (for real)Chapter 2 - The MotelChapter 3 - One ArtChapter 4 - The Eyes of an EditorChapter 5 - Books Like Sad SongsChapter 6 - Back to Fantasy LandChapter 7 - Lego Proof SocksChapter 8 - Muslim DiasporaChapter 9 - Beanstack Featured LibrarianLinks The Reading Culture Sabaa Tahir Sabaa's Books  The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content) Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture Sabaa Tahir on growing up in a motel - Vox ALA Annual Conference The Children's Book Podcast Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

On Today's Show "I think there's recognition that publishing is better the more voices are heard, and the more diverse those rooms can be as well –that it's not just a matter of changing the skin tone of a character, it's that culture is all these things that are seen and unseen, and it's in your world building." - Angeline Boulley Angeline Boulley was born into story-telling people. As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, she was first introduced to the art through generational oral tradition. Yet during her childhood, Angeline struggled with her biracial indigenous identity. In searching for representation through the stories in books she was reading, she realized that the examples she found lacked depth and true experience. It wasn't until her mid-forties that she realized she could write her own experience into existence. For nearly three decades, Angeline had mulled over a story idea, until she decided it was time to write this story. After another decade of working full-time (like really full-time as a mom of three with a big-time DC job) and seeking out time to write, she debuted with her award-winning novel, “Firekeeper's Daughter.”***Keep up with Jordan and The Reading Culture on Instagram @thereadingculturepod and Angeline @AngelineBoulley***In this episode, Angeline explores her long journey to becoming an author and the themes in her latest work, “Warrior Girl Unearthed.” As Angeline says, it is time for a reckoning with the inhumane treatment of indigenous people's remains still not repatriated throughout the United States. She shares how writing about her relationship to her culture helped her uncover her true identity and her goal to provide younger generations with authentic ideas of indigenous culture. For her reading challenge, Still Here, Angeline encourages readers to explore contemporary indigenous writers. While reading these modern stories, she challenges us to compare and contrast what has been taught previously about native cultures. I invite you to check it out, and for Beanstack clients, use the challenge on your site! Reading challenges are always available at thereadingculturepod.com.In this episode, we're changing things up for our Beanstack featured librarian. Today we give the mic to Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada, the current American Library Association president, to share more about the upcoming ALA conference and exhibition. Zoobean has proudly participated in ALA exhibitions for the last eight years! ContentsChapter 1 - Over the horizon (2:16)Chapter 2 - Summers in Sault Ste. Marie (6:35)Chapter 3 - Stranger With My Face (12:10)Chapter 4 - The Fire behind “Firekeeper's Daughter” (16:41)Chapter 5 - We want our ancestors back (20:49)Chapter 6 - A Collection of Scalps (24:41)Chapter 7 - The weight of educating others (27:40)Chapter 8 - Casting Call (29:46)Chapter 9 - Reading Challenge (33:37)Chapter 10 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (34:45)Links The Reading Culture: thereadingculturepod.com Angeline's Boulley: https://angelineboulley.com/ Angeline's Books: https://angelineboulley.com/books.html The Reading Culture on Instagram (for giveaways and extra content): https://instagram.com/thereadingculturepod   Beanstack resources to build your community's reading culture: Beanstack Letter from Shannon O'Loughlin (Choctaw) to Harvard University: http://www.indian-affairs.org/uploads/8/7/3/8/87380358/2021-02-18_harvard_letter_repatriation.pdf  Karl May, whose museum Angeline visited in Dresden: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_May  Lessa Kananiʻopua Pelayo-Lozada: https://www.lessaforlibraries.com/ The Children's Book Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-childrens-book-podcast/ Host: Jordan Lloyd BookeyProducer: Jackie Lamport and Lower Street MediaScript Editors: Josia Lamberto-Egan, Jackie Lamport, Jordan Lloyd Bookey

Young Adult Author Jesmeen Kaur Deo joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss finding community in fanfiction, inspiration from Richelle Mead, reading Query Shark in high school, having a book die on submission and then having a quick pre-empt sale, advice from Nora Roberts, and finding balance. Jesmeen Kaur Deo grew up in northern British Columbia, where she spent most of her childhood daydreaming. She loves books that can make her laugh and tug at her heartstrings in the same paragraph. When not wrapped up in stories, she can be found biking, playing the harmonium, or struggling to open jars. TJ Powar Has Something to Prove is her debut novel. Jesmeen: Query | Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon Read the full transcript. If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqjesmeen  This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

On Today's Show “If you write about the world as it is, there's too much of a danger of it just feeding into our assumption that everything that we live with is right and normal. Whereas if you start to say, well wait, let's project this into the future, or let's see where this comes from in the past, suddenly it opens up a whole new vista about what the present is doing." - M.T. Anderson M.T. Anderson's home in small-town Vermont is rumored to be haunted and he relishes the ghost stories told about it. Despite his analog lifestyle and lack of belief in the paranormal, he spends a lot of his time dreaming up sci-fi and fantasy adventures. Aside from just being fun, he considers the genre to hold a unique power in removing our own preconceived ideas and giving us fresh eyes to rethink our values and society.  M.T. has demonstrated that ability in books like Feed, Landscape with Invisible Hand, and even his historical fiction duology Octavian Nothing. But to realize the power of the genres, he had to overcome the stigma that sci-fi and fantasy were inferior to traditional realism, or as he calls it, “New York realism.”In this episode, M.T. takes us on his own journey to embracing these genres as a writer, he talks about the growing relevance of their ability to offer societal critiques and representation in the increasingly hostile censorship movements, and he tells us about his new story where he uses a new perspective to learn about the world (his dog's).For his reading challenge, Hometown Lore, M.T. challenges readers to find the magic and weird stories hidden in their hometowns. Reading challenges from other author guests are always available at thereadingculturepod.com.This episode's Beanstack featured librarian is Iuyana Miller, the media specialist at Young Middle School in Atlanta. Along with being the 2022 Media Specialist of the Year for Atlanta Public Schools, she is also referred to as the “book fairy” by her elementary students. Iyuana shares a story of how she ventured beyond her comfort zone to meet her middle school kids where they are and engage them more than she ever imagined.ContentsChapter 1 - The Ghost and the Corgi (2:07)Chapter 2 - The Forest of Massachusetts (4:44)Chapter 3 - Moominland Midwinter (in winter) (9:46)Chapter 4 - Building on ruins (16:08)Chapter 5 - Aliens Make Everything Better (20:18)Chapter 6 - The truth behind the fantasy (26:37)Chapter 7 - The magical dog (31:22)Chapter 8 - Hometown Lore (34:17)Chapter 9 - Beanstack Featured Librarian (36:05)Links thereadingculturepod.com thereadingculturepod.com/mt-anderson M.T. Anderson https://www.beanstack.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-childrens-book-podcast/https://www.atlantapublicschools.us/young

Young Adult author Brian D. Kennedy joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss having three agents, the insult that led to a genre change, the Goldilocks of submission strategy, worrying you'll never be good enough, feeling the negative ten times more, all the snacks, a ten year journey, no shortcuts,      Brian D. Kennedy lives in New York City with his husband and their miniature Schnauzer. When not writing, he can be found working at an LGBTQ nonprofit and obsessing over all things Dolly Parton. A Little Bit Country is his debut novel. Brian: Query | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon Read the full transcript. If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqkennedy  This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Rosiee Thor joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss how failure is part of the process, teenage Marie Lu, Inkpop, signing with an agent who doesn't represent her genre, feeling a bit stagnant, refusing to give up on publishing, and finding the groups that nourish instead of drain you. Rosiee Thor began her career as a storyteller by demanding to tell her mother bedtime stories instead of the other way around. She spent her childhood reading by flashlight in the closet until she came out as queer. She lives in Oregon with a dog, two cats, and an abundance of plants. She is the author of Tarnished Are The Stars, Fire Becomes Her, The Meaning of Pride, and Life is Strange: Steph's Story. Rosiee: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon Read the full transcript. If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqrosiee This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

This week on the Writers Advice Podcast I am joined by Children's book & Young Adult Author, Kelly Wilson. On this episode Kelly and I talk about: -Her journey through writing & publication -Pitching to publishers -Switching from childrens books to young adult fiction -Turning life events into stories -Creating full characters -Educating through fiction Dive into all of Kelly's books here. Grab a copy of my Shadow & Shifter Series here JOIN THE WRITERS ADVICE FACEBOOK GROUP Become a part of my ARC TEAM HERE To Contact Kelly:Instagram: @kelly.wilsonwingsforgrace To Contact Me:Website: oliviahillier.comInstagram: @oliviahillierauthorTikTok:@oliviahillierauthor

In this excerpt from my interview with ward-winning Children and Young Adult author Sherri L. Smith, she talks bout her writing journey to publish the novel Flygirl about a fair-skinned black woman who passes as white to serve in the WASPThanks so much for listening! Stay up to date on book releases, author events, and Aviatrix Book Club discussion dates with the Literary Aviatrix Newsletter. Visit the Aviatrix Book Review website to find over 600 books featuring women in aviation in all genres for all ages. Become a Literary Aviatrix Patron and help amplify the voices of women in aviation. Follow me on social media, join the book club, and find all of the things on the Literary Aviatrix linkt.ree. Blue skies, happy reading, and happy listening!-Liz Booker

Young Adult Author Laura Taylor Namey joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss learning to write a novel by writing one, the pitfall of comparison, longevity as an author, romanticizing publishing, and doing things backward. Laura Taylor Namey is the New York Times and international bestselling author of Reese's Book Club pick A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, The Library of Lost Things, When We Were Them, and two forthcoming titles. A proud Cuban-American, she can be found hunting for vintage treasures and wishing she was in London or Paris. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two children. Laura: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon Read the full transcript. If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqnamey This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Happy Friday, my Friend! Our fabulous released party is in full swing, and today we are chatting with the incredible Young Adult Author, Ms. Marcia Mickelson. We had such a great time discussing her writing journey, and specially her book, Where I Belong. This book portraits the story of a young immigrant young lady as she learns to find her own voice, while standing up for something greater than herself. This incredible book won a Pura Belpre honor. Ms. Marcia not only writes soul touching stories, but she is also a true inspiration. She shares with us how her patience, and perseverance, helped her to achieve her dreams. Make sure to check out her website, www.marciamickelson.com to learn more about all her books and upcoming projects. Remember my friend, we are in need of your help to keep this podcast going. If you would like to support us (and get a fabulous shout-out during the show) become a Podcast Junkie as part of Patreon tribe www.patreon.com/AuthorDCGomez. You will get first access to the unedited podcasts and get a sneak peek at what goes on behind the scenes. Best part, starting on February 20th, the unedited video will be available as part of your membership. Join our tribe and support the Podcast on Patreon. Happy Listening, DC

Young Adult Author Sarah Suk joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss the writing group that started it all, Author Mentor Match, how being on submission was harder than querying, realizing her community is not her competition, worrying if anything's going to work out, and the importance of writer and non-writer friends. Sarah Suk lives in Vancouver, Canada, where she writes stories and admires mountains. She is the author of young adult novels Made in Korea and The Space Between Here and Now, as well as the co-writer of John Cho's middle grade novel Troublemaker. When she's not writing, you can find her hanging out by the water, taking film photos, or eating a bowl of bingsu. Sarah: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon Read the full transcript. If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqsarahsuk This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Award-winning young adult author turned crime writer Kate McCaffrey on her first novel for adults, Double Lives. How to get the most of our “morning pages” and what “crutch words” do you use? And win The Tilt by Chris Hammer. Read the show notes Connect with Valerie and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | ValerieKhoo.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Melissa and Desiree interview special guest Crystal Maldonado! Crystal is a young adult author with a lot of feelings. Her debut novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega, is a 2021 New England Book Award winner, a Cosmopolitan Best New Book, and a POPSUGAR Best New YA Novel. Her next novel, No Filter and Other Lies, explores teenage life in the social media age—and the lies we tell to ourselves and others. By day, Crystal works in higher ed marketing, and by night, a writer who loves Beyoncé, shopping, spending too much time on her phone, and being extra. Her work has also been published in Latina, BuzzFeed, and the Hartford Courant. She lives in western Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Ann McCallum Staats is a former teacher and the author of nine non-fiction books for young readers, including The Secret Life of Math; Eat Your Science Homework: Recipes for Inquiring Minds; Women Heroes of the US Army: Remarkable Heroes from the American Revolution to Today; Thrill Seekers: 15 Remarkable Women in Extreme Sports; and her most recent book, High Flyers: 15 Inspiring Women Aviators and Astronauts, which launched on July 19th 2022. You can find her at her website www.AnnMcCallumbooks.com, on Instagram and Twitter @annmccallumbooks, and on Facebook @Author Ann McCallum Staats. 

Today, Tes talks with Gae Polisner. Gae is the award-winning author of six novels including the multi-award winning THE MEMORY OF THINGS which is used in schools around the country. A family law attorney and mediator by trade, but a writer by calling, Gae lives on Long Island with her husband, two sons, and a suspiciously-fictional-looking small dog she swore she'd never own. She is an avid swimmer and, when not writing, can be found in the open waters of the Long Island Sound. Her next book is forthcoming from Henry Holt in 2022. You may follow her on twitter and Instagram @gaepol, on facebook at gaepolisnerauthor, and find her books wherever books are sold. SEVEN CLUES TO HOME "... a modern-day Bridge to Terabithia." - Booklist. Junior Library Guild selection, now available from Alfred A Knopf/RHC. JACK KEROUAC IS DEAD TO ME "... consider her to be the best voice in the YA contemporary space." - YA Books Central. Now available Wednesday Books/St. Martin's Press. Also on audiobook! IN SIGHT OF STARS, from Wednesday Books/St. Martin's Press. Booklist, Starred Review. Winner, 2018 AudioFile Earphones Award; 2020 Keystone to Reading nominee; 2019 Wisconsin State "Just One More Page" selection; 2019 Teen Choice Book Award nominee. THE MEMORY OF THINGS, Winner, 2019 Golden Archer Wisconsin's Children's Choice Book Award; 2017 Wisconsin State "Just One More Page" selection; repeat NYLA Three Apples Book Award finalist; Keystone to Reading Book Award finalist; Nerdy Book Club Best, 2016; New York Times, Huffington Post, and New York Daily News, reviews. Now out on audio! Check out all my books here: http://gaepolisner.com/ Follow Gae Polisner: IG: @gaepol Twister: @gaepol Facebook: https://www.gaepolisner.com/

Writers, take note! Author Kayla Cagan gives insight into her writing process (including the publishing phase), as well as navigating writer's block with really practical ways to overcome it. Guest host, Juliana Finch, and Kayla provide resources and places to start when writing doesn't feel great or accessible BIO:  Kayla Cagan (she/her) is the Young Adult Author of PIPER PERISH and ART BOSS from Chronicle Books. PIPER PERISH received universal praise and starred reviews from ALA Booklist, as well as being an Amazon Bestseller, a Barnes & Noble Best Book of the Month, and made the Indie Next Choice list. PIPER PERISH was also picked as a Spirit of Texas High School Reading Program selection and was a nominee for the Overdrive Book Selection. Her second book, ART BOSS, was called “an engaging portrait of the artist as a young woman” by Kirkus Review, and “an automatic pick-up for fans” by Booklist. Both books were selected for Mule Design's Quarantine Book Club series in 2020. Her short plays and monologues have been published by Applause Books and Smith and Kraus. She has also contributed comics and essays to assorted collections, including Girl Crush Zine, Womanthology, and Unite and Take Over: Stories Inspired by the Smiths. She is happily married to screenwriter Josh A. Cagan and they live in California. Instagram at @kayla_cagan_writer Resources Kayla mentioned: https://www.writeyourscreenplay.com/ (Jacob Krueger Studio) https://www.loyaltybookstores.com/ (Loyalty Bookstore) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/magic-lessons-with-elizabeth-gilbert/id1138081319 (Big Magic Podcast/Magic Lessons) LISTEN TO ASBX AUDIO DRAMAS:https://artistsoapbox.org/masterbuilder/ (Master Builder) https://www.thenewcolossuspodcast.com/ (The New Colossus) https://artistsoapbox.org/declaration-of-love/ (Declaration of Love audio anthology) https://artistsoapbox.org/audio-dramas/asbx-shorts/ (ASBX Shorts) CONNECT AND FOLLOW: Artist Soapbox on social media: Twitter: https://twitter.com/artist_soapbox (@artist_soapbox) Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/artistsoapbox/ (artistsoapbox) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistsoapboxpodcast/ (https://www.facebook.com/artistsoapboxpodcast/) CONTRIBUTE: Soapboxers are the official patrons of the Artist Soapbox podcast. http://www.patreon.com/artistsoapbox (Get on the Soapbox with us at Patreon )or make a one-time donation via Ko-fi at https://ko-fi.com/artistsoapbox (https://ko-fi.com/artistsoapbox) or via PayPal at https://www.paypal.me/artistsoapbox?ppid=PPC000628&cnac=US&rsta=en_US(en_US)&cust=A55YE26SQPDL8&unptid=bcec7a46-337d-11e8-9bbe-9c8e992da578&t=&cal=cb540804e2cda&calc=cb540804e2cda&calf=cb540804e2cda&unp_tpcid=ppme-social-user-profile-created&page=main:email&pgrp=main:email&e=op&mchn=em&s=ci&mail=sys (PayPal.Me/artistsoapbox.) If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please consider our non-profit https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/soapbox-audio-collective (Soapbox Audio Collective).

Young Adult Author Jamie Beth Cohen joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss the strawberry shortcake origin story, going against a mentor's advice, the ups and downs of going with a small press, having more to say than having time to write it down, and getting a lot out of Pitch Wars without having been selected. Jamie Beth Cohen is a writer, speaker, and storyteller who lives in Pennsylvania. Her words have appeared in The Washington Post, HuffPost, Salon, Teen Vogue, and several other outlets. She is the author of WASTED PRETTY and LIMINAL SUMMER. When not working, writing, or spending time with her family, she mentors an incarcerated writer and novice storytellers. Jamie: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Podcast | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound See full transcript. QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqcohen This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Sarah lives in Lehi, Utah and is a die hard fantasy nerd that can't stop talking about dragons and anime. She's trying to get through her senior year of high school by creating her own worlds and characters, and has written six novels. Her latest is YA Fantasy Romance Novel "Stone Cold" containing 308 pages of clean reading published through Morgan James in New York. For more information on Sarah or to purchase her book, go to: https://www.sarahhumpherys.com/ Follow her on Instagram @sarah_fantasy_author Background music: Artist: PRYCES Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/pryces/music-is License code: HBXBWG2KFT3LQJBG

Young Adult Author Crystal Maldonado joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss boyband fan fiction, the one book that made her feel like there might be room for her stories, googling everything, being shy about being a writer, her actual rejections from publishers, covid interfering with her publishing schedule, her book baby taking a backseat to her human baby, being grateful for the publishing delay, wishing she had shared her writing sooner, and sending Roxane Gay a copy of her book. Crystal Maldonado is a young adult author writing inclusive stories about fat, brown girls. Her debut novel, Fat Chance, Charlie Vega, is a 2021 New England Book Award winner, while her newest, No Filter and Other Lies, explores teenage life in the social media age. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, daughter, and dog. Crystal: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqmaldonado This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Carolyn Tara O'Neil joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss dreaming of being Carolyn Keene, spending five years drafting and revising her debut, reading the entire Query Shark blog, adding a POV to increase request rate by 600%, how much work her agent actually does, writing one day a week, worrying of never writing something worthy, not beating yourself up, and believing in your own writing. Carolyn Tara O'Neil grew up in a tiny New York City apartment filled with thousands of books. Every Friday she went to the public library for even more reading material. Since then, Carolyn has dedicated her career to the education and rights of young people. She loves to travel, study languages, and spend endless hours discussing TV, books, great hiking trails, and how we can work together to build a more equal society. Her debut novel, DAUGHTERS OF A DEAD EMPIRE, is set during the Russian Revolution and was published in 2022 by Roaring Brook Press. Carolyn: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM Ira Glass on the Creative Gap QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqcarolyn This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Margie Fuston joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss having both a great and a terrible Pitch Wars experience, ditching a PhD to write a book, selling a trunked novel after getting an agent, R&Rs, making the one change she said she'd never make, fear of social media, taking care of your mental and physical health. Margie Fuston lives in the woods of California and spends all her time wrangling a herd of cats and helping her nephews hunt ghosts, pond monsters, and mermaids. She's the author of Vampires, Hearts, and Other Dead Things and Cruel Illusions. Margie: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqfuston This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Sarah Dass joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss letting go of a book to move forward, the importance of finishing books, her debut group, a disastrous first book, amassing 100 rejections, Pitch Wars, and getting published with your third book. Sarah Dass was born in Trinidad but has lived in Tobago since she was two years old. She works as an office administrator by day and writes stories about the Caribbean by night. When she's not writing, she's reading or taking walks with her dachshund, Stella. Sarah's debut novel, Where the Rhythm Takes You, is inspired by her childhood, spent in a seaside hotel. Sarah: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqdass This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Lauren James joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss having a supportive family, thinking every year this will be the year she has to get a real job, the ten year gap year, when your entire America publishing team gets fired, publishing three books during the pandemic, the one course she wish she'd taken, trusting your instincts, and the value in an editor who also teaches as you go. Lauren James is the twice Carnegie-nominated British author of many Young Adult novels, including Green Rising, The Reckless Afterlife of Harriet Stoker and The Loneliest Girl in the Universe. She is a RLF Royal Fellow, freelance editor and screenwriter. Lauren is the founder of the Climate Fiction Writers League, and on the board of the Authors & Illustrators Sustainability Working Group through the Society of Authors. Lauren: Query | Website | Twitter | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqlj This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Derek Milman joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss going from acting to writing, how his brother's bachelor party launched his writing career, meeting agents for coffee, two atypical experiences at opposite ends of the spectrum, the last book tour before the pandemic, media mail, focusing on the work in the middle of the business, and being careful about choosing a publisher. Derek Milman is the author of the YA novels SWIPE RIGHT FOR MURDER and SCREAM ALL NIGHT. A classically-trained actor, who worked for years in TV and film, Derek now lives in Brooklyn where he (tries) to write full time. Derek: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqmilman This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

If you have children over the age of ten, they probably know John Green from his young adult novels and YouTube channel, “Crash Course”. Reset hears about his first book for adults, The Anthropocene Reviewed.

Young Adult Author Heidi Heilig joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss throwing away 600+ pages, getting an offer while on bedrest, making your main character more active, the magic in rewrites, transitioning to writing solo after having a writing partner, how being a receptionist helps her writing, and writing depression accurately but keeping it active. Heidi Heilig is the author of THE GIRL FROM EVERYWHERE, a historical fantasy series involving piracy, time travel, and 19th century Hawaii, and FOR A MUSE OF FIRE, a YA fantasy featuring a bipolar shadow player who can see the spirits of the dead. Heidi is bipolar herself, though when she travels through time, it is only in the usual “forward” direction. Heidi: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqheidi This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Kyrie McCauley joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss finding a supportive community early on, sobbing at her first edit letter, writing about tough topics, writing at the zoo, Pitch Wars, the mountains and valleys of publishing, and what she misses about querying. ✦ Kyrie McCauley is the author of If These Wings Could Fly and We Can Be Heroes. She lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her family, three rescue cats, and a dog that eats books and is never sorry. ✦ Kyrie: Query | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM ✦ QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon ✦ If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqkyrie ✦ This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show. ✦

Alicia Antonio swings by for a chill and informative chat about her unique gift of storytelling. She is the partner of GJ alum, Shawn Antonio (Episode 70), and Alicia has been a huge supporter of the podcast including the referrer of some of our Hell's Kitchen guests!Originally from Down Under in Adelaide, Alicia established herself as an actor and model, and eventually a key account manager for Jack Daniel's. In 2009 she made the move to LA to pursue acting and writing her own books as an independent author.She speaks about her time being one of the most popular mommy bloggers in LA, and about the realities of marketing, brand management and being an Influencer. We get into the 'double edged sword' of Social followers and who important it is to have an authentic voice as a brand and as a human behind your branding.Be sure to check out the intro, where we have our typical cringe-worthy banter before Alicia joins us.

Young Adult Author Dante Medema joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss having a massive earthquake the day your book goes to auction, being overwhelmed by writers conferences, knowing when a book is the one, the non-glamorous life of an author, ten years to overnight success, debuting during a pandemic, and separating the business from your ego. ✦ Dante Medema is the author of THE TRUTH PROJECT and MESSAGE NOT FOUND. When she isn't writing she can be found chasing her dogs and four daughters around Alaska, obsessing over aliens, or embarrassing herself on Tiktok. ✦ Dante: Query | Website | Twitter | TikTok | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | Libro FM ✦ QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon ✦ If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqdante ✦ This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show.

Young Adult Author Annie Sullivan joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss getting two requests out of a hundred queries, why “write something new” and “don't give up on a book you love” are not contradictory, learning about publishing rights and contracts, the migration of goalposts, leaving Easter Eggs for her readers, and not putting time limits on your self. ✦ Annie Sullivan is the author of three young adult fantasy novels A Touch of Gold, A Curse of Gold, and Tiger Queen. She lives in Indiana but loves to travel the world. She has a passion for all things fairytales and Jane Austen and loves interacting with fans. ✦ Annie: Query | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok | Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound | LibroFM ✦ QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon ✦ PubTalk Live: Ask the Agents: Contract Terms If links aren't clickable, find them here: https://bit.ly/qqqannies ✦ This page includes affiliate links. Please use them if you'd like to support the show. ✦

In this interview with award winning Children's and Young Adult Author, Sherri L. Smith, we talk about her writing journey from short story to novel, the evolution of Flygirl from Master's thesis to published novel, upcoming writing workshops she will facilitate, and her advice for new writers. You can find her at her website www.sherrilsmith.com

This week we speak with a vibrant voice in the Young Adult Dystopian scene - Tanya "T.J." Ross - who talks to us about her debut and first book in her Tranquility Series, RISING UP! Tanya Ross was born and raised in Southern California, a particular kind of paradise that's inspired a lot of her writing. She desires a world where everyone is kind, compassionate, and upbeat--which became one of the themes of her new novel, Rising Up. The themes and plot points Tanya plays with are sensational, but the passion she emits when she speaks about it was really was sold me on her. Tanya's book has won multiple awards, and I have no doubt her sequels will only further cement her status as a capable wordsmith. For more of Tanya, visit her Amazon author page and/or visit her social media feed for the latest to come from this author. INSTAGRAM - @tjross_author For more of A.R. Mirabal, visit "www.Neotino.net". There you'll find galleries of all our art, a store for current and soon-to-be-released merch and books, as well as some free short stories and a contact page for our services. Social Media Links: ALL LINKS - linktr.ee/AR_Mirabal INSTAGRAM - @allegoryoftheend TWITTER - @OfficialNeotino REDDIT - u/Official_Neotino PATREON - patreon.com/neotino

It was so great speaking with Suzy. We had a wonderful conversation. Suzy knows how to juggle and keep herself organized with a family and her new love as an author, book coach, etc. She never has a dull moment. Suzy never thought that she would become an author. She has been in the corporate world for along time. Her fun fact is that she use to be a Business Executive for 20 years and now she is a bestselling author. "My saying is you never know what life has in store for you." Suzy is a book coach as well and she loves being a book coach because it's an opportunity for her to teach and give emotional support to her students or her clients. The main reason why Suzy decided to write Young Adult books is because she has children and they are her inspiration. (Keep up the great work). Here is a little more about Suzy - ALL ABOUT SUZY: Suzy is a Book Coach, Editor, Public Speaker and the Calgary Bestselling Author of The Fountain Series (The Fountain, The West Woods, Wall of Wishes). This fantastical Young Adult Series has received two Aurora Nominations for Best Young Adult Novel, as well as Five Stars and a bronze medallion from Readers' Favorite Book Awards. She is represented by Naomi Davis of Bookends Literary Agency. Suzy lives in Calgary, Canada with her husband and three children and is an involved member in the writing community. She is a Program Manager for Calgary's When Words Collide (WWC), teaches writing at Alexandra Writers' Centre Society, and is a touring member of the Young Alberta Book Society. Suzy is also the founder of WriteIt! creative writing programs in schools. Her book coaching business grew from the number of writers coming to her for writing tips, editing, marketing advice and motivational support on their projects. She loves working with writers at all stages in many genres, including Non-Fiction, Memoir, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Women's Fiction, Romance, Middle Grade, Picture Books and of course, Young Adult. Suzy is an Advanced Certified Book Coach from Jennie Nash's Author Accelerator. Suzy speaks to youth and adult audiences across Western Canada about how literacy can unlock doors and help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be. If you would like to contact Suzy you can go to her website at http://www.suzyvadori.com/ or you can go to her social media. All of her social media handles are Suzy Vadori.

Young Adult Author Angeline Boulley joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss waiting 28 years to write the book, the most illuminating question to ask offering agents, prioritizing Native talent when negotiating her film rights, ensuring her craft was worthy of the story she wanted to tell, and the single most helpful thing she did for her writing. ✦ Angeline Boulley is a #1 New York Times bestselling author who writes about her Ojibway community in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Her debut novel, Firekeeper's Daughter, is a Reese's Book Club selection and received the inaugural Barnes & Noble Young Adult Book Award. It's being developed for a Netflix series by the Obamas' Higher Ground Productions. ✦ Angeline: Query Text | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Bookshop | Libro.fm | Amazon | Indiebound ✦ Questions to Ask a Prospective Agent from Jim McCarthy ✦ QQQ Home Base | Support on Patreon ✦ If the links aren't clickable, find them at: http://bit.ly/qqqangeline

Girl!!! We need to talk!! Today, Krystle and Aleta discuss the young adult novel, “Jacob Have I Loved,” by Katherine Paterson. This is a beloved book from their middle-school years. In addition, they discuss Katherine Paterson’s incredible ability to write about some of the very difficult situations youth can go through, with her characters processing and working through these difficult emotions…and how relevant the novel is even in adulthood. Their tangents this week include: The Bridge to Terabithia (also written by Katherine Paterson); the film “Jacob Have I Loved;” Bridget Fonda’s transformation from Melaina (in The Shag) to Louise; and even a probably-inaccurate Bible story from Aleta and Krystle. As always, listen along for your weekly laugh and coverage of a Young Adult Author that is just the “bees knees.” #JacobHaveILoved #KatherinePaterson #BridgeToTeribithia #YoungAdultFiction #YoungAdultNovel #BridgetFonda #ThomasYCrowellCo #podcast #bookstagram #booklover

Marie is awesome. Her books are amazing. Her books can be a great series on TV or a movie. She loves working with children. "As we all know children are our future." ALL ABOUT MARIE: Marie Powell's adventures in castle-hopping and exploring her family roots resulted in her historical fantasy novels, Spirit Sight and Water Sight (Last of the Gifted). These are just two of Marie's 40-plus children's and young adult books with such traditional publishers as Amicus Publishing, Scholastic Education, Lerner/Lightning Bolt, Crabtree and more. Her short fiction and poetry can be found in subTerrain, Room, Transition, and other literary magazines. She is also a professional writer, editor, journalist, and photographer with work published in a variety of formats. Marie's children's books include early readers, middle-grade nonfiction, and science books for young readers. Her young adult novels include fantasy and historical fantasy books. Her articles appear in newspapers, magazines, online and international markets. Her poetry and short fiction have appeared in a variety of literary magazines and anthologies. As well, she provides research and editing services, and loves to do readings and workshops for all ages. She loves travelling. On recent trips to Wales, she immersed herself in the culture and landscape of her heritage. At the same time, she discovered valuable research for her YA fantasy series, Last of the Gifted. Spirit Sight (Book 1) - Winner of the Moonbeam Young Adult Fiction - Bronze Medal Water Sight (Book 2) - Released November 2020 Published by Wood Dragon Books, the books are available worldwide, in digital and print across all platforms! Here is where you can find the books: amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1989078281 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GFK8BSJ/ Kobo (ebook): https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/spirit-sight-1 Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spirit-sight-marie-powell/1137496305 Chapters/Indigo: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/ Spirit Sight: https://books2read.com/u/3n8A95  Water Sight: https://books2read.com/u/4A701d and if you want to contact Marie go to her email at www.mariepowell.ca or you can follow her on social media at Marie Powell Author

Sharon M. Draper is a professional educator as well as an accomplished writer. She has been honored as the National Teacher of the Year, is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Awards, and is a New York Times bestselling author, with Out of my Mind staying on the list for almost two years.

Author, and one of my besties, Cheyanne Young joins the podcast today! Tune in for honest book talk, witty banter, the writing rule(s) she breaks, the authors she can't get enough of, and more!Cheyanne Young is a Young Adult Author of THE LAST WISH OF SASHA CADE, and THE BREAKUP SUPPORT GROUP, among others . If you haven’t picked up her books yet, do so. They are witty, and full of heart--a perfect weekend read that will leave you smiling. To learn more about Cheyanne, or to purchase her books click here!February is the month of LOVE and one organization I love and support is Dachshund Rescue of Houston! To learn more about this nonprofit, or to make a donation, click here!If you enjoy my podcast, be sure to tune into Musicians Dish, featuring two hardworking freelance musicians, Robin and Audra. Their podcast can be found on all major podcast sites.Looking for another way to get groceries? Check out the link below for a special offer from Instacart that also helps support the show!Instacart - Groceries delivered in as little as 1 hour. Free delivery on your first order over $35.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

One person’s antagonist is another’s protagonist. It’s true in life, and also in the award-winning young-adult fiction of Sharon G. Flake.

The Young Adult Author, C.K. Donnelly, joins us on the show with her debut novel Trine Rising. Ms. C.K. shares the excitement world  she created, as well as her deep passion for Star Wars. You are going to be captivated by this fun author. For more information on Ms. C.K., check out her website- www.ckdonnelly.com.

Today, Tes talks with Gae Polisner. Gae is the award-winning author of six novels including the multi-award winning THE MEMORY OF THINGS which is used in schools around the country. A family law attorney and mediator by trade, but a writer by calling, Gae lives on Long Island with her husband, two sons, and a suspiciously-fictional-looking small dog she swore she'd never own. She is an avid swimmer and, when not writing, can be found in the open waters of the Long Island Sound. Her next book is forthcoming from Henry Holt in 2022. You may follow her on twitter and Instagram @gaepol, on facebook at gaepolisnerauthor, and find her books wherever books are sold.

Anthony Horowitz discovered books as an unhappy kid in school and knew that he would one day grow up to be a writer. More than 50 books later, the author will now see one of his most popular characters -- an unlikely teenage spy named Alex Rider -- come to life in an original series airing on Amazon Prime. His hope though is that the TV series will drive viewers back to the 13-book young adult book series because he believes books are a "remarkable way to use your brain."  

K. Michele Moseley found her love for story telling on a Tuesday at 10 AM in the third grade. Though she struggled with dyslexia, her passion for stories allowed her to overcome the challenges that came with telling them. Later, she discovered just how much she enjoys helping others write their own stories and now works as an editor and writing coach. While she writes in many genres, she most enjoys creating stories for young adults that place real-life obstacles into fantastic worlds. www.kmichelemoseley.com Daily Creative Habit Facebook Group: www.DailyCreativeHabit.com  

Creativity through the lens of a Young Adult Author and Actor"Stepping off the beaten path in any aspect of your life." Megan O'Russell is the author of several Young Adult series that invite readers to escape into worlds of adventure. From Girl of Glass, which blends dystopian darkness with the heart-pounding danger of vampires, to Ena of Ilbrea, which draws readers into an epic world of magic and assassins.With the Girl of Glass series, The Tethering series, The Chronicles of Maggie Trent, The Tale of Bryant Adams, the Ena of Ilbrea series, and several more projects planned for 2020, there are always exciting new books on the horizon. To be the first to hear about new releases, free short stories, and giveaways, sign up for Megan's newsletter here.Originally from Upstate New York, Megan is a professional musical theatre performer whose work has taken her across North America. Her chronic wanderlust has led her from Alaska to Thailand and many places in between. Wanting to travel has fostered Megan’s love of books that allow her to visit countless new worlds from her favorite reading nook.Megan is also a lyricist and playwright. Information on her theatrical works can be found at RussellCompositions.com.She would be thrilled to chat with you on Facebook or Twitter @MeganORussell, and over the moon if you'd like the pictures of her adventures on Instagram @ORussellMegan.Links:Website: https://www.meganorussell.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ORussellauthor/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeganORussellInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/orussellmegan/

In this episode of Distance Makes the HeART Grow Fonder I chat with indie writer/director and published Young Adult Author, Natalie Rodriguez. I had the pleasure of acting in Natalie's directorial debut, The Extraordinary Ordinary. Nat and I talk about the importance of self-care during the quarantine and the many ways that we can all stay connected creatively during this difficult time!  You can watch our film The Extraordinary Ordinary on Amazon and Google Play 8/28! 

Performance comes easily for Megan O'Russell--an author, playwright, actress and singer, Megan is most prolific with the former. Her string of Young Adult series delve into adventure, vampires, magic and dystopia, including "The Tethering," "When Worlds Began," and "Girl of Glass." She has also written "How I Magically Messed Up My Life in Four Freakin' Days." A native of Upstate New York, Megan hosts the podcast, "A Book and a Dream," and can be found touring and traveling the world, as well as trodding the boards onstage alongside her husband, Christopher. 

With deep roots in textiles and a love for materials at a young age, Brett Conti grew up knowing he’d own a clothing company one day. While pursuing his business degree, an injury put his competitive skateboarding pursuit out of commission, but paved the way to an entrepreneurial opportunity. He pulled out his sewing machine and rekindled his hobby of making custom apparel. His go-getter spirit and big heart for those in need inspired the inception of Fortune NY, a clothing and skate brand with a mission to help the less fortunate. Within a couple years of launching, Fortune NY expanded their wholesale to over 40 stores throughout the world. Hear the full story as he chats with Sarah Funk and Maxym Martineau about how he manages both Fortune NY and a successful YouTube career, and what he’s learned as an entrepreneur living out his dream.Subscribe to GoDaddy: http://bit.ly/GoDaddy-Subscribe  Brett Conti’s links: https://www.fortuneny.com, https://www.instagram.com/fortuneny, https://www.youtube.com/user/brettconti  Maxym Martineau & Sarah Funk’s links:  https://www.instagram.com/maxymmckay, http://www.instagram.com/sarahfunky, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmQns2TtITJIPlTnr1t2og  GoDaddy links:  https://www.godaddy.com, https://www.youtube.com/user/godaddy, https://www.instagram.com/godaddy, https://www.facebook.com/godaddy, https://www.twitter.com/godaddy  As the company empowering everyday entrepreneurs around the world, GoDaddy gives you all the help and tools you need to grow online.

When entrepreneur-at-heart Taylor Elyse Morrison noticed a gap in the wellness industry for a self-care focused class, she saw an opportunity to start something new and make her mark. She set out on a mission to make self-care more inclusive and accessible to people of different shapes, sizes and backgrounds. After much research and brainstorming, Taylor launched Inner Workout — a holistic, restorative class rooted in the yoga concept of the koshas (the five dimensions of well-being). The ethos of Inner Workout uses the acts of movement, breathwork, meditation and journaling to help folks connect with every layer of their individuality. Taylor shines a light on the steps she took to make her entrepreneurial vision a reality, how Inner Workout stands out in a time when the wellness industry is growing to new heights and how she’s navigating during COVID-19.  Subscribe to GoDaddy: http://bit.ly/GoDaddy-Subscribe  Inner Workout links: https://www.innerworkout.co, https://www.facebook.com/theinnerworkout, https://www.instagram.com/innerworkout  GoDaddy Links: https://www.godaddy.com, https://www.youtube.com/user/godaddy, https://www.instagram.com/godaddy, https://www.facebook.com/godaddy, https://www.twitter.com/godaddy  As the company empowering everyday entrepreneurs around the world, GoDaddy gives you all the help and tools you need to grow online.

While attending Columbia University in 2014, Jason worked with a team to find a solution to a life-threatening problem healthcare workers were facing during the Ebola outbreak: ineffective disinfection. This marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey and led to the creation of a patented, colorized disinfectant called Highlight. Soon after, Jason and his team received enough grant funding from the USAID to spearhead their work, and they were able to launch Kinnos and get Highlight to those who needed it. Listen in as he chats with Sarah Funk and Maxym Martineau about the full story behind his invention and how it's continuing to make a positive impact on our world — especially during COVID-19.  Kinnos links:  https://www.kinnos.us, https://www.facebook.com/kinnosinc, https://www.instagram.com/kinnosinc, https://www.twitter.com/kinnosinc, https://www.linkedin.com/company/kinnos-inc-/  Maxym Martineau & Sarah Funk's links:  https://www.instagram.com/maxymmckay, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbmQns2TtITJIPlTnr1t2og, http://www.instagram.com/sarahfunky   GoDaddy links:  https://www.godaddy.com, https://www.youtube.com/user/godaddy, https://www.instagram.com/godaddy, https://www.facebook.com/godaddy, https://www.twitter.com/godaddy  As the company empowering everyday entrepreneurs around the world, GoDaddy gives you all the help and tools you need to grow online.

Join us this week with Young Adult author Diana Gallagher as we discuss the journey from thought to novel--and how such lessons inform teaching writing in the classroom, and beyond.You can check out Diana Gallagher's latest novel, LESSONS IN FALLING in bookstores now.If you like what you hear, please subscribe to our podcast and share with others who you think will find our talks interesting!Also, follow us on Twitter and consider supporting us on Patreon to receive bonuses!

On this episode I get to chat with an old friend, Vesper Stamper, who is an award winning author/illustrator.  Born in Germany and raised in New York City, Vesper Stamper has been an illustrator for over 20 years and now also writes and illustrates novels of historical fiction, including her upcoming novel, A Cloud of Outrageous Blue. Her debut illustrated YA novel, What the Night Sings, about the post-Holocaust period, was a National Book Award Nominee, a National Jewish Book Award Finalist, a Morris Award Finalist, Golden Kite Honor Book and Sydney Taylor Book Award Winner, and was named a Best YA Book of 2018/9 by YALSA, the Wall Street Journal and Kirkus. Vesper has a BFA in Illustration from Parsons and an MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from School of Visual Arts. She lives with her husband, filmmaker Ben Stamper, and her two teenagers, in the Northeast. Vespers links: www.Vesperillustration.com https://www.instagram.com/vesperillustration/ To apply for my creative coaching visit: www.CreativeChats.me  

Chad Stewart, award-winning author of Britfield & the Lost Crown, talks about his 27-state Spring 2020 tour to 150 schools and 30,000 students to promote creativity in the classroom. Steward is joined by Union-Tribune photojournalist, Howard Lipin, to discuss creativity through the lens of a journalist.

https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/judy-blume-popular-young-adult-author-is-bornSupport the show on Patreon

This podcast is with my son, Jacob Bohman. We take a look back on his education and how he learned to be a self-publishing author of his first book, the newly released, Transmission. He talks about his experiences as well as his hopes and dreams going forward. This is being released on his 18th birthday, so as he moves into adulthood, I feel extremely blessed and proud to be his mother! Check out the show notes here  

Acclaimed young adult author Nic Stone talks about whether we can move beyond judging people based on race and class, what she has learned from meeting with high school kids across the country, and how to be a good ally in the fight against racism. Her latest novel is Jackpot: All Bet$ Are Off.

Young Adult Author, Mara Rutherford The Not Old Better Show, Author Interview Series Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, I'm Paul Vogelzang and this is episode #383. Today's show is brought to you by Plexaderm. As part of our author interview series, today we're speaking with Mara Rutherford, author of the new book the “Crown of Coral and Pearl.” We're fortunate that Mara Rutherford has agreed to read a passage from the book for us today, but let me tell you a bit about Mara. First of all, let me tell you that Mara and I are related. My dear cousin Nancy had triplets, and Mara is one of three, who I've gotten to know well, and you'll know her a bit after our conversation today, but trust me when I tell you, this is not nepotism, but a great new book from a very hardworking author, that is an ideal read for all ages, but particularly so for grandparents and grandchildren. Hence, no favoritism here, just a great story for all. We'll have links up for more information about Mara Rutherford, but briefly, Mara Rutherford began her writing career as a journalist but quickly discovered she far preferred fantasy to reality. As I say, Mara Rutherford is a triplet born on Leap Day, and Mara holds a Master's degree in Cultural Studies from the University of London. Mara has since lived all over the world along with her young family and Marine-turned-diplomat husband. Mara Rutherford's debut YA fantasy CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL is available for sale now, published by HarperCollins. And now let's listen as Mara Rutherford reads from her new book about the cost of becoming royalty. Our sponsor today is Plexaderm, and please go to https://www.tryplexaderm.com/ and use my code NOTOLDBETTER for 50% off plus an additional $10 off! That's right, 50% off plus an extra $10 off! This offer is also available by calling 1-800-685-twelve ninety-two and mentioning code NOTOLDBETTER. Plexaderm is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee! Visit tryplexaderm.com today and use code NOTOLDBETTER at checkout. That's tryplexaderm.com.

Ali Jones talks to some of our best-loved creatives about how they turned their pipe dreams into payslips. This week Ali chats to children's and YA author Jo Cotterill. Jo is known for her books such as A Library of Lemons, Looking At The Stars and A Storm of Strawberries.

In today's episode, I talk all about how I got started writing and the many creative transitions I've been through throughout my life! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/beck-medina/message

Kat Rosenfield, young-adult author and prolific vlogger and journalist, talks to Quillette's Jonathan Kay about Amélie Wen Zhao, a YA writer who's withdrawn her debut novel Blood Heir after being mobbed for allegedly breaching various politically correct protocols that all YA authors, including people of color, are expected to observe.

Kat Rosenfield, young-adult author and prolific vlogger and journalist, talks to Quillette's Jonathan Kay about Amélie Wen Zhao, a YA writer who's withdrawn her debut novel Blood Heir after being mobbed for allegedly breaching various politically correct protocols that all YA authors, including people of color, are expected to observe.

How Gabrielle Tozer uses her marketing knowledge to promote her books. Gabrielle always knew she wanted to be a writer, and worked in magazines for many years before turning her hand to fiction. She has now published three YA novels and a picture book. Learn why you really should write what you know, why you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket, and why it’s important to look after yourself. This podcast is brought to you by the Australian Writers’ Centre. Find out more and get the free ebook at magicandmayhem.com.au.

Sharon M. Draper, National Teacher of the Year, Author, Blended. Mrs. Draper is a professional educator, an accomplished writer and former National Teacher of the Year. She is a five-time winner of the Coretta Scott King Literary Award and a New York Times bestselling author. Draper has been honored at the White House six times, and was chosen as one of only four authors in the country to speak at the National Book Festival Gala in Washington, D.C. and to represent the United States in Moscow at their Book Festival.

Night Moves Radio hosts, Josh & Ariana interview Young Adult Christian author, Chris Weigand. One of her favorite authors she has favored is C.S. Lewis... She is the author of The Palace of Twelve Pillars: "A place where angels and dragons muse, where princes and princesses find themselves. A place for God to share His word." Tune in to hear more about Chris! The beginning of the show was a little bumpy with some technical issues, but they got worked out to continue the interview! http://www.weigandchris.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jianetwork/support

Nick goes on the search for a long lost document on an old laptop. Plus, Jamie shares an exciting story from Twitter! Website - www.dadsinthesix.com Instagram - www.instagram.com/dadsinthesix/ Twitter - twitter.com/dadsinthesix Subscribe to us on YouTube! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrbpIGPXB3QFwoiDfQ_o8A?sub_confirmation=1

Get all links mentioned in the episode here: https://www.neuralle.com/blog/posts/046-learning-how-to-write-with-oliver-phisher Skip through the episode:04:54 - Where the moniker Oliver Phisher came from06:10 - Anthropomorphic Animals & his earliest childhood memory08:04 - Why he’s focused on self-improvement15:13 - Emily Rodda’s “Rowan of Rin”18:41 - Combatting the futility of life19:57 - Lessons learnt from his parents24:43 - Dealing with dark periods in life25:45 - Stoicism32:09 - What he aims for with his writing34:01 - What is “The Plain White Room” about?39:15 - How “The Plain White Room” is important to him41:53 - What have you learned about the publishing industry?46:46 - The main thing that aspiring authors miss54:53 - Tips for first-time writers & learning from respected authors58:44 - What’s his morning and evening ritual?01:03:06 - Best purchase under $20001:05:17 - Most influential book01:07:13 - Who or what comes to mind when he thinks of success01:08:33 - If he could have a billboard anywhere01:08:58 - Where people can find him online

Poetry expert, Sylvia Vardell, shares some of her favorite poems for young people and tips to help them have fun with poetry, and young adult author, Robison Wells, talks about his journey to becoming a novelist.

The daily writing habit you need and 8 steps to writing a profile story. Find great gifts for the other book lovers in your life. Discover your chance to win the epic 12 Days of Christmas book pack. Plus, meet young adult author Rachael Craw! We’ll also give you tips on how to transition from journalist to fiction writer, and much more! This episode is brought to you by Advanced Fiction Writing Techniques at the Australian Writers' Centre. Read the show notes.  Connect with Valerie, Allison and listeners in the podcast community on Facebook Visit WritersCentre.com.au | AllisonTait.com | ValerieKhoo.com

Join RevKess and Kalisara as we talk to Michelle Cornwell-Jordan, author of steampunk fantasy and the Vampire Hunter trilogy. Michelle Cornwell-Jordan is a New Adult(18+)/Young Adult Author, who enjoys writing Paranormal, Dark Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy and Steampunk! Author website WattPad Author Face Book Page Twitter MCJordanBooks Monthly Email Newsletter New Releases: "Me and Annabelle Lee" in Merely This and Nothing More: Poe Goes Punk Charity Anthology: We’ve brought you the very best punked versions of classic Poe tales. Profits are to be donated to PAWS Lynnwood, an animal shelter and wildlife rescue located in the Pacific Northwest.  Re-release of Tourmentin: A House of Sepion Novella: Emile and Serafine loved at first sight. But fate separate them when Emile is trapped in the 1800’s by his former lover—the sultry Isadora. Serafine dies, but is reborn into the modern age. She has returned to the very hotel where Emile is frozen in time.

Welcome to The World of Ink Network show on Blog Talk Radio. Our goal is to bring informative and entertaining shows to our listners.The mission of the World of Ink Network is to share resources that introduce tips, products and services to help strengthen, support and challenge those who love writing and the written word.  Our upcoming show this week spotlights young adult author J.R. Johansson, who joins host Virginia S Grenier to talk about her books and the writing life. J.R. Johansson is the author of Insomnia and Paranoia. She has a B.S. degree in public relations and a background in marketing. She credits her abnormal psychology minor with inspiring many of her characters. J.R. Johansson lives on the foothills of the Utah mountains with her two young sons and a wonderful husband. Visit her at www.jrjohansson.com Listen today to The Writing Mama Show at 4pm Eastern - 3pm Central - 2pm Mountain - 1pm Pacific Listeners, if you'd like to get in touch with any of our guests, please look for their website addresses in the show description or email us at http://worldofinknetwork.com. Also, look for all our World of Ink Network hosts on Facebook and Twitter. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw of the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. To learn more about the World of Ink Network visit http://worldofinknetwork.com

On this episode of the Promoting Your Music Program podcast, I’m so excited to speak with  young adult novelist Courtney Brandt. You can find her books here: Amazon Barnes and Noble iBooks Courtney Brandt is the author of The Line, plus the additional novels in the series: A Fine Line, Keeping in Line, and The Line […] The post Courtney Brandt: Young Adult Author appeared first on Kathleen Heuer.

DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. She is the author of several bestselling young adult series, including The Destroyer Trilogy. You can find DelSheree online on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog. Just search DelSheree. Since she's the only one with such an odd name, she's easy to find. 

DelSheree Gladden lives in New Mexico with her husband and two children. The Southwest is a big influence in her writing because of its culture, beauty, and mythology. When she is not writing, DelSheree is usually reading, painting, sewing, or working as a Dental Hygienist. She is the author of several bestselling young adult series, including The Destroyer Trilogy. You can find DelSheree online on Facebook, Twitter, and her blog. Just search DelSheree. Since she's the only one with such an odd name, she's easy to find.