Middle Grade Matters
Episodes
Ep. 109: Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) on writing and her latest book, Wombat Waiting
06 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Katherine Applegate, author of the acclaimed The One and Only Ivan and her latest Wombat Waiting, takes us through her unconventiona...
Ep. 108: Philip Stead (A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic) on Writing and Illustrating Whimsical Stories
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as Philip Stead, acclaimed author and illustrator, discusses his innovative approach to writing and illustrating his first middle grade book, ...
(Ep. 107): Filling the Gap: Why We Need More Young Teen Lit
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I chat with Christina Chatell and Marcia Kochel, two passionate librarians advocating for a new category in publishing. They’ve been...
Ep. 106: Aaron Starmer (You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This) On Writing a Book That's Weird In a Good Way
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Aaron Starmer shares his unique journey from the travel industry to becoming a successful children's author. He discusses the ev...
Ep. 105: Jasmine Warga (The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan) on Zero Drafts and Writing From an Animal's Perspective
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Writing for children can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to middle grade novels. As a writer, you want to create stories that not only en...
Ep. 104: N. West Moss (Birdy) on Finding Joy After Loss
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, author N. West Moss shares her journey to becoming a children's author, the inspiration behind her debut middle grade novel Bird...
Ep. 103: Beth Ferry (Growing Home) On Loving Your Own Story
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, author Beth Ferry shares her journey from writing picture books to her first middle grade novel, 'Growing Home.' She discus...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 2) (City Spies) on Writing a Bestselling Middle Grade Series
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series IS OUT TODAY!, so it's a great time to re-listen to our interview. Last week we heard part 1 and t...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 1) (City Spies) on Writing a Bestselling Middle Grade Series
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series comes out February 10th, so it's a great time to re-air part 1 of our interview. James shares hear...
Simon Stephenson (The Snowman Code) on both Screenwriting and Novel Writing
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Simon Stephenson, a former physician turned screenwriter and author, shares his unique journey from medicine to storytelling. He...
John Schu (Louder Than Hunger) on Connection and Compassion in Storytelling
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, John Schu, a children's librarian and author, shares his journey as a reader and writer, emphasizing the importance of conn...
Michelle Knudsen (Into the Wild Magic) on The Importance of Persistence in Writing
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, author Michelle Knudsen emphasizes the critical role of persistence in the writing industry, highlighting that success is often ...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 66: Jordan Kopy (Theodora Hendrix) on Turning Traditional Monster Tropes on their Heads
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, Jordan Kopy discusses her Theodora Hendrix series, which follows a 10-year-old girl raised by a...
Ep. 99: Second Year Podcasting Anniversary - Come with me behind the scenes - how it started, how it's going, and what's next.
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's my first solo episode and I'm bringing you a glimpse of what it's been like launching a podcast and helping it grow over the past ...
Ep. 98: Melissa Dassori on Second Books and Magic in Storytelling
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa Dassori discusses her journey as a middle grade author, focusing on her sophomore book, 'Greta Ever After.' She sha...
Ep. 97: McCall Hoyle (Forever Ripley) on Exploring the Bond Between Dogs and Kids
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, McCall Hoyle, an award-winning author and former teacher and librarian, discusses her latest book, 'Forever Ripley,' which ...
Ep. 96: Jamie Sumner (Schooled) on Embracing Imperfection in the Creative Process
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jamie Sumner discusses her latest middle grade novel, 'Schooled,' exploring its themes, characters, and the inspiration beh...
Ep. 95: Cordelia Jensen (Lilac and the Switchback) on Crafting a Novel-In-Verse
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Cordelia Jensen discusses her latest middle grade verse novel, 'Lilac and the Switchback', exploring themes of friendship, ...
Ep. 94: Alyssa Colman (Where Only Storms Grow) on Historical Fiction With and Without Magic
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
At the start of this episode, Alyssa Colman discusses her book 'Gilded Girl' with a special guest, my 14-year-old daughter Ella who loved th...
Ep. 93: Pablo Cartaya (A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation) on Connecting With Readers Through Shared Experiences
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, NYT bestselling author Pablo Cartaya shares with us his latest book, A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation. We discuss the importanc...
Ep. 92: Tiffany D. Jackson (Blood in the Water) on Writing MG After Success in YA
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Tiffany D. Jackson discusses her transition from writing young adult thrillers to her first middle grade novel, Blood in the Water. S...
Ep. 91: J.E. Thomas (The AI Incident) on Engaging Children in Conversations about Artificial Intelligence
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author J.E. Thomas about her latest book, The AI Incident. They d...
Ep. 90: Amanda Zieba (WordNerd) on Hybrid Publishing and Creating Resources for Teachers
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Amanda Zieba shares her journey from being a middle school teacher to an author and content creator for teachers. She discusses her e...
Ep. 89: Shannon Balloon and Karen Reeder (BookHuddle Podcast) On Our Favorite MG Books of the Year (So Far)
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I'm playing an episode of the BookHuddle with Readgab Podcast in which host Karen Reeder and I discuss our favorite middle grade...
Ep. 88: Meg Medina (Graciela in the Abyss) on Diving into a Fantasy World
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Meg Medina discusses her latest book, Graciela in the Abyss, and shares insights into her ...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 34: Joel Brigham on Query Letters and First Pages
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, writing expert Joel Brigham breaks down the components of a Query Letter as well as your First Pages - - the two most important thing...
Ep. 87: Katherine Marsh (the Medusa series) on Monsters, Myths, and a Girl Protagonist
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, author Katherine Marsh discusses her Medusa series, focusing on themes of empowerment and representation for young girls in literatur...
Ep. 86: Erin Entrada Kelly (At Last She Stood) on Her Foray into Nonfiction
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Erin Entrada Kelly discusses her journey as a children's author, her transition into nonfiction writing, and the remarkable life...
Ep. 85: Kate O'Shaughnessy (The Wrong Way Home) on Community and Belonging
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, author Kate O'Shaughnessy shares her journey as a middle grade fiction writer, including her experience of receiving a Newb...
Ep. 84: Dianne K. Salerni (The Tontine Caper) on Writing Humor and an Omniscient Narrator
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this interview, Dianne K. Salerni shares her journey as an author, discussing her latest middle grade novel, The Tontine Caper. The discussion delv...
Ep. 83: Lauren Wolk (Candle Island) on the Importance of Setting in Her Novels
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, Newbery Honor winner Lauren Wolk discusses her latest middle grade novel, Candle Island, and shares insights into her writing pr...
Ep: 82: Marie Benedict (The Secrets of Lovelace Academy) on Infusing Historical Fiction with Adventure.
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I interview author Marie Benedict about her new middle grade novel, The Secrets of Lovelace Acade...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 46: Literary Agent Alexander Slater on Publishing in Middle Grade
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Literary Agent Alexander Slater discusses his background in children's publishing and his love for middle grade books. He talks about changes in ...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 58: Gayle Forman (Not Nothing) on Seeing Stories From Different Perspectives
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with award-winning author Gayle Forman about her latest middle grade novel, Not Nothing. Gayle discusses her transition from w...
Ep. 81: Debbi Michiko Florence (Last Chance Academy) on Writing a Middle Grade Mystery Series.
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview middle grade author Debbie Michiko Florence. We discuss Debbi's writing process, her new middle grade series 'L...
Ep. 80: Lisa Schmid (Hart & Souls) on Non-Scary Ghost Stories and Podcasting
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Lisa Schmid discusses her latest middle grade novel, 'Heart & Souls.' The co...
Ep. 79: Britnee Meiser (All My Bests) on Writing Realistic Middle Grade Romance
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Britnee Meiser discusses her debut middle grade novel 'All My Bests', reflecting on her journey as a writer, the challenges...
Ep. 78: Megan E. Freeman (Alone and Away) on Her Books, Her Inspiration, and the Question Everyone is Asking . . Will There Be a Third?
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, bestselling author Megan E. Freeman discusses her journey as a writer and the success of her nove...
Ep. 77: Kyle Lukoff (A World Worth Saving) on Writing Adventure, Jewish Folklore, and Trans Youth in Middle Grade.
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I talk with Kyle Lukoff about his latest middle grade novel, A World Worth Saving. We discuss the...
Ep. 76: Wendelin Van Draanen (Flipped) on Writing From the Heart
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Wendelin Van Draanen discusses her journey as a writer, the evolution of her work from the Sammy Keys mystery series to standalone no...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 31: Megan Reyes (Heroes of Havensong) on Writing a Fantasy with Four Points of View
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with middle grade fantasy author Megan Reyes about her debut series, Heroes of Havensong. We talk about the challenges of writ...
Ep. 75: James Ponti (Part 2) (The Sherlock Society) on the Joy of Storytelling
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of my conversation with James Ponti, we discuss the inspiration behind his new series, The Sherlock Society, and his journey from screenwrit...
Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 1) (Spy Kids) on Crafting Spy Novels and the Inspiration Behind His Work
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In part 1 of my interview with bestselling author James Ponti, James shares heartfelt stories about his teachers, particularly Mrs. White, who inspire...
Ep. 73: Kimberly Newton Fusco (The Secret of Honeycake) on Finding Your Voice
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I interview Kimberly Newton Fusco, an accomplished author of children's literature, about her latest book, The Secret of Honeyca...
Ep. 72: Meera Trehan (Snow) on Writing a Story where a Fantasy World and the Real World Collide
21 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Meera Trehan discusses her latest book Snow, a fantasy set in a magical kingdom. She share...
Ep 71: Gloria L. Huang (Kaya of the Ocean) on the Beauty of Imperfection in Life and Storytelling
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, debut author Gloria L. Huang discusses her middle grade novel Kaya of the Ocean, exploring themes of anxiety, self-acceptance, a...
[Listen Again] Ep. 8: Joel Brigham on Six Things Every Story Needs to Succeed
07 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, which originally aired in October, 2023, I talk with Joel Brigham of Brigham Editorial on the craft of writing. Together we dive deep...
[Listen Again] Ep. 30: Becca Wierwille (Road Trip Rescue) on Independently Publishing a Middle Grade Novel
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, which originally aired in January 2024, I talk with author Becca Wierwille about her debut middle grade novel, Road Trip Rescue, whic...
[Listen Again] Ep. 36: Barbara Dee (Unstuck) on Writer's Block and Writing for Upper Middle Grade Readers
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, which originally aired in February, 2024, Barbara Dee talks about her 14th middle grade novel, Unstuck, which follows a young writer ...
[Listen Again] Ep. 21: Jessica Vitalis (Coyote Queen) on Crafting Stories from Personal Experiences
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this Episode, Jessica Vitalis shares her thirteen-year journey to becoming a published author. Her latest novel, Coyote Queen, is a Junior Library ...
Ep. 70: Claire Swinarski (Take It From The Top) on Musical Theater, Friendship, and her Writing Process.
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon welcomes back Claire Swinarski, an Edgar Award-nominated author, to discuss ...
Ep. 69: Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy (Let It Glow) on Writing a Happy, Holiday Story
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, authors Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy discuss their new holiday-themed middle grade book Let It G...
Ep. 68: Joel Brigham on Writing a First Draft Fast
04 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, Shannon Balloon and writing expert Joel Brigham discuss the challenges and strategies of writing ...
Ep. 67: Erin Becker (Crushing It) on Sports, Crushes, and Character Development in Middle Grade
29 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author Erin Becker about her debut novel Crushing It. They discus...
Ep. 65: Joan Reardon (The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters) on Exploring Spooky Themes in Middle Grade Books
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author Joan Reardon discusses her debut middle-grade book, The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters, which follows 12-year-old Anna Grimsbane, who comes fro...
Ep. 64: Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin (The Bletchley Riddle) on Uncovering the Secrets of Bletchley Park
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, authors of The Bletchley Riddle, discuss their collaboration and the inspiration behind their middle grade novel set ...
Ep. 63: Kate DiCamillo (The Hotel Balzaar) on Putting Your Heart On The Page
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Kate DiCamillo discuss her new book The Hotel Balzaar, as well as her writing process and the themes that inspire her. Kate also talk...
Ep. 62: Damara Allen (The Skeleton Flute) on Crafting a Spooky Middle Grade Novel
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author Damara Allen discusses her debut middle grade novel The Skeleton Flute and its themes of family, friendship, grief, and bravery. She shares her...
Ep. 61: Polly Horvath (Library Girl) on Libraries, Literary Awards, and Writing
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
National Book Award winner and Newbery Honoree Polly Horvath discusses her latest middle-grade book, Library Girl, and her extensive writing career. S...
Ep. 60: Sarah Allen (Monster Tree) on Writing Monsters in Middle Grade
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I talk with author Sarah Allen about her new spooky middle grade book, Monster Tree. Sarah shares her experience as a writer and how s...
Ep. 59: Robyn Field (Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon) and Karin Hoyle on Publishing with a Small Press
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I interview Robyn Field, author of Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon, and Karin Hoyle, CEO, Acquisitions Editor, and Crea...
Ep. 57: Matthew Landis on Making History Exciting and Embarking on an RV Adventure Across America
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Matthew Landis' new middle grade series, National Archive Hunters, follows twins who use their history knowledge to solve mysteries and save thei...
Ep. 56: Adam Rosenbaum on Navigating Grief and Ghosts in Middle Grade
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author Adam Rosenbaum discusses his debut middle-grade novel, The Ghost Rules, which follows Elwood, a 12-year-old boy who can see ghosts, as he navig...
Ep. 55: Amar Shah on Writing a Middle Grade Sports Book
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Amar Shah, a multiple Emmy-winning writer and producer, discusses his middle-grade debut novel, The Hoop Con: Play the Game. The book follows a sixth-...
Ep. 54: Jennifer Blecher (Listen to This) on Writing Big Emotions - Including for Boys
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jennifer Blecher, author of four middle grade books, discusses her writing process and the themes in her latest middle grade novel, Listen to This. Sh...
Ep. 53: Nedda Lewers on Writing Fantasy That Shows Children the Bigger World
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nedda Lewers is the Egyptian-American author of Daughters of the Lamp and its sequel, Children of the Wind. These books tell the story of a a 12-year-...
Ep. 52: Caroline Carlson on Writing a Funny and Adventurous Anti-Fairy Tale
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Author Caroline Carlson discusses her latest middle grade book, Wicked Marigold, a People Magazine Best Books for Summer Selection. She talks about th...
Ep. 51: Rhonda Roumani on the Power of Art as Activism in her Debut Middle Grade
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rhonda Roumani, a Syrian American journalist and author, discusses her debut middle grade novel, Tagging Freedom, which tells the story of a Syrian bo...
Ep. 50: Gennifer Choldenko on Persistence, Collaboration, and Writing a Page-Turner
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gennifer Choldenko, a New York Times bestselling author, discusses her latest book, The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman, and shares insights into her ...
Ep. 49: Ritu Hemnani on Verse Novels, TED Talks, and the Partition of India
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ritu Hemnani, a journalist, teacher, and storyteller, discusses her debut historical middle-grade novel Lion of the Sky and the inspiration behind it....
Ep. 48: Dan Gemeinhart on Coyote Sunrise and his Love of Storytelling
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dan Gemeinhart talks with guest host Joel Brigham about his latest book, Coyote Lost and Found, and the process of creating a companion book to The Re...
Ep. 47: Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt on Chronic Illness, Empathy, and Writing
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt, the mother-daughter writing team behind the middle grade novel Gut Reaction, discuss their collaboration and the inspira...
[LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 45: Justina Chen (With Twice the Love, Dessie Mai) on Identity, Belonging, and Twinning.
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Justina Chen, author of With Twice the Love, Dessi Mei, shares her journey as a writer, her love for writing middle grade, and the differences between...
Ep. 44: Alicia D. Williams on Grief, Toxic Masculinity, and the Power of Friendship
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Alicia D. Williams, Newbery Honor author of Genesis Begins Again, shares her journey as a writer and the inspiration behind her middle grade novels. S...
Ep. 43: Literary Agents 101 with Author Polly Holyoke
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this bonus episode, middle grade author Polly Holyoke shares her journey with four different literary agents and the lessons she learned along the ...
Ep. 42: Laurie Morrison (Keeping Pace) on Sports, Romance, and High-Achieving Kids in Upper Middle Grade
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, Laurie Morrison discusses her middle grade novel Keeping Pace and the themes it explores, includi...
Ep. 41: Colleen Oakes on Being a Second Favorite Daughter and Selling a Middle Grade Book on Proposal
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Colleen Oakes discusses her debut middle grade book, The Second Favorite Daughters Club, which follows two girls who form a club and ...
Ep. 40: Allie Millington (Olivetti) on Writing from the Perspective of a Typewriter
02 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with author Allie Millington about her debut middle grade novel, Olivetti, and her writing journey. She shares her inspiration...
Ep. 39: Ali Terese on Period Equity, Taking Action, and Humor in Writing.
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I talk with Ali Terese, author of the debut novel Free Period. The book explores the themes of pe...
Ep. 38: Ridley Pearson on Writing for Disney and Not Being Afraid to Write Wrong
19 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Ridley Pearson, the NYT #1 Bestselling author of the Kingdom Keepers series. We talk about the process he follows for wri...
Ep. 37: Emily Barth Isler on Music and Neurodiversity in Middle Grade
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Emily Barth Isler about her new middle grade novel, The Color of Sound, which tells the story of twelve-year-old Rosie, a...
Ep. 35: Ruth Behar on Writing Middle Grade, Being a Cultural Anthropologist, and Salsa Dancing
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with middle grade author and cultural anthropologist Ruth Behar. We talk about Across So Many Seas, her new middle grade novel...
Ep. 33: Hena Khan on Sharing her Pakistani Culture Through Books
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Hena Khan about her new middle grade book, Drawing Deena. We also talk about kids and anxiety, encouraging kids to write,...
Ep. 32: MarcyKate Connolly and Kathryn Holmes on Aliens and UFOs
06 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with MarcyKate Connolly and Kathryn Holmes about their new mystery, The Thirteenth Circle. We talk about their writing colla...
Ep. 29: Polly Holyoke on World Building in Fantasy and Inspiring Kids to Write
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I talk with Polly Holyoke, author of the award-winning Neptune Trilogy and her latest series, Skyriders. We talk about writing for upp...
Ep. 28: Mindy Nichols Wendell on Never Giving up on Following a Dream
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with middle grade author Mindy Nichols Wendell about her debut novel, Light and Air, on researching and writing historical fic...
Ep. 27: Nashae Jones (Courtesy of Cupid) on Writing Rom-Coms for Middle Grade
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Nashae Jones about her debut middle-grade rom-com, Courtesy of Cupid, her love for combining laughing and literature, bei...
Ep. 26: Tui T. Sutherland on Writing her Bestselling Wings of Fire Series.
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Tui T. Sutherland, author of the bestselling Wings of Fire series, about her new companion book Wings of Fire: A Guide to...
Ep. 25: Taylor Tyng on Turning a Dreamstarter into a Middle Grade Series
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, author Taylor Tyng talks about his debut middle grade novel Clara Poole and the Long Way 'Round, being a dyslexic reader and wri...
Ep. 24: Sally Morgridge, Senior Editor at Holiday House, on Submissions and the Editorial Process
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Sally Morgridge, Senior Editor at Holiday House, about the acquisitions process, what she looks for in a submission, and ...
Ep. 23: Arianne Costner on Injecting Humor into Middle Grade
18 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk to middle grade author Arianne Costner about her latest book, Confessions of a Class Clown, injecting humor into middle grade,...
Ep: 22: Andrew Auseon on How Gaming Inspires his Writing
13 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, middle grade author Andrew Auseon talks about his new gaming-inspired series, Spellbinders, about his long career as a writer for you...
Ep. 20: Kaija Langley on Writing a Middle Grade Novel-in-Verse
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with middle grade author Kaija Langley about her debut middle grade novel in verse The Order of Things, a heart-rending nove...
Ep. 19: Shannon Messenger on Her Bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities Series
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode I talk with Shannon Messenger, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. Shannon shares...
Ep. 18: Alison Weiss, Acquisitions Editor at Pixel+Ink, on the Process of Publishing a Middle Grade Series
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Alison Weiss, Acquisitions Editor at Pixel+Ink, about her job editing and publishing middle grade books, about what she l...
Ep. 17: Janae Marks on Baking, Writing, and Zoe Washington's Latest Endeavor
27 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with New York Times bestselling author Janae Marks about her latest book, On Air with Zoe Washington, about becoming a full-ti...
Ep. 16: Zoe Tokushige on IP Projects, Diversity in Middle Grade, and Writing What Makes you Interested
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Zoe Tokushige, author of the middle grade Airi Sanos series. Zoe introduces us to the world of IP writing, addresses dive...
Ep. 15: Elisa Stone Leahy on the Power of Fiction to Express Truth
20 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with author Elisa Stone Leahy about her debut middle grade book Tethered to Other Stars. We talk about her work with immigrant...
Ep. 14: Tamika Burgess on Writing and her Black Panamanian Culture
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk with author Tamika Burgess about her debut novel, Sincerely Sicily, and her experience growing up in America as a Black Latina...
Ep. 13: Chad Lucas on Writing for Upper Middle Grade Readers
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I talk with Chad Lucas, author of Thanks A Lot Universe, and You Owe Me One, Universe, about writing a sequel and the importance of w...