In this episode of @TheStorytellersShelfPodcast , we sit down with Karl Buechner, Jeremy Mueller, and Keith Ward, the authors of the middle grade fantasy novel Unraveling and the Council of Crows.The authors share how collaboration honesty and lived experience shaped a powerful fantasy world where animals inherit culture magic and history after humanity disappears. Drawing from music, education, parenting, and storytelling, they explore why middle grade readers are capable of engaging with complex ideas and meaningful themes.“Middle grade readers can handle more than we give them credit for. They are smart and they are ready for deeper stories.”Jeremy MuellerThroughout the conversation, the authors discuss writing collaboratively world-building with intention and using storytelling to explore compassion forgiveness and responsibility.Topics discussed in this episode include:Middle grade fantasy world-buildingWriting collaboratively as multiple authorsForgiveness and compassion as central themesEnvironmental and animal centered storytellingHow music education and life experience influence narrative voiceStoryteller’s Shelf Summit January 12 to 17! Get your tickets today!The Storyteller’s Shelf Summit takes place January 12 through January 17 and is fully online. This is a full week of pre recorded masterclasses for writers illustrators educators and publishing professionals followed by a Literary Pitch Event. Visit our website for more information.If you enjoy the podcast and want to support our workSubscribe Like and ShareBuy us a Ko fihttps://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcastSupport our sponsors and get Summit tickets by visiting our Linktreehttps://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcastYour support helps us continue creating free educational content for the kidlit and publishing community.#support #animalstories #quest #middlegradefantasy #middlegradebooks #kidlit #FantasyAuthors #worldbuilding #authorinterview #writingcommunity #booktok #supportourchannel #education #musician #authortube #fantasyauthors #MiddleGradeAuthors #FantasyAuthorInterview #writingtips #kidlitcommunity #authortok #writing #fantasyworlds #environmentalstorytelling #kidlitpodcast #EarthCrisis #PathOfResistance #HardcorePunk #HardcoreCommunity #MusiciansTurnedAuthors #PunkRockCulture #MetalAndBooks

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related