Middle Grade Matters

In this episode, bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega discusses the final book in her successful Witchlings series, her writing process, and her plans for future projects, including graphic novels and a darker series. She shares insights on character development, series planning, and the importance of community and authenticity for young readers.
 Key  Topics:
The origin of the Witchlings series and its themes of friendship and heroism
Character development and growth across five books
The process of planning and outlining a series from the start
The potential for graphic novels and future projects
The importance of community and authenticity in children's literature
Insights into her writing routine and managing multiple projects
The impact of her books on young readers' identity and confidence
Advice for new writers
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I don't know about you, but I love when classic stories are told from a fresh perspective. In this episode, we dive into Mary Roach's newest book, "Little Monsters", a captivating middle grade reimagining of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel "Little Women".  Mary, a former teacher and prolific writer, brings a unique twist to this timeless tale by infusing it with elements of fantasy and the struggles of growing up. Join us as we discuss this imaginative book as well as Mary's writing career which spans genres and age categories. 

For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

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In the world of children's literature, the path to creativity often begins in unexpected places. For Perin Gurel, it was her daughter’s whimsical story idea that sparked the creation of her own middle grade novel, Laleh and the Language of the Birds. In this episode, we explore fascinating insights from Perin about her writing journey, the cultural significance behind her characters, and how she weaves scientific and academic research into her stories.
For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

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In this episode we dive into the world of writing mysteries for middle grade readers with Fleur Bradley, an author known for her engaging middle grade novels including Midnight at the Barclay Hotel and Daybreak on Raven Island. Fleur has now published her method for writing stories in a succinct yet comprehensive craft book titled Get a Clue: How to Plot, Write, and Sell Your MG Or YA Mystery, and in this interview you’ll discover insights from her journey as a writer, tips on crafting compelling mysteries, and the approach she takes to plotting and storytelling.

For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

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Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and growth. Many aspiring authors often wonder what it truly takes to publish a book. In this episode, author Nancy Tandon shares her journey and the ups and downs of writing for middle grade. Join us as we explore her experiences, insights, and the lessons learned along the way.
For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).