Hey there word nerds!

Today I have the absolute joy of hosting my dear friend, Jodi Kendall, on the show!

Jodi and I go way back, to those days when DIY MFA was just the glimmer of an idea tickling the back of my brain.

Jodi has nurtured a lifelong passion for animals, and has now turned that passion into a beautiful middle grade novel.

I am so excited to share Jodi's debut, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, and her inspiring story of a tough road to publication with you.

Listen in as we geek about animals and middle grade fiction, and hear some of Jodi's tips on growing through rejection to reach your publishing goals.

In this episode Jodi and I discuss:

• How funneling your passion into your writing helps you find your voice.
• Outlining for pantsers, what Jodi's techniques are.
• Why making a simple matter feel like life and death stakes for your character creates a page turning experience.
• How Jodi battles through years of rejection on her road to publication, and why you can do it.
• How to tap into your own emotions to create characters and themes that impact middle grade readers.

Plus, Jodi's #1 tip for writers.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/167