88 Cups of Tea

Today's episode is proudly sponsored by GOTHAM WRITERS! I'm so excited to partner with them as they've spent over 20 years building an incredible writing community that offers sought-after writing classes in NYC and online. To learn more about why they have an amazing reputation within the writers' community, click here!

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We're doing a SPECIAL GIVEAWAY to 3 lucky winners for today's episode! Read below for more details!

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Hey Storyteller Tribe, I’m SO beyond honored to feature R.J. Palacio on today’s episode! R.J. is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of WONDER, a middle-grade novel that sold over a million copies in just 18 months.

Entertainment Weekly says “Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can’t help but root for.”

R.J.’s book is now being adapted into a movie by LionsGate. According to The Wrap, Jacob Tremblay, the young star in “Room”, a movie nominated for best picture during the Oscars, is in talks to star in “Wonder”. It’s also mentioned that the studio has its sights set on Julia Roberts to play the main character’s mom.

In today’s episode, R.J. and I discuss a whole lot about “Wonder”, what it means to choose kind, and we dive into invaluable writing advice. It’s an honest and inspiring discussion that everyone will benefit from listening!

XO,

Yin

PS. Did today’s episode help you in any way? Please share it with someone you think the episode can help!

Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!

“We’ve all known, most of us at least, what it’s like to feel like the outsider.” Click to tweet!

“Always remember to be grateful because that’s what authors should always be, is grateful.” Click to tweet!

“We deal with what we get.” Click to tweet!

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TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY CONTEST: 

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August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.

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What it means to be kind and why we should choose ‘kind’ over being ‘right’ 

The importance of creating a writing routine and committing to it

How to include multiple points of views from different characters that will enhance the main character’s story

R.J.’s journey as a storyteller and her transition into being a full-time author

R. J. Palacio is the author of Wonder. She lives in New York City with her husband, two sons, and two dogs.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-ExuperyLeo Tolstoy The House of Asterion by Jorge Luis BorgesBlaise PascalThomas MannHeinrich Boll

Today's episode is sponsored by VCFA.

Hey Storyteller Tribe, I’m honored to introduce #1 New York Times bestselling author Christina Baker Kline on the show! Christina’s awardwinning book‘Orphan Train’ has spent over 2 years on the New York Times Bestseller list and is published in 40 countries. Today’s episode is a very special treat for storytellers focusing on writing their own novels. Christina walks us through her writing process, her journey as a writer, how she breaks through lulls, her thoughts on writers’ retreats, and what she’s currently working on. Novelists, pay special attention to how Christina reads books to specifically help her writing. We get pretty technical on writing advice so be sure to tune in!

PS. Did today’s episode help you in any way? Please share it with someone you think the episode can help!

Please leave a review about the podcast by clicking here. Your honest feedback helps to shape the show. Thank you for your time and for helping with the ranking of the show when leaving a review and rating!

“You have to trust the process. You have to trust that you’re moving forward.”

Why a writing community is crucial 

How to organize and keep track of your thoughts to carry out the main plot without digressing

How MFA’s can help you, especially when it comes to networking and meeting literary agents

How to break out of your lull and find motivation when you’re feeling ‘stuck’

Christina Baker Kline is the author of six novels, including Orphan Train, which spent more than two years on The New York Times bestseller list, including five weeks at # 1, and has been published in 40 countries. It has been chosen as a “One Book, One Read” selection by more than 100 communities and colleges, has been published in 40 countries, and has been shortlisted for, and won, various literary and historical fiction prizes. Christina’s past novels include Bird in Hand, The Way Life Should Be, Desire Lines and Sweet Water; she has also written and edited five nonfiction books. Her new novel, based on the iconic paintingChristina’s World, by Andrew Wyeth, will be published in Winter 2017. She is on the board of Roots & Wings, a foster-care support organization, and does many events with CASA, a foster-youth legal advocacy group. She splits her time between an old house in Montclair, New Jersey, and an even older house in Southwest Harbor, Maine.

Anna Karenina by Leo TolstoyMiddle March by George EliotMadame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Storyteller Tribe! Man, do I have a SUPER special episode for you today. We have actor Katie Lowes from ABC’s “Scandal” on the show with us! We discuss the entertainment industry and what kind of work it takes to be a successful actor, writer, producer, and director.  Katie’s journey will resonate with all listeners. Whether you’re transitioning into a screenwriting career, or you’re in the midst of launching a new business, today’s episode is packed with hard-hitting wisdom on being successful.

Thank you Vermont College of Fine Arts for sponsoring today's episode! 

I'm really excited to hear your thoughts about this episode, let me know on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! :)

Totally loving what Katie's saying? TELL HER ON TWITTER!

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“There’s a little bit of fate & magic involved.” (Click here to tweet Katie's quote)

“I’m constantly, constantly, pushing myself to make the most out of my time.” (Click here to tweet Katie's quote)

“You are going to have a much better ride in this journey of your career if you come from a place of plenty.” (Click here to tweet Katie's quote)

The kind of work you need to put in to be a successful creative (writer, actor, director, producer)

How Katie constantly pushes to make the most out of her time

Why you need to work at least 8 hours on your craft each day

Katie’s lowest moments throughout her acting career and how she pulled through

Katie Lowes is the co-artistic director and co-founder of IAMA Theatre Company. She can be seen starring as Quinn Perkins on ABC’s Scandal, which is in its 5th season. Lowes is a native New Yorker and just celebrated her 10 year anniversary moving to Los Angeles where she resides with her husband Adam Shapiro. Katie is also in development on a TV show with Shondaland and ABC Studios and working on a book. She has written for Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letterand she’s challenging herself by writing more! Lowes is a graduate of Tisch School of the Arts and studied at RADA and the School at Steppenwolf.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen SinceroGirls by Lena Dunham

Thank you Vermont College of Fine Arts for sponsoring today's episode!

I have a super special episode today that features my dear friend Natalie Lander! Natalie is an actor, writer, and singer. She has been a recurring Guest Star on ABC’s The Middle, for the past five seasons. Natalie can also be heard as the voice of “Goldie” in the  Disney Junior's #1 ranked show, "Goldie & Bear". Natalie's journey as an actor led her to co-create her own shows like AwesomenessTV’s "Teen Survival Guide" and The Craigslist Monologues which runs monthly at The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB). Natalie also co-created, co-wrote, and co-stars in her pilot "The Pick-Up Sticks" for New Form Digital’s Incubator 3 series. In today's episode, Natalie gives you a behind-the-scenes look at a working actor's career and the opportunities she's created for herself by writing her own content!

"It's about caring less, not being careless." -Natalie Lander (click to tweet this quote!)

"Nothing is a free ride or guarantee. It's a constant ebb and flow, constant work." -Natalie Lander  (click to tweet this quote!)

Learning to ‘let go’ as an actor

Creating your own content for new media

How Natalie created a short film that opened many doors for her journey as a writer

Staying positive with your art

The Artist’s Way by Julia CameronThe Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire: Harnessing the Infinite Power of Coincidence by Deepak Chopra

For a list of books and resources Chloe recommends in this episode, head over to her shownotes page here: https://88cupsoftea.com/chloezhao/ 

We're thrilled to feature award-winning filmmaker and Marvel's "The Eternals" director Chloé Zhao on the podcast. Her feature debut "Songs My Brothers Taught Me" was produced by Forest Whitaker and her film premiered at Sundance Film Festival and Director's Fortnight at Cannes Film Festival. Chloé was named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker Magazine and her film was nominated for Best First Film, Best Cinematography and Someone to Watch Award at the 2016 Independent Spirit Awards. In 2017, she directed "The Rider", a contemporary western drama that follows a young cowboy's journey to discover himself after a near-fatal accident ends his professional riding career. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival as part of the Directors' Fortnight selection and won the Art Cinema Award. The film earned her nominations for Best Feature and Best Director at the 33rd Independent Spirit Awards. After earning critical acclaim, she is set to direct “The Eternals” for Marvel, starring Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, and Richard Madden.

In this episode that was originally published and released on March 24, 2016, we discuss how her background shapes the work she creates today, the options for funding of films, the benefits and education that come with attending film labs, ideas and inspiration, the importance of letting go, advice for fellow filmmakers, and so much more. Screenwriters, directors, producers, storytellers- you don't want to miss this one!

“Every decision we make, we are completely responsible. We control our destiny.” -Chloe Zhao

“There is something about you that is in that story. Always.” -Chloe Zhao

• The various options on financing your film 
• How to communicate with non-actors to deliver performances that serve the scene
• How Chloe builds strong relationships between characters
• We discuss film labs and how it benefits filmmakers
• How online fiction communities help in spreading your stories
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I’m thrilled to feature awardwinning filmmaker Chloé Zhao on the show today! Chloé’s feature debut “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” was produced by Forest Whitaker and her film premiered at Sundance Film Festival and Director’s Fortnight at Cannes Film Festival. Chloé was named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker Magazine and her film was nominated for Best First Film, Best Cinematography and Someone to Watch Award at the 2016 Independent Spirit Awards. In Chloé’s episode, we discuss options for funding of films,  all about film labs, her background and how it shapes the beautiful work she creates today, ideas and inspiration, the importance of letting go, advice for fellow filmmakers, and so much more. Screenwriters, directors, producers, storytellers- you don’t want to miss this one!

Click here to check out when and where you can watch "Songs My Brothers Taught Me"!

“Every decision we make, we are completely responsible. We control our destiny.” -Chloe Zhao

“There is something about you that is in that story. Always.” -Chloe Zhao

Different options on financing your film 

All about “film labs” and how they are a tremendous resource for filmmakers

On Writing by Stephen King
“Happy Together” by Wong Kar-Wai

Thank you Vermont College of Fine Arts for sponsoring today's episode! 

After you get the chance to check out today's episode, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Find me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

We have New York Times bestselling author Adam Rubin of “Dragons Love Tacos” on the show today! I know many of you amazing listeners are interested in writing your own children’s books so you’ll definitely want to check out this episode.We discuss his fascinating journey as a children’s author.  You’ll learn why it’s so crucial to have an awesome editor in your team and how the editor can take your story to new levels of greatness. Adam breaks down why it’s important to write the stories for yourself, and why it’s necessary to work with an editor and a publisher who’s inspired by your work.

As an aside, Adam is a total goofball who truly enjoys his work and creates what he is genuinely passionate about. We can all learn from that! Have a listen and let me know what you think!

“Just focus on the words.”

“If you do something you’re passionate about, then that’s meaningful.”

The advantages of having a literary agent and why they make a huge difference in the publishing world

How editors can help to shape your story into the best version of itself

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

The Three Robbers by Tomi Ungerer

Far Out Isn’t Far Enough: The Tomi Ungerer Story by Brad Bernstein

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

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Hey Storytellers!

We have author Leigh Bardugo of #1 New York Times Bestseller "Six of Crows" on the show with us today! Entertainment Weekly says, "...it’s one twist after another in a heist at times reminiscent of Inception."

Everyone is talking about the beautiful madness she's created in that book: Magic, thieves, knives, criminals, and a heist. A very, very grand heist. If you're one of the few who haven't read it yet, this is your chance to win an autographed copy of "Six of Crows"! What are the rules for the contest? All you have to do is pay special attention to Leigh's episode and post your favorite quote from the interview on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Be sure to unblock your account and tag @88CUPSOFTEA and include #88CUPSOFTEA so we can sort through and choose the lucky winner! 

Leigh and I chat about everything: Her time as a professional make-up artist, an insider's look at how authors are involved with their own book covers (if at all), the inspiration behind her books, how 'structure' can be an awesome writing tool, and we talk a lot about WRITING RETREATS (my favorite topic).

You're going to love this episode.

“There’s no clear line for creatives."

“I believe very firmly in writing a disastrous first draft."

“Structure is a beautiful thing."

Advice on building an intricate and exciting world for your stories

Leigh's writing process

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones  

Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold

Madcap Retreats

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[Loving this episode? Come over and join the conversation. Let me know your thoughts, questions, feedback over on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!]

Thank you to VCFA for sponsoring today's episode! 

Storyteller Tribe!

[Drum roll, please] I am beyond honored to share today’s guest with you: The one and only, the fearless phenomenon, Jacqueline Woodson.

Jacqueline is the shining example of a changemaker. I deeply admire her for courageously writing about the realities of the world we live in. She’s written 30 books for young adults, and in each story, she writes truthfully about society and relationships. Never one to sugarcoat, Jacqueline is also a master in connecting with her young audience by approaching them with empathy and respect through her writings.

Her endless list of achievements and awards is unbelievable.  Just a little teaser of the kinds of accolades we’re talking about, Jacqueline was named the Young People’s Poet Laureate, a National Book Award Winner, and she was honored theMargaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to young adult literature.  She won four Newbery Honor Awards, two Coretta Scott King Awards, a Caldecott Medal, and the NAACP Image Award.

Incredible, right?

You have no idea how antsy and excited I’ve been to finally share our chat with you!

Xo,

Yin

“I don’t let myself be silenced.” -Jacqueline Woodson

How Jacqueline raises her children in a society where they face discrimination on a daily basis

Fostering and developing an enjoyment of writing at a young age

Jacqueline Woodson is the new Young People’s Poet Laureate and the 2014 National Book Award Winner for her memoir BROWN GIRL DREAMING. The book also received a Newbery Honor, The NAACP Image Award, a Sibert Honor for nonfiction and was short-listed for the LA Times Book Prize. The author of thirty books for young adults, middle graders and children, among many awards, she is also a four-time Newbery Honor winner, a three-timeNational Book Award finalist, and two-time Coretta Scott King Award winner. Her books include THE OTHER SIDE, EACH KINDNESS, BENEATH THE METH MOON, the Caldecott Honor Book COMING ON HOME SOON,FEATHERS and MIRACLE’S BOYS, which received the LA Times Book Prizeand was adapted into a miniseries directed by Spike Lee. Jacqueline is also the recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement for her contributions to young adult literature, the winner of the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, and was the 2013 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. She lives with her family in Brooklyn, New York.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott 

On Becoming a Novelist by John Gardner

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Raymond Carver

An Na

Cornelius Eady

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Hey Storytellers, we have Lindsay Mattick, author of FINDING WINNIE, on the show today. I’m very excited to finally share her story with you!

We all can agree that Winnie-the-Pooh is, more than likely, the most recognized bear. But did you know that Winnie was inspired by a REAL bear? Most of us grew up loving Winnie, holding A.A. Milne’s creation to heart.

Wait till you hear Lindsay’s incredible true story about how she is directly connected to the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh!

Xo,

Yin

Ps. Tell me what you thought about Lindsay's episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

“You need to be willing to re-do, to let go of certain things, to get to what is the final core of the story.”

“Allow yourself to explore and not feel handcuffed to the text you first write.”

Lindsay’s phenomenal true story about her direct ties to Winnie-the-Pooh

How Lindsay chose which perspective to write her story in 

Lindsay Mattick is the author of Finding Winnie, a new picture book which explores her family’s unique connection to the world’s most famous bear,Winnie-the-Pooh. Born in Winnipeg, Lindsay spent her summer days collecting lucky stones on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, finding adventures in her red wagon. As the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn, Lindsay grew up thinking of Winnie as her own ‘great-grandbear’. She has shared her family’s story as a radio documentary, spearheaded an original exhibition, and participated in Canada’s National Arts Council UK tour to commemorate WWI. After working in public relations for over a decade crafting other peoples stories, Lindsay is very excited to share one of her own.  Today, she is likely still found with sand between her toes on the beaches of Toronto, her son Cole in tow, in his own Radio Flyer.  Finding Winnie is Lindsay’s latest adventure and proof that dreams come true.

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne 

Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler

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