BackStory Podcast

Join us for an insightful conversation with Soman Chainani, the creative mind behind "The School for Good and Evil" series. In this interview, Soman shares his journey from writing bestselling novels to seeing them adapted into a Netflix film. Discover his thoughts on storytelling, the challenges of adapting books for the screen, and the impact of his work on young readers. Soman also discusses the future of literature in the age of AI and offers advice for aspiring writers. Don't miss this engaging discussion with one of today's most innovative authors.

Jennifer Nielsen tells the story of how our author's bestselling novels transitioned from the page to a Netflix film, captivating audiences worldwide. She shares the challenges of adapting his work for the screen.

Join us on the Backstory Podcast as we dive into the world of storytelling with New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner. Discover how Kate's insatiable curiosity fuels her diverse writing career, from picture books to graphic novels. Learn about her journey from teaching middle school to becoming a celebrated author, and how her passion for history and adventure shapes her stories. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss out on Kate's tales of climbing the Adirondack peaks and her adventures in international school visits. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the power of stories to connect and inspire. #Storytelling #KateMessner #Podcast

In this episode of the BackStory podcast, Jennifer A. Nielsen shares the story of how Kate rose from an overlooked intern to a trusted news producer, faced rejection head-on, and received advice that would shape her writing career forever: Don’t try to be someone else. Find your own voice.

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Nick Brooks, an award-winning author and filmmaker. They discuss Nick's multifaceted career in storytelling across various mediums, including literature, film, and music. Nick shares his early influences, the power of storytelling, and the importance of respecting the narratives he creates. He reflects on impactful experiences with young readers, his creative process, and the challenges he has faced in his career. The conversation also touches on his aspirations in film and the unique ways he combines music with storytelling.

Host Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the back story of an artist, musician, author, and educator, who was once just an child in a low-income school district. But a child of promise. 

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Brodi Ashton, a New York Times bestselling author known for her works like the Everneath series and My Lady Jane. They discuss Brodi's upbringing influenced by Greek mythology, her experiences in school, the challenges of procrastination, and the impact of COVID-19 on her creativity. Brodi shares her journey from education to writing, the importance of accepting limitations, and the collaborative process of co-writing. The conversation highlights the resilience required to navigate personal and professional challenges, ultimately emphasizing the importance of storytelling.

In this episode, Jennifer Nielsen shares the powerful story of bestselling author Brodi, whose once-effortless writing career came to a halt after a severe battle with COVID left her with brain fog and depression. As deadlines slipped and doubt crept in, Brodi made the difficult decision to seek help, discovering the life-changing power of setting boundaries and saying "no." Her journey is a reminder that even in our lowest moments, recovery is possible, and great careers can be built not in spite of our limitations, but because of how we grow through them. 

In this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray. They discuss Ayana's childhood creativity, her journey to becoming an author, and the influential books that shaped her. Ayana shares her experiences with writing, the challenges of pursuing a writing career, and the balance between confidence and humility in the literary world.

This conversation explores the journey of Ayana Gray, an aspiring author who navigated the challenges of becoming a published writer. It highlights her early passion for storytelling, the obstacles she faced, and the pivotal moment when she leveraged social media to connect with literary agents, ultimately leading to her debut novel's success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and believing in one's dreams.

Chapters

00:00 The Aspiring Author's Journey
03:05 The Power of Community and Connection
05:24 The Breakthrough Moment
06:53 Believing in Your Dreams