Chalk and Ink: The Podcast for Teachers Who Write and Writers Who Teach

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Hello Everyone! Welcome to the 100th and the final episode of Chalk + Ink: The Podcast for Teachers Who Write and Writers Who Teach. I’m your host Kate Narita, author of 100 Bugs! A Counting Book and assistant principal. 

It may sound like the words 100th and final episode of Chalk + Ink easily rolled off my tongue, but I assure you they did not. It has been an absolute honor creating this podcast for you for the past six years, and it has honestly been a year-long process for me to let go and say farewell.

When thinking about the last episode, I of course thought about the first episode with Angela Shante. I also thought about featuring clips from all the episodes with more than one hundred downloads and then realized in surprise that more than 80% of the episodes have had at least 100 episodes. Next came the idea that before the first episode, author and illustrator, Sarah Brannen, created the podcast art. And, I realized that featuring Sarah was a way to have the beginning hold the end. 

For those of you who don’t know, Sarah has advocated tirelessly for all students to have the right to see all familial structures in books in schools and for all students to have the right to read freely. You can read her response to the Mahmoud v. Taylor Supreme Court’s ruling on her website sarahbrannen.com and on Pen America’s website pen.org. 

And then I thought about another tireless advocate for children to have the right to read all books, Melissa Stewart, who has relentlessly fought for children to have access to high quality nonfiction trade books. I also realized that past collaboration episodes have been some of Chalk + ink’s most popular shows. Since Sarah and Melissa have collaborated together on four books and all four of their books are delightful summertime reads, I knew interviewing the two of them was the perfect way to honor you, the listener, and honor Chalk + Ink, because this whole project has been a collaboration.

And the interview doesn’t disappoint. We talk about the power of critique groups, collaboration, and journaling. So, get your journals ready, take some notes and then head outdoors to see what summertime surprises nature has to offer you today.

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Debut middle-grade novelist N. West Moss says revision is the whole game. She talks about discovery drafts, middle drafts where she tries to accomplish goals, and then polishing drafts. She also talks about winning at writing every day not by putting a certain number of words on the page but by doing anything related to writing such as reading books, editing a section, or simply thinking about her characters. Finally, we talk about how compassion is key in the classroom and gratitude is the key to life.

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Brooke Eisenbach, John Schu, Josh Galarza, Lisa Stringfellow, and Meredith Adamo talk about how vulnerability is bravery, discuss the fact that it’s okay to not be okay and how we can help heal ourselves and others through writing, reading, and discussing children’s literature. 

Please be aware that this episode addresses trauma including but not limited to grief, sexual assault and eating disorders. 

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I’m overjoyed to be bringing you episode 97 Finding Our Way with Tom Bober, Michelle Cusolito, Valerie Bolling, and Cindy Jenson-Elliott. Before I release an episode, I always listen to it. Today, I listened while wrapping Christmas gifts, which truly filled my afternoon with cheer.

If you’re wondering what this episode will bring you, you can count on hearing about mentor texts, bullet journals and leaning into what you love. 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to listen to this podcast–whether you listen on your commute, on a walk or a run, or while you’re doing your dishes, I’m so grateful to you. I look forward to talking with you again three more times in 2026. I’m not sure when exactly the next episode will release or what it will be about, but I am sure it will be jam packed with inspiration that will keep you twirling along on your writing and teaching journey. Until next year, happy teaching and happy writing.

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Today’s episode focuses on the joy of collaborating, accountability and finding the golden thread. You’ll hear from the following fabulous creators: Carole Boston Weatherford, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, Ruth Behar, Andrew Hacket and Chris Baron. 

Our next chat will be Sunday, November 16th at 12 EST. If you want to join me, Tom Bober, Michelle Cusolito, Valerie Bolling, Cindy Jenson-Elliott, and  René Colato Laínez, please fill out this form.

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Wrapping up our fifth season with this summer's top ten tips:

10. Conduct Interesting Interviews

9. Love Lists

8. Discover Structure

7. Setting Is a Super Tool

6. Side Write

5. Value Vulnerability

4. Tell a Story

3. Devise Dynamic Dialogue

2. Cut 10%

1. Have Fun and Be Kind

This year my cousin, my friend, my writing partner, and this podcast’s biggest benefactor, Steven Kent, passed away unexpectedly during the crafting of this episode. Before I head off to start my summer writing, I have a favor to ask you. If this podcast has ever brought you joy, made you feel less alone on your writing and/or teaching journey, made you feel seen, given you a tip that’s improved your writing and/or teaching, or given you a chance to talk about your work, please consider donating to the 4KentGirlsFund on Go Fund Me.

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In this episode, Jarrett Lerner talks about how publishing a book is like participating in the NBA finals, how kids are our bosses, and sloppy first drafts. Let’s get started.

Thanks so much for listening and for being part of the Chalk + Ink community. 

Our final episode will be a compilation of writing tips from the fifth season to kickstart your summer writing or give it a boost if your school year ended in May. My goal is to have it out before the end of June. If you’re still teaching, I wish you the best in these final weeks. If you’re already on vacay, soak up some sunshine, you deserve it. Until next time, happy teaching and happy writing. 

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In this episode, Ann Marie Stephens talks about visual reminders to write, stoplight writing, and positive self talk.

To prep for our next episode be sure to check out Jarrett Lerner’s A Work in Progress. His nephews attend my school and one of his nephew’s, Dylan, is going to help me interview Jarrett. Be sure to listen and spread the word, it should be a ton of fun.

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In this episode, Nancy McCabe talks about revising for authentic voice, taking detours, and hermit crab essays. Let’s get started.

To prep for our next episode be sure to check out Ann Marie Stephens’s delightful, cat-centered, early childhood math books Scattered and Catawampus.

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In this interview, Cindy Jenson-Elliott lets us in on incredible interview tips. 

In addition to interview tips, Cindy talks about researching and writing simultaneously, nonfiction proposal dos and don’ts, and the importance of making connections.

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