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

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Ann McCallum exposes the root of nonfiction in this episode. Ann has tons of tips for you including how to find a nonfiction structure that highlights your passions, how to craft enticing sidebars, and how to write a nonfiction book proposal.

Our next episode will feature Cindy Jensen Elliott. Her newest nonfiction book, The Doomsday Detectives, How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinctions, just released on March 11th. We’ll also be talking about Weeds Find a Way, which is one of my all-time favorite books and her picture book biography Antsy Ansel.

I want to take this moment to thank Sarah Brannen, the creator of Chalk + Ink’s artwork. Her picture book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, is one of nine books that some parents are trying to ban in the Mahmoud vs. Taylor Supreme Court Case. Join me in supporting Sarah and the other authors in this case by clicking on the court case link above to sign a petition through Pen America to fight against book banning.

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Amanda Jones definitely gives writing tips in this episode such as listen to music that reflects the mood that you're trying to convey in your manuscript, start with a bang to hook the reader, and seek feedback from a trusted critique partner. I could have featured one of those quotes. But I feel it’s time to get real because during these dark days it’s important to remind ourselves why we show up in the classroom, or the library, or at our desks.

Each time we put pen to paper or walk into a classroom or give a school presentation, we’re striving to make the world a better place. Our hope is that our words and ideas bring joy, wonder, and acceptance to each reader that happens upon our books or each student that steps into our classrooms. Some days the job feels overwhelming, and we may feel defeated before we step foot inside the door or sit down at the desk, but Amanda shows us how to embrace perseverance to help others.

And as Amanda says during this episode, if she can do it, so can we. Without further ado, here is That Librarian Amanda Jones.

Our next episode will feature Ann McCallum and her newest middle grade nonfiction book, Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, Smelliest Plants.

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Sarah Prager talks about her passion for queer history, learning how to write for a YA audience, and how to research.

Our next episode will feature school librarian Amanda Jones. She fights against censorship and advocates for protecting intellectual freedom so that every child sees themselves reflected on library shelves.

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April Jones Prince, Jody Little, Josh Galarza, Katrina Moore and Zetta Elliott talk about the courage to be emotionally vulnerable on the page, writing about subjects for kids that people have told you kids shouldn’t read about, and the fact that even though publishing has a long way to go before it’s truly equitable that in 2014 only 8.4% of creators of children’s books were people of color and by 2023 that number had risen to 45.6%. Whether or not any of those snippets speak to you, I feel confident that something in this episode will grab hold of your heartstrings and not let go. 

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Jeannine Atkins is one of the kindest people I know, and her compassion radiates through her verse. So, my wish for all of you is that your year is filled with kindness, just like Jeannine’s novels.

In this episode we talk about the power of compression, repetition, and representation. Let’s get started.

Thanks so much for listening and for being part of the Chalk + Ink family. Join us for our next live Chalk + Ink Chat about author’s craft on Sunday, January 19th at noon EST. I can’t wait to talk about writing moves with April Jones Prince, Jody Little, Josh Galarza, Katrina Moore and Zetta Elliott. You can sign up by clicking on the link above or on my website at www.katenarita.com/podcast. Bring your notebooks, favorite pens, and your questions too and join us for what’s sure to be an enlightening discussion.

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Jen Ferguson talks about opportunities to sharpen our work, why characters mirror one another in dialogue, and why we need different books for different readers. Let’s get started.

Our next episode will feature Jeannine Atkins. 

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In today’s episode Sarah Aronson talks about the importance of embracing conversations, challenges, and community. Sarah's latest biography, Abzuglutely!, celebrates congresswoman, lawyer, and activist, Bella Abzug,  

Our next episode will feature Jen Ferguson. Jen’s latest novel, A Constellation of Minor Bears is a USA Today bestseller.

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Jen Malia and I talk about celebrating neurodiversity, identifying your audience, and writing on location.

Our next episode will feature Sarah Aronson. Sarah’s latest picture book biography, Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing, Bella Abzug released last month.

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A.S. King talks about her newest novel, Pick the Lock, ACES or adverse childhood experiences, and the importance of honesty and expression.

Our next episode will feature Jen Malia. Check out her chapter book series The Infinity Rainbow Club  to prep for our next episode. 

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Andrew Hacket, Ernesto Cisneros, Marcie Flinchum Atkins, Lisa Stringfellow, and Tina Athaide talk about creating classroom writing communities. In addition to their wonderful voices, authors Cindy Jenson-Elliott, Valerie Bolling, and Jody Little also contributed to this heartfelt discussion.

Our next episode will feature the only two-time winner of YALSA’s Michael L. Printz award, A.S. King. She’s as honest and kind in conversation as she is in her books. So be sure to join us again in two weeks. 

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