On this episode of the KidLit Love podcast, I’m talking with Rachel Rene Russell and Nikki Russell, the mother-daughter, author-illustrator team behind the newest full-color release in their DORK DIARIES series: TALES FROM A NOT SO FABULOUS LIFE.

This series follows Nikki Maxwell  as she chronicles her life through text and art: her move to a new school, her battles with Queen Bee Makenzie and her zany adventures with her two BFF’s.

Come listen as we talk about the origin story of the series and the evolution it’s taken over 18 books and counting. We’ll also dive into how Rachel and Nikki work together and the process of bringing the book to life in color that includes hundreds and hundreds of color layers.  This is a delightful conversation that could have kept going for hours. =)

You’ll find the show notes for the episode with links to all of the books and resources mentioned right here: https://www.alitlife.com/2025/11/10/dork-diaries-tales-from-a-not-so-fabulous-life-by-rachel-rene-russell-nikki-russell

Join me inside my Facebook community for bookish people! There, we talk about all things books and reading and writing and notebooking, too! You'll get updates for this podcast, along with my other Get Lit(erate). podcast and build your literate community for adult and children's literature: https://www.facebook.com/groups/getliterate

If you’d like to support the podcast, consider purchasing some KidLit Love merchandise from my Zazzle store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/alitlife 

All earnings are funneled right back into the podcast expenses and maintenance fees. Thanks for your support!

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