In this episode, Wendelin Van Draanen discusses her journey as a writer, the evolution of her work from the Sammy Keys mystery series to standalone novels, and the impact of adaptations on her books. She shares insights into the inspiration behind her acclaimed novel, The Running Dream, and emphasizes the importance of writing for young readers with relatable themes. Wendelin also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to embrace the creative process and write from the heart.

For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).