September 03, 2025

Episode 45: Creatures as Characters & Symbols with Guest Rebecca Dolence

29 minutes

Sharon and guest Rebecca Dolence discuss using creatures as symbols in kid lit, exploring how folklore and personal experience inform storytelling. They share insights on developing creature backstories, avoiding stereotypes, and twisting familiar tropes, while encouraging writers to innovate and deepen character symbolism in their children’s literature.

Key Topics Covered:

The role of creatures and symbolism in children’s literature and storytelling

Avoiding stereotypes by giving creatures nuanced personalities and backstories

How personal experience and voice shape writing and coaching approaches

Using folklore, mythology, and animal symbolism in kid lit

Twisting and innovating on familiar tropes and creature archetypes

Visit Rebecca online at: LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, Substack

And check out her Creature of the Month Club and Free Villain Worksheet

Other Resources:

Slam Poetry Wiki

What is My Spirit Animal

...more