Foreword

Today, I am happy to introduce to you Charlie Arrigo!! Charlie is a Pennsylvanian emerging author. His first novel, "Ollie Fitzgerald's Heartbreak Anthems" was just released in early June. The story follows Ollie, who has just undergone a break up. Ollie uses his love of music to help guide him through his emotions. Join us today as we learn more about Charlie Arrigo and his love of pop culture!!

Today I would love to welcome Lily Pudlo to Foreword! "Lily is a second-year Nonfiction MFA Candidate with a special interest in gender and sexuality studies. She aims to tell stories that make people feel seen. As someone who often turns to the page when looking for answers to life's hardships, Lily hopes to be honest and vulnerable in her writing in an attempt to guide others as they navigate confusing and complicated experiences surrounding gender and sexual identity. Aside from writing, Lily enjoys playing rugby, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and taking woodland walks with their partner."

Welcome to Foreword! Today, we are thrilled to have Aaron H. Aceves, a brilliant writer and a true voice for diversity and representation, joining us. Aaron, who identifies as bisexual and is of Mexican-American heritage, hails from the vibrant community of East L.A., where his experiences have profoundly influenced his writing. Currently based in Texas, Aaron serves as an Early Career Provost Fellow at UT Austin, where he continues to inspire and mentor emerging writers. His debut young adult novel, "This Is Why They Hate Us," published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, has taken the literary world by storm. With multiple starred reviews and being honored as a Best Young Adult Book of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews, Aaron's novel has captivated readers with its raw and thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the challenges faced by marginalized individuals. We are thrilled to have Aaron on Foreword to discuss his writing journey, the significance of diverse representation in literature, and the impact of his debut novel. So, without further ado, let's give a warm welcome to Aaron H. Aceves!

Welcome to the podcast! Today, we are thrilled to have Brian Zepka joining us! Brian is an award-winning author and public health scientist born and raised outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His debut young adult novel, The Temperature of Me and You, has been featured in Buzzfeed, Seventeen Magazine, and Esquire. It was named the best translated young adult stand-alone novel of 2022 at the Tres Cantos International Festival of Children's and Youth Literature. Outside of writing, Brian works with a global research nonprofit organization focused on school bus electrification, while pursuing his doctorate in environmental health at Johns Hopkins University. Let's welcome Brian Zepka to the podcast!

Welcome to Foreword! Today, we are thrilled to have Steven Salvatore, a talented author and advocate, joining us. Steven has made a significant impact in the young adult literature world with their powerful novels that tackle important and timely issues. Their debut novel, "Can't Take That Away," has been widely celebrated for its authentic representation of a genderqueer protagonist and its exploration of identity, acceptance, and resilience. Steven's writing combines heartfelt storytelling with a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity, creating narratives that resonate with readers of all backgrounds. They've also written "And They Lived..." and their new release "No Perfect Places." In addition to their writing, Steven is an educator, passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness, using their platform to promote understanding and compassion. We are excited to delve into their creative process, discuss the impact of their work, and gain insights into their journey as an author and advocate. So without further ado, let's welcome Steven Salvatore to Foreword!

Welcome to the Foreword! On this episode, we are delighted to have Lev AC Rosen, an accomplished author and storyteller, joining us. Lev is known for his captivating novels that traverse genres and captivate readers of all ages. His works include "Jack of Hearts (and Other Parts)" and "Camp," which have received critical acclaim for their honest and unapologetic exploration of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. Lev's writing is both thought-provoking and entertaining, delving into the complexities of the human experience with wit, humor, and compassion. We learn more about Lev's new release, "Lion's Legacy". We can't wait to delve into his creative process, delve into the themes he tackles in his work, and gain insights into his literary journey. So without further ado, let's welcome Lev AC Rosen to Foreword!

Welcome to this week's episode on Foreword, where we have the pleasure of speaking with Anthony, a passionate primary school teacher and author based in Melbourne, Australia. He has taught upper primary and junior secondary school students, helping them to develop their literacy and social skills. In addition to his teaching career, Anthony is also a talented author, and has recently released his debut picture story book, "This is Me". The book explores the struggles of two teenagers as they navigate coming out to their family and friends, and Anthony is passionate about ensuring that all students see themselves represented in literature. In this episode, we'll chat with Anthony about his teaching philosophy and his journey as an author. We'll also dive deeper into his debut book, "This is Me", and discuss the importance of social literacy and representation in literature. So sit back, relax, and join us for an insightful conversation with Anthony - a passionate teacher, author, and advocate for social literacy.

Welcome to Foreword! We have a very special guest with us today, Robbie Couch. Robbie is a critically acclaimed author and journalist, known for his powerful and insightful storytelling. His debut novel, "The Sky Blues," has been praised for its compelling characters, relatable themes, and engaging writing style. He's also written "Blaine For The Win" and his newest release, "If I See You Again Tomorrow." Today, we are thrilled to have him with us to talk about his journey as a writer, the inspiration behind his stories, and his upcoming projects. So sit back, relax, and join us for a thought-provoking and inspiring conversation with the talented Robbie Couch.

Welcome to Foreword! In this episode, I speak to Will Kostakis, an award-winning author and journalist, joining us. Will has written numerous books for young adults, including "The First Third," "The Sidekicks," and "Monuments." His works have been praised for their relatable characters, authentic storytelling, and insightful exploration of themes such as family, identity, and relationships. Will is also a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been recognized for his efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in literature. Check out his new book, "We Could Be Something" today!