In this episode, I’m joined by the delightful Kid-Lit author Cynthia Platt. 

We talk about the process of writing her debut intergenerational, dual-timeline YA novel, Postcards For Summer, which I adored reading. 

Cynthia shares what she’s learned about finding a rhythm as a writer, granting herself permission to explore varied interests, and giving herself grace when life interrupts. 

She discusses her journey from editor to author and how she had to get out of her own way to begin a writing practice. 

Her love of reading and the magic of writing for young audiences is simply infectious. 

We also discuss the challenges of writing dual timelines and drop some great tips on how to keep track of information and plotlines. We also dig into the personal challenges of crafting a novel as a neurodivergent human.

Cynthia was such a lovely guest. I hope you enjoy this episode and soak up all the inspiration and magic this author has to share with the world! 

00:00 Finding Your Writing Rhythm

01:31 The Magic of Writing for Young Audiences 

03:09 Cynthia Platt's Writing Journey

08:00 Exploring the YA Genre

13:59 The Challenge of Dual Timelines

23:07 Navigating Life's Interruptions

27:47 Current Projects and Final Thoughts

Guest Bio: Cynthia Platt is the author of the YA novel Postcards from Summer, the middle-grade novel Parker Bell & the Science of Friendship, and picture books including Grow, Easter Starring Egg, Panda-Monium, and A Little Bit of Love. She's also written numerous Curious George books, stories, and early readers for the Khan Academy Kids learning app. Her latest board book, Happy Halloween, Teal Pumpkin!, published in July 2024.

When not writing, she teaches at Lesley University’s MFA in Creative Writing program and formerly worked as a children’s book editor at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Candlewick Press.

Connect with Cynthia

cynthiaplattbooks.com

Instagram: @cynthiaplattbooks

Blue Sky: @cynthiaplatt

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