February 04, 2016

KODY KEPLINGER: "The DUFF" Author Discusses the Impact of Mentors, Heartbreaks and Triumphs, and Crucial Writing Tips for Young Adult Fiction Authors

48 minutes

Special Giveaway Announcement!

Want to win a signed, advanced copy of Kody’s newest book “RUN”? All you have to do is:

Listen to Kody’s podcast episode.

Tweet your favorite quote from Kody’s interview and tag @88cupsoftea and include #88cupsoftea so we can find you!

Lucky winner will receive the prize!

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Storytellers! We have author KODY KEPLINGER of “The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)” on the show today! The book was made into a major motion picture starring rising young actors. Kody’s take on teen drama is refreshingly original and hilarious.

I’m so excited to share her interview with you today! Kody is just as bubbly, outgoing, warm, and funny as I had hoped. We chat a ton about mentors and how they can help shape your career, and how having one shaped Kody into the person and the writer she is today. Lots of workshop talk, crucial writing tips (the same lessons she teachers her writing students), personal triumphs and heartbreaks in the writing industry, and so much more!

Writers with a focus on writing young adult or middle grade books, this one’s for you!

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“Be okay with hearing the word ‘no’ and don’t let that stop you.”

“I knew that there was absolutely zero chance of me doing anything outside of the creative sphere.”

“If you want to do this, then do this.”

“Your back up plan shouldn’t be your first plan.”

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What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

The importance of having a mentor that has the courage to be truthful and how that can inspire you and your work

Inspiration behind “The Duff”

How to avoid miscommunication with your editor and remain on the same page about your writing project

Kody’s outlining process

How to decide which ideas are worth exploring for your next writing project

Why every aspiring writer needs to attend a book signing

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Learn More About Kody Keplinger

Kody Keplinger is the author of several books for kids and teens, including The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) which was adapted for film in 2015. She’s the co-founder of Disability In Kidlit, a writing teacher in NYC, and an all-around nerd. Her next novel, Run, will be released in June 2016.

Kody’s Recommended Books & Resources:

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Gotham Writers

“The Duff” (movie adaptation of Kody’s book)

“Inuyasha” (anime)

“Peach Girl” (anime)

“She’s All That”

“Clueless”

“10 Things I Hate About You”

...more