In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I interview author Marie Benedict about her new middle grade novel, The Secrets of Lovelace Academy. The conversation explores the collaboration between Marie and co-author Courtney Scheinmel, the historical context of the story, the challenges faced by young girls in education during the early 1900s, and the relatable themes of classism and resilience. Marie shares insights into the writing process, the fun and fast-paced nature of the book, and the importance of bringing historical figures to life for younger readers. She highlights the historical context of women's roles in STEM, the challenges faced by female characters in her stories, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers.

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Literary Agent Alexander Slater discusses his background in children's publishing and his love for middle grade books. He talks about changes in the middle grade publishing industry, including the impact of Barnes and Noble's decision to stock fewer hardback middle grade books. He also addresses the issue of book banning. Slater shares insights into his typical day as a literary agent and offers advice for writers on crafting effective query letters. 

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In this episode, I talk with award-winning author Gayle Forman about her latest middle grade novel, Not Nothing. Gayle discusses her transition from writing YA to middle grade and the challenges of capturing the voice of young characters. She shares the inspiration behind Not Nothing, a story about a 12-year-old boy named Alex who finds himself in an assisted living facility and forms a bond with a 107-year-old man named Josie.

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In this episode, I interview middle grade author Debbie Michiko Florence. We discuss Debbi's writing process, her new middle grade series 'Last Chance Academy', and the importance of representing Japanese American heritage in her stories. Debbie shares insights into her creative space, the challenges of writing a mystery, and the significance of friendship themes in her work. She reflects on her long path to publication, the significance of finding the right agent, and the collaborative nature of the editing process. Debbi also emphasizes the balance between reading and writing, her current and future projects, and offers valuable advice for new writers.

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In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, author Lisa Schmid discusses her latest middle grade novel, 'Heart & Souls.' The conversation delves into the themes of anxiety, empathy, and the role of ghosts in storytelling. Lisa shares her personal experiences that inspired her writing, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the challenges of balancing writing with family life and podcasting. Lisa also discuss the podcast 'Writers with Wrinkles', which she co-hosts, and shares insights from recent episodes featuring industry professionals. 

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In this episode, Britnee Meiser discusses her debut middle grade novel 'All My Bests', reflecting on her journey as a writer, the challenges of publishing, and the importance of realistic representation in middle grade romance. She shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her stories, and the themes she hopes to convey to young readers. Brittany also touches on her experiences working with editors, finding an agent, and balancing her writing career with other jobs, all while offering valuable advice for aspiring authors.

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On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, bestselling author Megan E. Freeman discusses her journey as a writer and the success of her novels 'Alone' and 'Away'. Megan shares insights into her writing process, the unique storytelling formats she employs, and the impact of reader feedback on her work. The conversation delves into the themes of survival, friendship, and the creative challenges of writing companion novels. Megan also talks about her upcoming projects (including whether there will be a third novel related to Alone and Away) and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of community and having a Trusted Reader.

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In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, I talk with Kyle Lukoff about his latest middle grade novel, A World Worth Saving. We discuss the complexities of the story, including the challenges faced by the main character, a trans youth, and the role of parental relationships. Kyle shares insights into the inspiration behind the book, the significance of Jewish folklore, and the research process he undertook. The conversation also touches on the writing process, the intended audience for the book, and the need for more literature aimed at 14-year-olds. Kyle also reveals his current projects and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, encouraging them to explore different forms of creativity without losing sight of their passion.

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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.

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On this episode, I talk with middle grade fantasy author Megan Reyes about her debut series, Heroes of Havensong. We talk about the challenges of writing a series with four points of view, how she taught herself to write stories, and what she says to students to inspire them to write their own stories.

From the publisher: This timeless fantasy debut follows four children—a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a runaway witch, and a young soldier—bound together by the Fates themselves to save their world—and magic itself—from being destroyed. 

Books and resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Heroes of Havensong : Dragonboy (book 1), by Megan Reyes.
• ​Heroes of Havensong : ​The Last Ice Phoenix (book 2), by Megan Reyes.
• Lama Quest series, by Megan Reyes (forthcoming). A new fantasy chapter book series for young readers (ages  6-10).
• The Magic Words: Writing Great Books for Children and Young Adults, by Cheryl B. Klein.
• K.M. Weiland's books on craft.
• K.M. Weiland's podcast: Helping Writers Become Authors.
  
  

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