Middle Grade Matters

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, Shannon Balloon and writing expert Joel Brigham discuss the challenges and strategies of writing a first draft quickly, known as fast-drafting. They emphasize the importance of finishing a draft over perfection, explore the benefits and drawbacks of fast drafting, and provide practical tips for writers looking to adopt this method. 

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Jessica Brody's Novel Fast Drafting online course
• Refuse to Be Done, written by Matt Bell
• Brigham Editorial

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In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author Erin Becker about her debut novel Crushing It. They discuss the book's themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges of growing up, as well as Erin's writing journey, the evolution of the middle grade market, and the importance of balancing writing with other life commitments. Erin shares insights on character development, the writing process, and the lessons she hopes young readers will take away from her story.

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On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast,  Jordan Kopy discusses her Theodora Hendrix series, which follows a 10-year-old girl raised by a family of monster superheroes. Jordan shares her inspiration for the series, her creative process, and the unique characters that populate her books. She discusses the illustrations, the challenges of writing while working in finance, and her journey to publication. Jordan also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and reflects on her love for spooky stories and middle grade literature.

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Author Joan Reardon discusses her debut middle-grade book, The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters, which follows 12-year-old Anna Grimsbane, who comes from a family of witch hunters and must rescue her brother from a dangerous witch before he turns 13 and falls victim to a curse. Joan discusses her experience as a writer, including the process of finding an agent and getting published. Joan shares her experiences with kid readers and their reactions to the story, as well as the spooky folklore that influenced the book. She also offers advice to new writers, emphasizing the importance of finding your own writing process.

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Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, authors of The Bletchley Riddle, discuss their collaboration and the inspiration behind their middle grade novel set in Bletchley Park during World War II. The book features two main characters, Jacob and Lizzie, who are involved in codebreaking and unraveling a family mystery. They talk about the challenges and joys of writing for young readers, the importance of curiosity and awareness in historical fiction, and the process of working together as co-authors. 

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On this episode, Kate DiCamillo discuss her new book The Hotel Balzaar, as well as her writing process and the themes that inspire her. Kate also talks about the role of writer friends in her life and the joy of connecting with readers through her love of animals. She shares her experience of winning the Newbery Medal and her ongoing passion for writing. 

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Author Damara Allen discusses her debut middle grade novel The Skeleton Flute and its themes of family, friendship, grief, and bravery. She shares her love for horror and how it influenced her writing. Damara also talks about her writing process as a pantser and the importance of finding a supportive writing community.

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National Book Award winner and Newbery Honoree Polly Horvath discusses her latest middle-grade book, Library Girl, and her extensive writing career. She  talks about the inspiration behind her stories and the themes in Library Girl, including the importance of libraries and the concept of family. Polly shares her journey as a writer, from sending out children's stories to publishers at a young age to finally getting published, and she discusses the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself. 

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On this episode I talk with author Sarah Allen about her new spooky middle grade book, Monster Tree. Sarah shares her experience as a writer and how she learned to balance plot and character development. She also talks about the joy of writing middle grade books and the impact they can have on young readers. Sarah offers advice to new writers, encouraging them to be generous and bold in their writing journey.

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On this episode, I interview Robyn Field, author of Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon, and Karin Hoyle, CEO, Acquisitions Editor, and Creative Director of Owl's Nest Publishers, a small press independent publishing house based outside Madison, Wisconsin, about the process of creating and publishing a middle grade book. Robyn shares her journey as a writer and how she found a home for her book with Owl's Nest, and Karin talks about the founding of Owl's Nest and their focus on publishing books for teen and middle grade readers.

For bonus content and  info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter.

I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores.

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