What do scouting, hidden treasure, coal mines, and dragons have in common?

In this episode of Reading in the Middle, host Annisha Jeffries welcomes New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman to discuss their thrilling new middle-grade fantasy adventure, George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend.

Candace and Eric bring an impressive storytelling background to the page. Their work spans Disney+, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, feature films, music production, bestselling novels, and collaborations with Bear Grylls. Together, they've created the Order of the Dragon Slayer series to inspire young readers to face life's challenges with courage, resilience, and hope.

We discuss the creation of George Goodwin, an unlikely hero determined to clear his father's name and save his struggling Appalachian town. Along the way, we explore scouting culture, friendship, cinematic storytelling, dragon mythology, and why today's readers still need stories about bravery.

Plus, stay tuned for our lightning round, where we talk about favorite dragons, adventure movies, campfire snacks, and more.

Show NotesIn This Episode

🐉 Meet New York Times bestselling authors Candace Lee and Eric Newman

🎬 How careers in Disney+, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and television storytelling influenced their writing process

🏕️ Why scouting became the foundation of the Order of the Dragon Slayer series

⛏️ The inspiration behind Big Mountain, West Virginia, and the mysterious coal mines beneath it

💎 Hidden treasure, dragon lore, and legendary quests

📚 The influence of The Goonies, Jurassic Park, and classic adventure stories on the series

❤️ Creating emotionally authentic middle-grade heroes

⚔️ What it means to "slay life's dragons."

🎙️ A lightning round featuring favorite dragons, campfire snacks, adventure films, and books that inspired them as young readers

About the BookGeorge Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend

Twelve-year-old George Goodwin believes a legendary treasure hidden beneath Big Mountain, West Virginia, could save his struggling town and clear his father's name.

When a scouting trip turns into an unexpected quest, George and his friends find themselves facing collapsing tunnels, dangerous thieves, ancient secrets, and a fire-breathing dragon unlike anything they imagined.

The first book in the Order of the Dragon Slayer series blends classic adventure storytelling with friendship, courage, humor, and heart.

About the AuthorsCandace Lee

Candace Lee is a writer and producer whose work includes Emmy-winning programming for Disney+, concert films featuring Andrea Bocelli, collaborations with Bear Grylls, and bestselling novels. She studied film and television production at New York University and co-authored the New York Times and USA Today bestseller Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café.

Eric Newman

Eric Newman has written and produced Emmy-winning television, bestselling novels, and feature films for Disney, NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures, and Penguin Random House. He served as a writer and executive producer on Bear Grylls's global adventure series and co-created the Order of the Dragon Slayer series.

Links Mentioned in This EpisodeOfficial Order of the Dragon Slayer Website

Order of the Dragon Slayer Series

Official Book Page

George Goodwin, Dragon Slayer: A Scouting Legend

Publisher Page

Penguin Random House Book Page

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