The Bookshop at the End of the Internet

Author Merriam Saunders discusses her two children's picture books, My Wandering, Dreaming Mind and My Whirling, Twirling Motor. Merriam also has a middle grade novel releasing in 2021. While all of the books feature characters with ADHD, it is not the only thing Merriam writes about – but it is one thing she is passionate about. Merriam is a licensed family therapist specializing in ADHD, and she sees her writing for young readers as an extension of her skills and passion for helping children.

Author Joseph Mazerac discusses his novel, Into the Attic of the World. It's the story of a normal kid named Charles who is invited by a boy called Captain Kid on an amazing adventure across other realities and into the Attic of the World. Joseph began his writing journey as an artist creating graphic novels. When his story ideas became too big for the graphic novel form, he began writing full-length novels. You can hear Joseph read from Into the Attic of the Word on his own podcast called The Blue Deck.

Author Laurie Wallmark discusses her picture book biographies about women in STEM. The women in Laurie's books are pioneers in fields ranging from computer science to mathematics to astronomy. Her latest book is Numbers in Motion: Sophie Kowalevski, Queen of Mathematics. Laurie has always loved math and is a former computer software engineer and professor. Now, she channels her passion into writing, finding ways to explain difficult concepts to young readers and sharing the stories of amazing women in STEM.

Author Darlene Beck-Jacobson discusses her latest middle grade novel, Wishes, Dares and How to Stand Up to a Bully. It is a coming of age story about losing a family member, summer vacation, learning how to be brave and a fish who grants wishes. It's Darlene's first novel in verse, and she found the experience of fashioning a story out of the poems she wrote to be both intriguing and joyful. Darlene chats about discovering her uniquely middle grade voice and the story behind her book's delightful cover art.

Author Diane Barnes discusses her latest novel titled, More Than. Ms. Magazine named it one of the best feminist books to curl up with. More Than, like her other novels, is about relationships. In particular, it is a story about the power of female friendships. Diane has considered herself a writer since the second grade. Always fascinated by relationships, whether its friendship, romance or the relationship we have with ourselves, Diane now has the opportunity to explore these subjects in her stories.

Author Alanna Ritchie discusses her newest work, Beach City: A Memoire of a 19 Year-Old Cali Girl. The book is an homage to growing up in SoCal and grappling with coming of age angst and excitement. It's a story of the narrator's transition from girl to woman while trying to proclaim who she is and what she wants. Alanna always wanted to write books, and she started writing Beach City over a summer while in college. Seventeen years later, Alanna has found her own unique voice, and the book is now published.

Author/illustrator Timothy Young discusses his children's picture books, the latest of which is curiously titled, "Untitled." Some of his others include I'm Looking for a Monster and I Hate Picture Books!, which lovingly pokes fun at some classics of children's literature. Tim has been an animator, toy designer and illustrator. While always an artist, Tim was never very confident as writer when he was a kid, so he is the first to admit his surprise about being a published author of almost a dozen books.

Author Terri Wangard discusses her newest release titled, Roll Back the Clouds. It is a story that takes place during WWI on the ill-fated, final voyage of the Lusitania in 1915. Terri has published other historical fiction novels as well, including a series set during WWII. Terri has always been a writer, a lover of libraries and a student of history. She has degrees in both history and library science, and she puts them to good use writing her own stories.

Author Jillian Bradfield discusses her two guided journals for teens and preteens -- Write on Girl! and Write on Boy! These journals contain writing prompts and coloring pages designed to engage, encourage and motivate girls and boys to make smart decisions and express themselves through journaling. Jillian was inspired to create these journals based on her own teenage journaling experience, and her overall goal is to get young adults to communicate and understand their thoughts and feelings by writing.

Award-winning author J.R. Sharp discusses his newest release, Breaking From the Enemy, a story of family, honor, love and freedom-fighting in Italy during WWII. It is the first book in a trilogy, and it follows on from J.R.'s debut work, Feeding the Enemy, based on his own family stories in northern Italy during WWII. J.R. discusses the real-life inspiration for some of his characters and the lessons he learned from interviewing his family members about their experiences during the war to end all wars.