Episode 36: Rob Kent, The Middle Grade Ninja
Rob Kent, author and host of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, joins Mary Kole to talk about his illustrious publishing career and provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring writers. He discusses the importance of managing expectations for success in your writing career, as well as writing for your own personal happiness.
Tips for Writing Child Characters
Whether you’re writing a picture book, a chapter book or a middle grade novel, the star of your story is a child character. Here are some tips on how to write a believable child character.
The Young Adult Fiction Market with Sara Zarr
Join Mary Kole and Sara Zarr as they talk about the complex realities surrounding publishing and becoming a career author within a rapidly shifting YA and Middle Grade marketplace. Sara Zarr brings insight and personal experiences to surviving the sudden and drastic changes within the YA marketplace.
Writing Young Adult Characters
Young adult characters are incredibly dynamic. Their worlds are bigger, larger than life. There's always something behind any big feelings in middle grade and young adult that fosters a relationship between the character and the audience. And that is super crucial in the young adult genre.
Writing Across Age Groups with Alice Kuipers
Multi-published author Alice Kuipers chats with Mary about getting published, what it's like to have a writing career, and craft insights across categories.
Growing From Aspiring Writer to Published Author with Rebecca Ansari
Debut middle grade author Rebecca Ansari chats with Mary about the journey from aspiring writer to published author, MG craft insights, and what new things she has in the works!
Magic, Mythology & Monsters with Lisa Stringfellow
Lisa Stringfellow, award-winning author and middle school teacher, discusses her debut novel about mermaids and mythology set in the Caribbean, “A Comb of Wishes.” She talks through her long journey from draft to finished book—plus plans for Book 2—and shares craft and industry tips she’s learned along the way.
The Writing Journey with Leslie C. Youngblood
Author and former assistant professor of creative writing Leslie C. Youngblood joins Mary Kole on the Good Story Podcast. She shares her journey through her MFA program, gives tips on crafting interesting character relationships, and weighs in on one of the hottest questions for authors today: traditional or self-publishing?
Do I Need a Series Arc?
Should you be writing a standalone or a series arc? Let’s talk about some series perks.
Episode 26: Tami Charles, Children’s Book Author
New York Times Bestselling children's book author Tami Charles joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about experimenting with verse, amplifying the stories of girls of color, and writing what you feel.
Middle Grade vs Young Adult
What's the difference between MG vs YA? Let's look at the key differences, including character age, word count, theme, and style.
The Problem With Boy Books and Girl Books
“I’m looking for boy books.” When I worked as a librarian, I heard this statement often. A parent came into the children’s room, with or without their child in tow, and eagerly asked me for a “boy book.” They said it like I’d automatically know what they were talking about, like of course books about burping robots and trucks and alien invasions from outer space were for male readers alone.