I enjoyed chatting with author Jaime Berry about Hope Springs, life in a small town, writing about crafting, and what she learned while writing and publishing her first middle grade book. She also shares a bit about her next book! Enjoy.
Kristin Mahoney on Elfie Unperfect (+ Giveaway!)
lfie is a young perfectionist whose tendency to control others and enforce rules gets her expelled from her new elementary school on the first day! Today, Kristin and I chat about Elfie Unperfect, perfectionism, tips for writing a funny middle grade book, and ways to support kids with a perfectionistic streak.
Rochelle Melander on Mightier Than The Sword (+ Giveaway!)
Rochelle Melander is writer and writing coach whose books help other writers (including kids) improve their writing. Her most recent non-fiction book, Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writing is a cross between world history and a writing workbook. It highlights activists who changed the world through their writing, and it helps kids write better too. I loved chatting with her about this book, as well as tips for becoming a better writer. Enjoy!
Amy Makechnie on Ten Thousand Tries (+ Giveaway!)
I loved reading Amy Makechnie’s new book Ten Thousand Tries about a boy coming to terms with his father’s ALS diagnosis. Besides family, this book focuses on sports and being a good friend. I loved chatting with Amy about her book, writing memorable supporting characters, and crafting stories about families going through hard times. I enjoyed this interview and I know you will too!
Melanie Conklin Interview
I’m pleased to be interviewing author Melanie Conklin today. A little known fact is that Counting Thyme was one of the first middle grade books I read (listened on audio) in my adult life — one that triggered the desire to read more middle grade. I loved the protagonist’s family who named both their kids after herbs: Thyme and Valerian. I recently read her latest middle grade novel, Every Missing Piece — and I loved it even more than her debut.
Chris Baron on The Magical Imperfect (+ Giveaway!)
Chris Baron is the author of the new verse novel, The Magical Imperfect. I enjoyed this story set in 1989 San Francisco about a boy who develops selective mutism, until a friendship breaks him open in the best way. I chatted with Chris Baron about his new book, writing about mental health and severe eczema, and why writing in verse comes so naturally to him. I loved this heartfelt interview, and I know you will too. Chris is also giving away two signed copies of his book!
Alexis Nedd on Don’t Hate the Player (+Giveaway!)
Alexis Nedd is an entertainment writer whose foray into YA fiction is a new novel, Don’t Hate the Player. Alexis and I chat about her new book, the similarities between her and her main characters, the dark side of gaming, and how her day job as a journalist prepared her for this novel. She also shares her intriguing journey to becoming a YA author. Enjoy!
Debbie Rigaud Interview (+INTL Giveaway!)
Debbie Rigaud is one of my favorite young adult authors. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut, Truly Madly Royally and was excited to read Simone Breaks All the Rules, especially after seeing that cover! Today, Debbie and I talk about having a dark-skinned girl on the cover of her book, her ideal YA love interest, and loving Haitian culture. Debbie is also giving away a copy of her newest YA! Enjoy!
Remy Lai on Pawcasso (+ Giveaway!)
Remy Lai is the author of the new graphic novel, Pawcasso (which I loved and included in the Summer Reading Guide). Today, I’m chatting with her about her inspiration for the basket-toting dog, writing about difficult family situations, and going from Fine Arts to writing.
Josephine Cameron on Not All Heroes (+ Giveaway!)
Josephine Cameron writes some whimsical stories. I regret not having read her two previous middle grade books (and plan to remedy that ASAP), but I am so glad to have read and enjoyed Not All Heroes. Today, Josephine and I talk about writing quirky stories (why does she love them so?!), writing about grief, and how being a music teacher for elementary school kids affects her writing. I loved this interview and I know you will too.
Ebony Zayzay on The Adventures of Keva: The Power of the Trees
Ebony Zayzay is the author of the new picture book, The Adventures of Keva: The Power of the Trees. I read and loved this story about caring for the environment and the myriad ways the environment looks after us. Ebony Zayzay has also recently started a publishing company called Zayzay Literary Co. We talk about writing a picture book, getting into publishing, being inspired by African culture, and writing about Black joy and Black kids loving the outdoors.
Marcy Campbell on Rule of Threes (+ INTL Giveaway)
Marcy Campbell is the author of the debut middle grade book, Rule of Threes. This book handles several sensitive topics — including marital infidelity and substance abuse — with remarkable thoughtfulness. I loved talking to Marcy in this interview about her writing process, writing about hard topics, and her love for design. Enjoy!
