Middle Grade Matters Podcast
1) Michelle Knudsen (Into the Wild Magic) on The Importance of Persistence in Writing
In this conversation, author Michelle Knudsen emphasizes the critical role of persistence in the writing industry, highlighting that success is often not immediate and can be influenced by many extern...Show More
2) Ep. 99: Second Year Podcasting Anniversary - Come with me behind the scenes - how it started, how it's going, and what's next.
It's my first solo episode and I'm bringing you a glimpse of what it's been like launching a podcast and helping it grow over the past two years. I talk about the ups and downs, the big moments, the c...Show More
3) Ep. 98: Melissa Dassori on Second Books and Magic in Storytelling
In this episode, Melissa Dassori discusses her journey as a middle grade author, focusing on her sophomore book, 'Greta Ever After.' She shares insights into the emotional roller coaster of publishing...Show More
4) Ep. 97: McCall Hoyle (Forever Ripley) on Exploring the Bond Between Dogs and Kids
In this episode, McCall Hoyle, an award-winning author and former teacher and librarian, discusses her latest book, 'Forever Ripley,' which explores the deep bond between dogs and humans through the e...Show More
5) Ep. 96: Jamie Sumner (Schooled) on Embracing Imperfection in the Creative Process
In this episode, Jamie Sumner discusses her latest middle grade novel, 'Schooled,' exploring its themes, characters, and the inspiration behind the story. She shares insights into her writing process,...Show More
6) Cordelia Jensen (Lilac and the Switchback) on Crafting a Novel-In-Verse
On this episode, Cordelia Jensen discusses her latest middle grade verse novel, 'Lilac and the Switchback', exploring themes of friendship, grief, and change. She shares insights into the writing proc...Show More
7) Ep. 94: Alyssa Colman (Where Only Storms Grow) on Historical Fiction With and Without Magic
At the start of this episode, Alyssa Colman discusses her book 'Gilded Girl' with a special guest, my 14-year-old daughter Ella who loved this book when it came out several years ago. Alyssa and I th...Show More
8) Ep. 93: Pablo Cartaya (A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation) on Connecting With Readers Through Shared Experiences
In this episode, NYT bestselling author Pablo Cartaya shares with us his latest book, A Hero's Guide to Summer Vacation. We discuss the importance of cultural heritage in storytelling and challenges f...Show More
9) Ep. 92: Tiffany D. Jackson (Blood in the Water) on Writing MG After Success in YA
In this episode, Tiffany D. Jackson discusses her transition from writing young adult horror novels to her first middle grade novel, Blood in the Water. She shares insights into her writing process, t...Show More
10) Ep. 91: J.E. Thomas (The AI Incident) on Engaging Children in Conversations about Artificial Intelligence
In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author J.E. Thomas about her latest book, The AI Incident. They discuss the themes of loneliness and connection, th...Show More