Middle Grade Matters

Shannon Balloon
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On the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon talks to to authors and publishing professionals about all things middle grade. The show explores topics like the craft of writing, the journey to getting an agent and publishing a book, and why middle grade books should matter to everyone. 

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    [LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 2) (City Spies) on Writing a Bestselling Middle Grade Series

    Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series IS OUT TODAY!, so it's a great time to re-listen to our interview. Last week we heard part 1 and today it's part 2. In this part  we discuss his journey from screenwriting to becoming a successful author of middle-grade fiction. He shares insights into his writing process, the importance of creating relatable characters, and the joy of storytelling. James also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, emphasizing the significance of writing daily and focusing on completion rather than perfection. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    44 min

  2. 3 FEB

    [LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 74: James Ponti (Part 1) (City Spies) on Writing a Bestselling Middle Grade Series

    Book 7 of James Ponti's City Spies series comes out February 10th, so it's a great time to re-air part 1 of our interview. James shares heartfelt stories about his teachers, particularly Mrs. White, who inspired him to become a writer. The conversation also touches on the importance of education and the impact of family on his path to success. James also discusses his journey as a writer, focusing on his experiences with the City Spies and The Sherlock Society series. He shares insights into his writing process, the challenges of balancing multiple series, and the inspiration behind his stories. Ponti emphasizes the importance of setting in his books, using real locations to enhance the narrative and engage young readers. He also explores the appeal of thrillers and mysteries, highlighting the interactive nature of these genres and his unique approach to blending different storytelling elements. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    41 min

  3. 20 JAN

    Ep. 102: Simon Stephenson (The Snowman Code) on both Screenwriting and Novel Writing

    In this conversation, Simon Stephenson, a former physician turned screenwriter and author, shares his unique journey from medicine to storytelling. He discusses his early experiences in writing, which paved the way for his screenwriting career. Simon's latest work, The Snowman Code, is a middle-grade book that combines his love for storytelling with his background in medicine, focusing on a young girl named Blessing who embarks on a magical quest with a snowman. The book aims to resonate with children, offering them relatable characters and themes of resilience and humor. Simon also shares his method for writing a novel, and offers sound advice for new writers. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    38 min

  4. 13 JAN

    Ep. 101: John Schu (Louder Than Hunger) on Connection and Compassion in Storytelling

    In this conversation, John Schu, a children's librarian and author, shares his journey as a reader and writer, emphasizing the importance of connection in storytelling. He discusses his latest book, Louder Than Hunger, which tackles themes of mental health and the healing power of art and music. Schu reflects on his influences, including Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Applegate, and broadway actor Idina Menzel, and offers valuable advice for aspiring writers, highlighting the significance of reading and self-compassion in the creative process. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    44 min

  5. 11/11/2025

    Ep. 100: 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 external factors. She encourages writers to find joy in the writing process itself, as it is the only aspect they can truly control amidst the uncertainties of publishing and reception. We also discuss her latest middle grade book, Into the Wild Magic. Into the Wild Magic is a middle-grade fantasy novel about an eleven-year-old girl named Bevvy who escapes into a magical world with a new, mysterious friend named Cat. The book features a world at war between those who wield "wild magic" and dark sorcerers, and explores themes of friendship, trust, and self-discovery as Bevvy learns to embrace her own magical abilities.  Key takeaways from this episode:  The most important thing you need to succeed in this business is persistence.You can write an amazing book and not be able to sell it.It's essential to keep going despite challenges.Finding joy in the writing process is crucial.Many factors influencing success are out of your control.Small successes in writing matter, regardless of big recognition.Enjoying the work itself is what you can control.Overnight success stories can be misleading.Persistence is key to navigating the ups and downs of writing.For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    46 min

  6. 21/10/2025

    [LISTEN AGAIN] Ep. 66: Jordan Kopy (Theodora Hendrix) on Turning Traditional Monster Tropes on their Heads

    On this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast,  Jordan Kopy discusses her Theodora Hendrix series, which follows a 10-year-old girl raised by a family of monster superheroes. Jordan shares her inspiration for the series, her creative process, and the unique characters that populate her books. She discusses the illustrations, the challenges of writing while working in finance, and her journey to publication. Jordan also offers valuable advice for aspiring writers and reflects on her love for spooky stories and middle grade literature. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    53 min

  7. 14/10/2025

    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 challenges, and what's to come. And I give a big thank you to you, the listeners, for being with me every step of the way. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    29 min

  8. 30/09/2025

    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 and emphasizes the importance of confidence, risk-taking, and the collaborative nature of the writing process. For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to the Middle Grade Matters newsletter here: Newsletter, and follow us on Instagram, Threads, and Twitter. I love audiobooks! If you do, too, consider switching to Libro.fm, a platform that supports indy bookstores. If you're enjoying this podcast, please leave a rating and review (thank you!).

    37 min
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Trailer

About

On the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon talks to to authors and publishing professionals about all things middle grade. The show explores topics like the craft of writing, the journey to getting an agent and publishing a book, and why middle grade books should matter to everyone. 

Information

  • Creator
    Shannon Balloon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Middle Grade Matters
  • Show Website
    Middle Grade Matters

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