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. 17. Juni

    Ep. 112: Nancy Tandon (The Haunting of Walker Pond) on Selling - and then Writing - a Novel on Proposal

    Writing is more than just putting words on paper. It’s a journey filled with challenges, perseverance, and growth. Many aspiring authors often wonder what it truly takes to publish a book. In this episode, author Nancy Tandon shares her journey and the ups and downs of writing for middle grade. Join us as we explore her experiences, insights, and the lessons learned along 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!).

    48 Min.

  2. 3. Juni

    Ep. 111: Huda Al-Mirashi (Hail Mariam) on Faith and the Challenges of a Writing Life

    In a world often divided by beliefs, finding common ground can be a challenge. When I sat down with Huda Al-Mirashi, author of the new middle grade Hail Mariam, we delved into the intersection of faith and identity and the profound themes of understanding and respect that transcend religious boundaries. We also talk about Huda's writing journey, the challenges of pursuing traditional publishing, and finding your writing people. 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!).

    43 Min.

  3. 19. Mai

    Ep. 110: Tracy Wolff (The Aftermyth) on Creating Stories that Spark Imagination

    In this episode, NYT bestselling author Tracy Wolff talks about her first middle grade novel, "The Aftermyth," where Penelope, a determined new student at Anaximander’s Academy, faces a whirlwind of challenges right from the start. With a doughnut hole mishap leading to unexpected chaos, she learns that sometimes, not fitting in is the first step to finding yourself.  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!).

    55 Min.

  4. 6. Mai

    Ep. 109: Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) on writing and her latest book, Wombat Waiting

    On this episode Katherine Applegate, author of the acclaimed The One and Only Ivan and her latest Wombat Waiting, takes us through her unconventional journey from ghostwriter to winning the Newbery Medal—sharing candid insights about the ups and downs, the long nights, and the moments of serendipity that shaped her career. You'll discover how her early career as a reluctant reader and her love for animals deeply influence her storytelling. She unpacks her unique process: balancing plotting with improvisation, rewriting obsessively, and navigating deadlines with a mix of discipline and daring. 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!).

    45 Min.

  5. 21. Apr.

    Ep. 108: Philip Stead (A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic) on Writing and Illustrating Whimsical Stories

    Join us as Philip Stead, acclaimed author and illustrator, discusses his innovative approach to writing and illustrating his first middle grade book, 'A Potion, A Powder, A Little Bit of Magic.' Discover his creative process, storytelling techniques, and insights into engaging young readers with quirky, whimsical stories. 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!).

    52 Min.

  6. 7. Apr.

    Ep. 107: Filling the Gap: Why We Need More Young Teen Lit

    In this episode I chat with Christina Chatell and Marcia Kochel, two passionate librarians advocating for a new category in publishing. They’ve been on a mission to bridge the gap for middle schoolers who crave more relatable, edgy content that speaks directly to their experiences.   They share their journey, from writing impactful articles to launching a campaign for Young Teen Lit – a category that addresses the needs of 12-15-year-olds.   Why does this matter? Because every kid deserves books that reflect their lives and challenges.   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!).

    47 Min.

  7. 24. März

    Ep. 106: Aaron Starmer (You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This) On Writing a Book That's Weird In a Good Way

    In this episode, Aaron Starmer shares his unique journey from the travel industry to becoming a successful children's author. He discusses the evolution of his writing career, the creative process behind his new book You Are Now Old Enough to Hear This, and the quirky elements that make his stories captivating. Starmer reflects on the challenges of writing for children, the importance of editorial feedback, and his experiences as a full-time writer balancing multiple projects. He also shares insights into his future aspirations and the influence of travel on his storytelling. 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!).

    39 Min.

  8. 17. März

    Ep. 105: Jasmine Warga (The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan) on Zero Drafts and Writing From an Animal's Perspective

    Writing for children can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to middle grade novels. As a writer, you want to create stories that not only entertain but also resonate deeply with young readers. In this episode, we delve into the creative journey of bestselling author Jasmine Warga, who shares her insights on what it takes to craft engaging stories for this age group. If you're an aspiring author or a dedicated reader, this episode is for you! 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!).

    33 Min.
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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. 

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Shannon Balloon
  • Jahre aktiv
    2023 - 2026
  • Folgen
    115
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Middle Grade Matters
  • Sendungswebsite
    Middle Grade Matters

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