In this inspiring episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Greg Howard, author of The Whispers, The Visitors, and The Travelers (and so much more!), and talk about his journey of writing the stories he wish he had when he was younger. During the interview, Greg traces his path of writing from a thoughtful school librarian who introduced him to Stephen King's writings (and awakened the storyteller inside of him), to songwriting in Nashville, before eventually writing fiction at nearly 50. We then discuss WHY he felt the need to wake up at four in the morning to write before going to work (I always enjoy learning the WHY behind an author's journey). We talk about The Whispers—a deeply personal "book of [his] heart"—and his newest novel, The Travelers, a Southern time-travel mystery involving grief, family secrets, a foreboding Victorian house, and clocks that behave in impossible ways. Along the way, Greg speaks candidly about books being challenged, representation, the difficulties facing middle grade authors, and the unforgettable moments when young readers tell him that his books were the first in which they had ever "seen" themselves. But, no more spoilers! You'll have to listen to the FULL episode to learn more! Whether you're a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone struggling to share a deeply personal story with the world, I hope this episode encourages you to open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your own literal journey. ABOUT GREG HOWARD: Greg Howard was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry where his love of stories blossomed at a young age. Originally set on becoming a songwriter, Greg followed that dream to Nashville, Tennessee, where he spent years producing the music of others before eventually returning to his childhood passion for writing stories. Greg’s critically acclaimed, debut middle-grade novel, The Whispers was nominated for an Edgar Award and was named a Best Book of 2019 by Advocate Magazine. His second middle-grade novel, Middle School’s a Drag, You Better Werk! is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick. The Visitors, his third middle-grade offering, was a 2022 New York Public Library Best Book. Also, the author of the young adult novel Social Intercourse, Greg’s newest middle-grade novel, The Travelers, a twisty time-travel adventure, is out now. Greg writes for and about LGBTQ youth, creating the kind of books he wishes he’d had access to as a young reader growing up gay in the American South. When he’s not writing books, Greg enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, and spending time with friends. He lives in Nashville with his ridiculously adorable Mini Aussiedoodle, Sadie. 🕰️ ORDER “The Travelers” here: https://link.amazon/B0e2KZSJW 📚 CHECK OUT other books by Greg Howard here: https://link.amazon/B003PPbCW 🌐 Visit Greg Howard’s website: https://www.greghowardbooks.com 🎧 LISTEN on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CvEfBcK1xALUswAkOwlNf?si=98cea0829ca145e6 🍎 LISTEN on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-literal-journey/id1839517342 🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to A LITERAL JOURNEY for more exclusive author interviews, book recommendations, and thoughtful conversations about the stories that shape us. 📖✨ #GregHoward #TheTravelers #lgbtq #ALiteralJourney #authorinterview #booksforkids #middlegradebooks #writingadvice #booktube
