Middle Grade Matters

Nov 04 2024 69 ep. 46 mins 8

Middle Grade Matters Podcast artwork

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.

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Ep. 68: Joel Brigham on Writing a First Draft Fast

Nov 04 2024 55 mins

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, Shannon Balloon and writing expert Joel Brigham discuss the challenges and strategies of writing a first draft quickly, known as fast-drafting. They emphasize the importance of finishing a draft over perfection, explore the benefits and drawbacks of fast drafting, and provide practical tips for writers looking to adopt this metho

Ep. 67: Erin Becker on Sports, Crushes, and Character Development in Middle Grade

Oct 29 2024 41 mins

In this episode of the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon interviews author Erin Becker about her debut novel Crushing It. They discuss the book's themes of friendship, identity, and the challenges of growing up, as well as Erin's writing journey, the evolution of the middle grade market, and the importance of balancing writing with other life commitments. Erin shar

Ep. 66: Jordan Kopy on Turning Traditional Monster Tropes on their Heads

Oct 22 2024 52 mins

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,

Ep. 65: Joan Reardon on Exploring Spooky Themes in Middle Grade Books

Oct 15 2024 36 mins

Author Joan Reardon discusses her debut middle-grade book, The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters, which follows 12-year-old Anna Grimsbane, who comes from a family of witch hunters and must rescue her brother from a dangerous witch before he turns 13 and falls victim to a curse. Joan discusses her experience as a writer, including the process of finding an agent and getting published.

Ep. 64: Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin on Uncovering the Secrets of Bletchley Park

Oct 08 2024 41 mins

Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, authors of The Bletchley Riddle, discuss their collaboration and the inspiration behind their middle grade novel set in Bletchley Park during World War II. The book features two main characters, Jacob and Lizzie, who are involved in codebreaking and unraveling a family mystery. They talk about the challenges and joys of writing for young readers, th

Ep. 63: Kate DiCamillo on Putting Your Heart On The Page

Oct 01 2024 50 mins

On this episode, Kate DiCamillo discuss her new book The Hotel Balzaar, as well as her writing process and the themes that inspire her. Kate also talks about the role of writer friends in her life and the joy of connecting with readers through her love of animals. She shares her experience of winning the Newbery Medal and her ongoing passion for writing. For bonus content and info

Ep. 62: Damara Allen on Crafting a Spooky Middle Grade Novel

Sep 24 2024 36 mins

Author Damara Allen discusses her debut middle grade novel The Skeleton Flute and its themes of family, friendship, grief, and bravery. She shares her love for horror and how it influenced her writing. Damara also talks about her writing process as a pantser and the importance of finding a supportive writing community.For bonus content and info on upcoming episodes, subscribe to th

Ep. 61: Polly Horvath on Libraries, Literary Awards, and Writing

Sep 17 2024 49 mins

National Book Award winner and Newbery Honoree Polly Horvath discusses her latest middle-grade book, Library Girl, and her extensive writing career. She talks about the inspiration behind her stories and the themes in Library Girl, including the importance of libraries and the concept of family. Polly shares her journey as a writer, from sending out children's stories to publishers

Ep. 60: Sarah Allen on Writing Monsters in Middle Grade

Sep 10 2024 37 mins

On this episode I talk with author Sarah Allen about her new spooky middle grade book, Monster Tree. Sarah shares her experience as a writer and how she learned to balance plot and character development. She also talks about the joy of writing middle grade books and the impact they can have on young readers. Sarah offers advice to new writers, encouraging them to be generous and bo

Ep. 59: Robyn Field and Karin Hoyle on Publishing with a Small Press

Sep 03 2024 57 mins

On this episode, I interview Robyn Field, author of Peony Watercolor's Wish for Sun and Moon, and Karin Hoyle, CEO, Acquisitions Editor, and Creative Director of Owl's Nest Publishers, a small press independent publishing house based outside Madison, Wisconsin, about the process of creating and publishing a middle grade book. Robyn shares her journey as a writer and how she found a