So, you want to write a middle-grade novel... maybe you have an idea that just won't let you be. Or maybe you've spent years writing picture books, and you'd like to try something different. But when you sit down in front of your computer… well, you don't quite know how to start. That's why, in this episode, we're taking a deep dive into how reading like a writer will help you: learn about middle-grade guidelinesunderstand why something isn't working in your own bookincrease your chance...

While strong voice is important in all fiction, it's vital in middle grade because kids between 8 and 12 are almost ready to leave early childhood behind and embark on big adventures, but they need a safe way to do so. How do they do it? Through the characters in middle-grade novels who are living the life your readers want to live! If your characters have strong voice, your book becomes memorable because voice helps the story flow with just the right amount of emotional complexit...

If you want to write middle-grade novels, you need to know what they are before you can put pen to paper. Knowing the guidelines will help you plot your story and write your book, and it will also increase your chances of being published. In this episode of Middle Grade Made Easy(er), we take a look at: What makes a chapter bookWhat makes a young adult novelWhat makes a middle grade novelWhere middle grade fits into the kidlit marketExceptions to the rule For show notes, transcripts and ...

You've worked hard at creating an author newsletter, and you have some subscribers, but now the time has come to grow that list. How do you do that? How do you let more people know what you have to offer? This episode takes a look at ten simple, but effective, tips you can use to grow your list of subscribers and share your newsletter with more people. For show notes, transcripts and links mentioned in the episode, visit my website You can also connect with me on Instagram Have something to ...

In simple terms, a freebie is a bonus that subscribers get from you when they sign up to your author newsletter. Should you offer one or doesn't it matter? In this episode, we'll look at: three reasons why it’s a good idea to offer a freebie the types of freebies you can createtop tips for freebiesFor show notes, transcripts and links mentioned in the episode, visit my website You can also connect with me on Instagram Have something to say? Send me a message!

The world is a busy place in which we're constantly bombarded by text messages, voice messages, phone calls, social media notifications and emails. There's only so much stimulation a nervous system can take! Many people are filtering their sensory experiences to keep the noise out by toning down their time spent on social media or online. When you create an opt-in for your newsletter, you want to make sure that you're not part of the noise that potential subscribers filter out! I...

"When should I send out my author newsletter?" That's one of the most frequently asked questions my children's authors ask. How do you know how often is too often and how much is not enough? In this episode, we'll answer those questions by looking at: your subscribersyour contentyour goal in writing a newsletteryour statisticsBonus: When should you NOT send out a newsletter? You'll find that information in this episode too! For show notes and transcripts, visit my website. You can al...

Your voice is particular to you. It's a natural part of who you are. But a lot of authors find it difficult to access their voice and to decide on tone when writing their newsletter. In this episode, we'll be taking a peek at: the difference between voice and tonewhy voice and tone are important how to find your voice if it's gone missinghow to choose the tone of your newsletterBonus: There's a challenge that, should you accept it, will have you writing your first newsletter in yo...

If you're not sure what you're meant to be talking about in your children's author newsletter, you're not alone! This is the most common problem all newsletter writers struggle with when they're starting out. In this episode, we break your newsletter up into three parts to make the process easier: A featured topicSomething you want to promoteNewsBonus: you get access to a list of 24 content ideas you can use to write your newsletter. For show notes and transcripts, visit my website Yo...

The most important investment you can make in your career as a children's author is to spend time nurturing your author newsletter mindset. If you’re thinking of a newsletter as something gimmicky or sales-y, this episode will help you shift your mindset so you can bridge the gap between where you are today and creating an author newsletter. We look at: the benefits of an attitude of play, experimentation and learning how you can use your own writing to create a newsl...

As a children's or young adult author, you need a newsletter. While you may feel that you don't have time to write a newsletter or even enjoying reading them, a newsletter will help you create deeper connections with readers which has a greater possibility of leading to sales at some point down the line. In fact, newsletters have a greater possibility of leading to sales than any other marketing tool out there. In today's episode, we'll be taking a peek at: how author newsletters are a more ...

As a children's or young adult author, you need to connect with both your ideal customer and your ideal reader who are not the same people. This is how marketing for children and young adults is different to authors of other genres. In this episode, we'll be looking at: why you should connect with your ideal readers even if they're not the ones buying your bookswhere and how to connect with these readers when you won't necessarily find them onlinehow ensuring your readers know, like an...

In this episode, we take a look at the foundation of your children's or young adult book marketing strategy which consists of three elements: defining your target audiencechoosing your social media platformsetting your goalIn children's and young adult literature, who is your target audience? Is it children or the people buying books for them? Knowing where to find these people online will help you connect with them. What are your goals in connecting with these people? Is it to sell books? I...

Most authors and creatives love the work they do and they want to be left alone to do it. What they don't want is to have to market themselves or their work. Marketing feels like something shameful that shady authors do, and they don't want to be confused with pushy salespeople and the hard sell. The good news is that marketing has nothing to do with selling. While it may be a means to an end, marketing is simply connecting with people who like the same things you do. In this epi...

How do you: create an outline for your middle-grade novel?know which story structure to use? know what your theme is?create engaging characters?create authentic dialogue?revise your novel? stay motivated to finish your novel? These are just some of the big questions that we'll be digging into on the Middle Grade Made Easy(er) podcast. Each episode provides you with simple, actionable, step-by-step writing strategies you can put into practice right away, and tips on how to stay...