“Writing is failing your way upwards.” — Kwame Mbalia
Award-winning author Kwame Mbalia shares behind-the-scenes insight from writing CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD: A HERO LOOKS LIKE YOU for Marvel, his new Star Wars novel, and leading the Disney-Hyperion imprint FREEDOM FIRE—a space dedicated to celebrating Black stories and voices across the diaspora.
He also opens up about:
How to “fail your way upwards” as a writer
Why some stories are meant just for practice
Balancing creativity, parenting, and deadlines
The future of diversity and equity in publishing
How research and curiosity fuel his storytelling process
💡 Have you subscribed to The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast yet? Hit subscribe and never miss inspiring interviews with authors shaping stories.
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“Being led by your curiosity opens so many doors.” — Janna Morishima
You want a career in children’s publishing—but don’t know where to start?
You’re sending cold emails, second-guessing yourself, and wondering if anyone actually breaks in without connections.In this episode of @thestorytellersshelfpodcast , Janna Morishima—founder of Kids Comics Unite, literary agent at Janna Co., and co-founder of Scholastic Graphix—reveals how she went from knowing one person in New York City to helping launch the kids’ graphic novel revolution at Scholastic.
🎧 What you’ll learn:
How Graphix became a powerhouse for children’s graphic novelsWhy curiosity and community can open career doors in publishing. The truth about agent life, burnout, and creative reinvention.
How to network authentically and find real publishing opportunitiesIf you’ve dreamed of working in books, illustration, or publishing but don’t know where to begin—this conversation will change the way you see your path forward.
💡 Watch more episodes featuring authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals redefining storytelling.
🔔 Subscribe to stay inspired and learn what it really takes to build a career in children’s literature.
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“Children’s publishing is serious work. We’re building future readers.” — Lori WieczorekBreaking into children’s publishing can feel confusing and competitive. In this episode, Lori Wieczorek, Senior Editor of Trade Licensing at Scholastic, shares her real journey from campus newspaper to Scholastic Book Clubs and Trade Licensing. Learn how licensing and fandom inspire reluctant readers, what a senior editor’s day truly looks like, and how versatility across formats can shape a lasting publishing career.In this episode you’ll learn:📚 How the Book Clubs “buyer” track builds editorial confidence🧠 Why reading widely sharpens judgment across picture books, graphic novels, chapter books, and YA🤝 Simple networking strategies for introverts that lead to real connections🎮 How trend-tracking through pop culture and conventions supports editorial insight🧩 Collaboration tips with sales, design, marketing, and licensors to bring books to market💬 Why children’s publishing is both art and responsibility—we’re building future readers.Make sure to subscribe, ring the notification bell, and share this with a friend!☕ Support the podcast: KOFI → https://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcast GOFUNDME → https://www.gofundme.com/f/storytellersshelf✏️ Give this Scrivener a try → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html/storyteller?fpr=storytellerGo to our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast#KidLit #PublishingCareers #Scholastic #EditorsLife #BookJobs #Licensing #GraphicNovels #Marvel #MilesMorales #PeppaPig #Editor #Publishing #PublishBook #ludacris #marvel #disney #scholastic #authortube #booktok #books #podcastclips #library #homeschooling #reading #education
"If you hire a copy editor when you need developmental editing, you'll just have a very clean copy with plot holes." ~ Mary Kole
Your manuscript isn't ready until you hear this!!!!!
Connect with us for freebies and submission opportunities: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com/
Hello! Most authors waste thousands of dollars hiring the wrong type of editor at the wrong time. Are you one of those authors? Let’s change that ASAP.
Knowledge is power.
In this episode of THE STORYTELLER'S SHELF PODCAST, we sit down with Mary Kole, former literary agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, former editor at Chronicle Books, and author of an insane amount of writing resources, including "Writing Irresistible Kidlit."
She's one of the most respected developmental editors in publishing, and she's breaking down the editorial process most authors get completely wrong.
✨ The 3 types of editing and what order you actually need them
✨ Real cost breakdowns: developmental editing (3 to 8 cents per word), line editing (2 to 6 cents per word), copy editing (2 to 4 cents per word)
✨ Why hiring a copy editor when you need developmental editing just gives you clean copy with plot holes
✨ How the traditional publishing editorial process really works
✨ Mary's "take the wisdom, leave the rest" framework for handling feedback
✨ Why even professional editors hire other editors for their own work
✨ The truth about the pace of publishing and why polished work matters
Whether you're querying agents, working with a publisher, or self-publishing, this conversation could save you months of time and thousands of dollars.
Listen, watch, share, and stop making expensive editing mistakes.
#ManuscriptEditing #MaryKole #EditingProcess #DevelopmentalEditing #PublishingAdvice #WritingCommunity #TheStorytellersShelf
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“You’re not there to teach — you’re there to inspire.” — Andy Coats
Award-winning children’s author and illustrator Andy Coats has self-published 18 books, built a thriving brand through school visits, and mastered the art of launching stories that connect with readers and educators alike.
In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, Andy shares how authors can turn school visits into a powerful way to grow their audience, inspire students, and generate real income — all while staying true to their creative mission.
💡 In this episode, learn how to:
Book your first school visit and get paid what you’re worth (yes, we discuss real rates!)
Create engaging, memorable assemblies for students and teachers
Partner with local businesses to fund your visits and boost book sales
Shift your mindset from hobby writer to creative entrepreneur
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your authorship into a thriving business, this episode is your guide.
🎧 Watch full episodes on YouTube or listen on Spotify
Buy us a Ko-Fi → https://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcast
Write smarter with Scrivener → https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html/storyteller?fpr=storyteller
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#AuthorBusiness #SchoolVisits #BookMarketing #KidLit #MiddleGradeBooks #WritingCommunity #SelfPublishing #BookSales #IndieAuthors #library #education #childrensbooks #writingcommunity
This week on The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we sat down with Caleb Masters and Lupe Penn from Bookmarks, NC: Books with Purpose, one of the nation’s only nonprofit independent bookstores.
✨ What it really takes to choose which books land on shelves 📚 How schools can partner with nonprofits to bring authors directly to kids
❌ Challenges with censorship and book access in 2025
🌟 Why representation and community matter in children’s reading journeys
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"Always wonder. The world is full of amazing, spectacular things." – Robin Currie📚 Want to get your book into libraries and grow your audience as an author? In this episode of THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, we sit down with Robin Currie, award-winning author of over 45 picture books and a former youth librarian, to talk about: 📚 How to get your book into libraries 📖 Avoiding common mistakes when pitching 🖋️ Staying creative and productive as a writer 🌟 Navigating self-publishing vs. traditional publishing 🌟Robin’s newest release, "JUST ENOUGH ROOM FOR CHRISTMAS"If you’ve ever wondered how to get your books on library shelves, this episode is for you!🎧 Watch or listen here: https://linktr.ee/thestorytellersshelfpodcast☕ Support the podcast:KOFI https://ko-fi.com/storytellersshelfpodcastGOFUNDME: https://www.gofundme.com/f/storytellersshelf✏️ Want to try Scrivener? https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html/storyteller?fpr=storyteller#writingcommunity #podcast #childrensliterature #booktok #bookstagram #library #librarian #education #bookrecommendations
Dive into the mind of Kwame Mbalia, the award-winning author of Tristan Strong! In this exclusive preview, he shares how African folklore inspired him to transform his main characters into gods, creating a magical and mythic world. In this episode, he also talks about his background, his upcoming book, and his experiences working with Disney, Hyperion, and a new project with Lucasfilm and Disney. Hear about his creative process, the legends that shaped Tristan Strong, and storytelling techniques that resonate with fantasy fans and epic adventure lovers alike. Full episode coming next month on YouTube and Spotify!Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you won’t miss an episode!
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📚 “For me, when I write, it’s like a movie going across my eyes and all I’m doing is converting that movie and putting it down on paper.” — Paul Rushworth-BrownAward-winning historical fiction author Paul Rushworth-Brown joins THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST to share how his life as a high school teacher, professional football coach, and global traveler shaped his writing voice.His latest novel, Outback Odyssey, explores belonging, silence, and resilience through a cinematic story set in 1950s Australia — and it’s now being pitched for a film adaptation.In this episode, we talk about:– The art of making historical fiction feel authentic without “fact dumps”– How teaching influences storytelling and communication– Paul’s unique creative process (and why he never outlines)– Weaving First Nations culture into fiction with respect and depth– The journey from novel to screenplay to potential big-screen adaptationIf you’re a writer, reader, or lover of historical fiction, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: 🚀 Get Freebies & Insider Publishing Info: Check out our Website!
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📚 “EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS TO BOOKS. EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO KNOW HOW TO READ AND WRITE, ESPECIALLY FROM AN EARLY AGE.” — BRANDI WARREN, AFRICAN LIBRARY PROJECT
@AFRICANLIBRARYPROJECT
But across Sub-Saharan Africa, too many children grow up without books of their own. In some places, a single book can cost more than a family’s monthly salary. Representation is scarce. And when children can’t see themselves in stories — or can’t access stories at all — opportunity is shut out.
This week on THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, we talk with Brandi Warren, Executive Director of the African Library Project, about how her nonprofit is building school and community libraries across 13 African countries.
✨ Why book access is a human right
✨ The barriers children face: cost, representation, native languages
✨ How authors, educators, and publishing professionals can help
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📚 Did you know that 1 in 3 adults in Harris County is functionally illiterate? And those adults were once kids. This literacy crisis is bigger than test scores.
It's about opportunity, equity, and the ability to thrive in everyday life. When children grow up without books of their own, those gaps follow them into adulthood.
But there's hope. In this episode of @TheStorytellersShelfPodcast we sit down with Kayla Hand, Executive Director of the nonprofit Books Between Kids, to talk about how her organization is rewriting the story by putting books directly into children's hands.
We discuss:
✨ The shocking state of literacy in Houston (and what it reveals about the U.S.)
✨ Why book ownership changes everything for a child
✨ How authors, educators, and publishing professionals can step up as active literacy advocates.
Whether you're a parent, teacher, author, or simply someone who believes in the power of books, this episode will inspire you to act.
🏆 Authors & Publishers: Submit your children's book for our Big Bang Notable Book Award! Deadline: October 5th Submit here:
📖 Ready to help? Books Between Kids' annual holiday book drive is coming! Get involved: https://thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com
☕ Support the show & get exclusive content! Buy us a Ko-fi for behind-the-scenes footage (coming soon for paid members): Buy us Ko-Fi.
🔗 Support us while you shop! Books, coffee, tea, writing tools & more - all our affiliate partners: Visit our Linktree!
🎧 Subscribe to not miss an episode! Listen, watch, share — and join us in spreading literacy like wildflowers.
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“Middle grade is such a special time in a child’s life. They have one foot still in the magical part of childhood, one foot heading into young adulthood. It’s a time I remember that I could still believe in magic.” – Donna S. GalantiIn this episode of MIDDLE GRADE MARVELS, we sit down with children’s book author Donna S. Galanti (UNICORN ISLAND, JOSHUA AND THE LIGHTNING ROAD, LOON COVE SUMMER).✨ Donna tells us how she used childhood memories to craft her latest book with authenticity and how nature is woven into her daily inspiration. Then, we chat tips for making tough topics like grief and mourning accessible to children. Kidlit authors: grab a pencil!
🎧 Listen now:
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LOIS LOWRY, author of THE GIVER and NUMBER THE STARS, reveals how childhood memories, family loss, and intuition shaped her books and why she’s still writing at 88. In this exclusive interview on THE STORYTELLER’S SHELF PODCAST, the two-time Newbery Medalist shares her journey from aspiring writer to internationally acclaimed author.Lois talks about:
📚 Her non-traditional path into traditional publishing
💡 The family stories that inspired THE GIVER
🎥 Behind-the-scenes of her books on the big screen
🖋 How she writes without outlines and relies on intuition
🌍 The lasting themes of resilience, memory, and human connection.
If you’ve ever wondered how to become a writer, find inspiration as an author, or hear untold stories from one of the greatest voices in children’s literature, this conversation is for you.
🎧 Listen now:
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📚 A library is an oasis. ✨ In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we sit down with Michael Hardrick, Executive Director of Forest Hill Library, @foresthilllibrarydistrict107 , explore how libraries shape children’s lives, and how authors, illustrators, and educators can collaborate.
Michael, who was recently honored as the Small Community Libraries Round Table’s 2025 Librarian of the Year, explains the nitty-gritty detail to our Storytellers.
So grab your pencils and let’s learn how small libraries actually work and…
✅ How librarians decide which books make the shelves
✅ What book bans & Senate bills mean for teachers, parents, and librarians
✅ Why and how parents still guide children’s reading journeys
✅ Planning author visits, storytimes, and school outreach for self-published & indie authors JOIN THE FAMILY:
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Authors, and Publishers have a great title that needs to be seen and heard? Check out our BB Notable and submit before October 5!
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“When children see themselves in books, it validates them…and they want to explore.” – Farida Ladipo-Ajayi
🇳🇬 Imagine being a child who seldom has a book at home, never steps inside a library, and rarely finds a story that reflects your life, culture, or dreams.
➡️ Without these opportunities, entire generations risk losing not only literacy skills, but also the self-belief to imagine a bigger future.
📚 In Nigeria, countless children in underserved areas grow up surrounded by barriers to literacy.
Without stories that reflect them, many never discover the joy, curiosity, and confidence that books can spark.
💡 But change is possible — and it’s happening NOW.
Meet Farida Ladipo-Ajayi, founder of The Bookworm Café in Lagos, a grassroots literacy movement transforming reading culture for Nigerian children.
From running book clubs that make reading irresistibly fun 🎲📖 to championing African authors so kids see themselves in the stories they read ✍🏾🌍, Farida is proving that today’s readers are tomorrow’s leaders.
🎧 Listen to this inspiring episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast and discover how one woman’s mission is changing lives, one book at a time @thebookwormcafe8428
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Selling SEL: Tying Social Emotional Learning into Writing & Marketing | with author, speaker, and book reviewer, Meredith Davis
📚 POV: You're a kidlit author struggling with ZERO 0️⃣ SALES. 🥹 Figuring out why your book isn’t moving can feel like climbing Mount Everest. But here’s one shortcut that can boost you: tapping into Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
💥When done right, SEL takes your story from just another book on the shelf to a powerful teaching tool for kids of all ages. And no, we’re not talking about outdated, didactic storytelling or heavy-handed moral lessons. That’s old-school. 📖 We’re talking a gentle weave of pillars like self-awareness and self-management.
💪 According to @CASEL and other experts, SEL is IN and it’s here to stay. Librarians, teachers, and parents are looking for it…so scoop up this opportunity to serve!
LEARN HOW WITH US:✅ Meet Meredith Davis, award-winning author of THE MINOR MIRACLE and HER OWN TWO FEET, and founder and president of SCBWI Austin.
Meredith reveals how she weaves SEL into her middle-grade fiction without being preachy, showing that empathy is the real superpower in children's literature.
Come to class and take notes on:
How to pitch SEL-infused stories to publishers
Why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in today’s market
How diversity and connection are reshaping the children’s book landscape
🎥 Watch now:
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“I would take persistence over talent any day,” says Sherri Winston, award-winning author of SHARK TEETH and PRESIDENT OF THE WHOLE SIXTH GRADE
In an era of burnout, book bans 🚫📖, and pressure to chase market trends or awards 🏆, many writers feel overwhelmed by the publishing world. When the noise gets loud, it’s easy to forget why you started writing in the first place.
But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be the most talented writer to succeed: you need persistence. Resilience and the determination to show up every day, even when it’s hard, is what builds a writing career. 💪✨
Looking for author inspiration? Tune into this episode of Middle Grade Marvels with Sherri Winston, where we explore everything from her superhero alter ego and her approach to using poetry in novels, to the challenges writers face and what she hopes kids take away from her books.
Warning: you might end up chasing your muse with a pen after this one! 🖊️⚡
🎧 Listen now:
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Confused by legal jargon in publishing? Not sure what rights you're signing away or how to protect your work?
One misunderstood clause can cost you ownership of your work, future royalties, or your creative freedom. And if you’re unclear on the difference between copyright, trademark, or publicity rights, you could accidentally infringe OR be taken advantage of.
In this episode, attorneys Erin Rodgers and Tiffany Obeng break it all down. Learn the parts of a contract, how to confidently negotiate, and what you must know about copyright, trademarks, and legal protection—whether you're self-publishing ,hybrid published, or traditionally published as an author or illustrator. Real talk, real scenarios, real steps to protect yourself.
Listen in and empower your creative career with the legal tools you should have been taught.
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Watch the full episode on our Youtube Channel and make sure to Subscribe! The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast
😑 Middle school isn’t easy. You’re figuring out who you are, dealing with braces, bad haircuts, embarrassing moments, and a growing sense that the world’s a lot bigger than you thought. It’s awkward, confusing…and kind of magical.
🚨But most books for kids skip over that messy middle, real stuff. They go straight to fantasy or fast-forward to big life lessons, leaving behind the silly, cringey, totally relatable moments that shape who we are.
👦 Not this book. In this laugh-out-loud and tender episode, we talk with Gene J. Miller, retired principal, educator, and author of WARNING: Short Stories for Middle School Boys Only, Because Girls Have Cooties!
His memoir-style short story anthology isn’t just funny, it’s filled with authentic reflections of a young boy navigating the bumps that come with growing up. Set in South Jersey in the 1960s, the title explores everyday moments of imagination, mistakes, and middle-grade mayhem. Using his childhood as a framework, Gene invites kids to embrace the awkward, learn from the silly, and find connection in the chaos. With built-in vocabulary and reflection questions, his book is perfect for summer reading for anyone who remembers what it’s like to live life in the moment.
🎧 Tune in for a nostalgic ride through the middle school years with plenty of laughs along the way!
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📚 Feeling stuck as a creative? Wondering if it’s too late to follow your dream?If you’re an illustrator, author, or educator burned out by trends and algorithms, this episode is for you.💥 In today’s fast-paced publishing world, many creatives feel like they’ve missed their chance or that their ideas must go viral to matter. But what if your best work is still ahead—rooted in purpose, not popularity?🎨 Meet David Hillman, a New York City-based illustrator, author, and publisher. From his early career in comics and licensing to fulfilling a heartfelt dream of creating timeless children’s books, David’s story is one of resilience, humility, and legacy.Whether you're an author, illustrator, librarian, teacher, nonprofit leader, or parent, you'll walk away inspired to believe in the long game—and in yourself.🎥 Watch now to reconnect with the dream that brought you to storytelling.📌 Subscribe for interviews, book reviews, and behind-the-scenes publishing insights!👇 Helpful Links🎁 Free Publishing Resources & Downloads:David Hillman's Episodic Calendar Page📸 Join us on Instagram:Our IG🛍️ Discounts & More Goodies:The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast Linktree