Posts Tagged interview

Through the Eyes of Gen Z

By Patchree Jones on March 11, 2026 / Author Interviews, WNDMG / 1 Comment

When we embark upon our journey as storytellers, we become part of the writing community at large. Each of us seeks to build relationships with not only our audiences, but also long to engage with other creatives across multiple mediums. As middle-grade authors, it is so important for us to stay connected with our readers and understand life through their eyes. People make sense of the world around them based on their own lived experiences, but if I have learned anything from my kids, it’s that the younger generation has just as much to offer us as we have to offer them.

That fact is the focus of this WNDMG post.

This month’s interview is with the co-founders of ProjectGenZWrites: Ruby Seidner and Boston Rohan. ProjectGenZWrites is a youth-led, nonprofit organization that offers free videos, tools, and resources for the next generation of creatives across multiple mediums. I had the pleasure of meeting these trailblazers several years ago when I volunteered to record a short video for their project. (To be honest, I was floored by the drive and dedication of these teens and could only regret not being half as motivated as they were in my youth.)

Project GenZ Writes

Their organization philosophy states:

ProjectGenZWrites is a fast-growing, youth-led, non-profit database that educates the next generation of novelists, poets, journalists, and creative visionaries. We believe in the power of communal nurturing and building a world that is kinder, stronger, and healthier due to the plethora of creative people in it. Yet, we recognized a gap that stood in the way of getting to that place. Money and its connection to accessibility of vital education. This is why we partner with published authors, who generously give us their time to create videos sharing their incredible knowledge with our viewers. Videos are about anything within the writing process, from publishing to creative exhaustion. They are available on the website free of charge, aligning with our goal to bridge the creative education gap and give everyone a chance to pursue their creative passions.

I had to find out more about these young founders and their mission to bridge the creative education gap, in between going to high school and working on their own writing projects! What better diverse perspective to focus on during Women’s History Month. Without further delay, here we go!

Image by gstudioimagen on Freepik

My first question: What inspired you to start this project?

RUBY: I grew up privileged enough to have access to whatever creative writing education I needed to further my craft and I knew there were people who were so much more talented than me who didn’t have that and I wanted to use the privilege I was given to do something about that.

Amazing goal. This makes me wonder, what is your primary motivation for continuing this project?

RUBY: The fact that we’re growing, that people are taking notice and PGW actually seems to be helping the next generation become more literate, creative and inspired.

Nothing feels better than knowing you’re making a difference. Now, does working from the educational side help you as a creative?

RUBY: I watch all the videos that are submitted and I learn something new about not just craft, but myself as a person, as I watch every single one.

Courtesy of ProjectGenZWrites

So true! Listening to the experiences of others definitely helps me grow and I hope I never stop learning from others. Along the lines of experiences, what have you learned the most from this process of launching an online database?

BOSTON: The biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of communication. We’ve made a real effort to communicate with all of the authors on our platform and make sure their work is represented correctly on the database. That’s meant coordinating with them about their videos, making sure everything is presented the right way, and keeping an open line of communication so everyone feels good about how their work is being shared.

As a communication professor, this lesson is music to my ears! I love how you’re both dealing with real world issues at such a young age yourself. Given this unique experience, what advice do you have for young creatives?

RUBY: When you figure out the internal reason for doing what you do, the need to base your worth as a creative on only external validation (will still be there) but shall start to dim significantly. This way you’ll be able to learn from rejection and keep following your dreams without letting today’s no’s stand in the way of tomorrow’s yes.

Sage advice from one young creative to another! Last question, what’s next on your schedule — creative or nonprofit wise?

BOSTON: Right now I’m working with QC Family Tree, a nonprofit in the Charlotte area focused on uplifting the local community. We’re continuing to build out the website by adding more ways for people to get connected with events, opportunities, and different parts of the community. The goal is to make the platform a place that really reflects the importance of community and helps people find ways to get involved.

Incredible work, both of you! Let’s give these teen founders a giant round of applause. It’s hard enough just trying to grow up grounded in this crazy world we live in. But, I feel proud knowing that the next generation is more determined and resilient than we know.

If you’d like to participate this project and show your support, check out their website at projectgenzwrites.com. Thank you both so much for taking the time to connect. You’re racking up karmic brownies to ensure your creative and professional success in the future. I wish you both the best of luck!

Project GenZ Writes – Founder Bios

Ruby Seidner

ProjectGenZWrites Founder

Ruby Seidner is a poet, advocate, and activist. She’s been published thirty-four times in various literary journals, won the Running Start Political Simulation in 2023, and participated in a Jubilee Media video that garnered over one million views. She’s been a finalist for Sonoma County Youth Poet Laureate in 2024, a special awardee for the Bay Area Creative Youth Awards in 2025, and a finalist for the Sonoma County Office of Education’s Five Minute Film Festival in 2023. She has graduated from online creative writing programs at the Kenyon Review and the Iowa Writers Workshop. She is the co-founder of the creative writing education database ProjectGenZWrites.

Project GenZ Writes Founder

Boston Rohan

Self taught developer currently working at Elevation Church. code, listen to music, and watch anime.

Interview with Author and Podcaster Jonathan Rosen

By Melissa Roske on February 12, 2026 / Articles, Author Interviews

I’ve known Jonathan Rosen for almost a decade, but there’s some disagreement on how we met. Jonathan claims it was at a photoshoot for People magazine, where I interviewed him for the “Sexiest Man Alive” cover. Jonathan further maintains that he beat out Zac Efron and Idris Elba for the honor, and that the men were so distraught, Annie Leibovitz needed three assistants and a bottle of Jameson’s to calm them down.

I won’t bother to tell you the real story, because it’s not nearly as entertaining (😀), but I will say this: Jonathan Rosen is a dear friend and former Mixed-Up Files member, and I’m delighted to talk to him about his career as a writer, podcaster, blogger, and literary agent. So, without further ado…

Heeeeere’s Jonathan Rosen!

MR: Thanks so much for joining us today, Jonathan. We’ve missed you at the Mixed-Up Files, but I know you’ve been busy. Let’s start with your writing life. Can you tell readers what you’ve been working on these days?

JR: For the record, Zac Efron was inconsolable after I beat him for the title, but that’s all in the past and I feel guilty for rehashing it. But it happened. As far as writing goes, I’m in a mix of things now. I’m working on a middle-grade novel as well as a couple of things for adults. A romcom and a nonfiction.

Pop Culture Retro

MR: In addition to writing, you’re the co-host of the popular podcast, Pop Culture Retro, which celebrates past trends in music, fashion, TV, movies, and more. How did you first got involved with the podcast? Also, what attracts you to pop culture from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s?

JR: I’ve always had a love of Pop Culture. I was a movie and TV kid. A huge viewer. Always read entertainment books on the history of cinema and show business. I grew up watching old shows from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s as well. I moved around a lot as a kid, so went to the movies. You didn’t need anyone to go to the movies.

As far as the podcast goes, it happened almost by accident. I was doing interviews with editors and agents for MUF and would usually ask them what their favorite childhood movie was. A couple of people said Escape to Witch Mountain. A friend of mine, Jan Eldredge, reached out to me and said that she was friends with Ike Eisenmann, who starred in Witch Mountain. I asked to interview him for MUF, and he graciously accepted. I became friendly with Ike, and eventually suggested that we do a podcast. It was a good dynamic, since Ike had been in the business, and I was a huge, and I’d like to think knowledgeable, fan.

We began interviewing people who had appeared in many shows and films from when I was a kid, and it was surreal to me. If I had told kid-me that I’d be interviewing people that I grew up watching, I would never have believed it. One of the people we interviewed, a friend of Ike’s was Moosie Drier. He had also had been in many beloved shows and films when he was a kid, including Oh God!, Laugh-In, The Bob Newhart Show, and many others. When Ike eventually stopped doing the show to focus on other things, Moosie agreed to take over, and I’ve had a blast straight through. We’re now good friends.

Rubbing Elbows with the Stars

MR: As a follow-up, you’ve interviewed dozens of iconic celebrities for the show, including Tiffany, Hal Linden, Morgan Fairchild, Mason Reese, Christopher Knight from The Brady Bunch, Audrey Landers from Dallas, Willie Aames from Eight Is Enough, the stars from Little House on the Prairie, and many more. Of all the celebs you’ve chatted with, which ones stand out the most?

JR: I’m not just saying this, but I actually enjoy every interview. I’m a fan, and I enjoy hearing behind-the-scenes stories. But if you want me to focus on one, I’ll answer–and also give the reason. For me, it was Meeno Peluce who was also a big star when he was a kid. He was in the TV show Voyagers, the time-travel show that also starred the late Jon-Erik Hexum. Voyagers was on for only one season, but it was my favorite show. I loved it, and it was one of the first shows I remember being really upset about when it was cancelled. I had gone back and watched the series many times since then, and when Meeno came on, it brought me back to my childhood.

Cher: The Icon… the Legend… the Fantasy

MR: Last celebrity question, and it’s a deeply personal one. What’s the deal with Cher? Not only are you her biggest fan, but you’ve also asked her to appear on Pop Culture Retro at least 365 times. She hasn’t said yes (yet), but do you think she will? Also, what is it about Cher that resonates with you so profoundly? I am being dead serious here.

JR: Okay, I LOVE Cher! And I asked a LOT more than 365 times. She DID answer me once. I asked for an interview daily for a while, and at one point she answered, “What interview??” I think she got confused, thinking she was actually scheduled for an interview.

But back to her. She was the first celebrity crush I had as a kid. The first celebrity poster I had on my wall. Others had the Farrah poster. I had Cher. Love her films, love her music, and I love the persona she has. Just an icon.

The Jewish Lens

MR: Pop Culture Retro” isn’t your only podcast. You’re also the host of The Jewish Lens, which covers themes such as Jewish identity, cultural challenges, and social issues, with episodes featuring such topics as antisemitism, Holocaust education, and the impact of Jewish culture in various industries. I know that your Jewish identity is integral to who you are as a person. Can you share your thoughts on what inspired you to create this podcast, and what it means to you?

JR: October 7^th happened. I felt helpless. I saw Jew hate skyrocket and felt like I wanted to do something. And part of what I do is interview people. I wanted to give a platform to Jewish voices. I’ve had on authors, sports figures, movie people, activists, politicians, etc. It really is just a place where I want to give a place for Jews to speak. I don’t always agree with my guests, or necessarily share all opinions, but I like that there’s conversation, and giving a place to share a Jewish voice.

Substack: Platform of Choice

MR: You’ve also created a Substack recently. Can you tell readers more about it?

JR: Lately, Substack has been the social media platform where I’ve spent the most time. I had intended to do a lot on writing, and using my experience as an author and former literary agent, and I still will talk about publishing from my lens. But so far, my Substack veered off. I talk a lot about Jew hate, and the Jewish experience socially, as well as in publishing.

Adventures in Agenting

MR: In addition to writing and podcasting, you’ve worked as a literary agent. What was that experience like for you? Also, what advice would you give to both agented and querying writers?

JR: I am an admirer of whoever is an agent. It’s not something I enjoyed at all. I say it often. No author is happy unless you sell them, and in publishing, there are a lot more non-sells than sells. It can be frustrating, and I knew that from the author side as well. I also put so much time into it, that I was seriously neglecting my own writing. I had sales, which I’m happy I could help make someone’s publishing dream come true, but I’m happy to be doing something else. As far as advice, I will be posting a lot of it on my Substack, so check there. 😊

Jonathan’s Writing Process

MR: What’s your writing process like, Jonathan? Are you a plotter or a pantser? Also, do you have a specific writing routine?

JR: I usually plot extensively. I plot every detail. But with that being said, Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies and its sequel, From Sunset to Sunrise, were really more of an example of being a pantser. So, you never know.

No Jonathan Rosen interview is complete without a CHER LIGHTNING ROUND, so…

Favorite Cher song? I like so many, but “Just Like Jesse James” is the song I’ve kept on repeat more than any other.

Favorite Cher movie? Moonstruck, but I also like Witches of Eastwick a LOT!

Favorite Cher hairstyle? I can’t answer that. It’s like choosing between your children.

Favorite Cher outfit? I do have one, but this is a site dedicated to children’s books, so will pass. [Oh boy… I knew it would come to this 😂. –MR]

Favorite Cher quote? “Yes, Jonathan Rosen, I’d be delighted to come on for an interview!” (Okay, to be fair, she hasn’t said this one yet, but she will, and it’ll be my favorite quote.)

Sonny Bono or Gregg Allman? Can I say Jonathan Rosen? Between those two, you have to go with Sonny, but once I meet Cher in person, I think it’s going to be a foregone conclusion to have my name listed there.

You’re stranded on a desert island with Cher, with only three items in your possession. What are they? Why would I need anything else if I had Cher on an island??

MR: Thanks for stopping by the chat, Jonathan. It was a real pleasure!

JR: Always a pleasure, Melissa! (You can now stop threatening me to do the interview.)

STEM Tuesday– Chemistry– In the Classroom

By Jennifer Swanson on February 10, 2026 / Chemistry, STEM Tuesday

How Do Molecules Stay Together?
by Madeline J. Hayes, illustrated by Srimalie Bassani

How Do Molecules Stay Together? is a picture book that introduces readers to some basic chemistry concepts. This could be a good read-aloud as an introduction to chemistry, although I suspect older students may find the call-and-response phrases a little too childish for their liking.

Marie Curie for Kids
by Amy M. O’Quinn

This is a book that’s great for readers who love history and activities. Follow Marie Curie’s life from a bright, young girl in occupied Poland through her Nobel prize winning discoveries. This book is packed from activities that explore a wide range of topics, including geography, culture, and science. I read this book in its e-book version, which had some formatting issues that occasionally made it challenging to absorb. This could be an opportunity to explore those areas with an activity. (See below)

The Radium Girls
by Kate Moore

What happens when people are exposed to light waves emitted from radioactive material? That’s what this book covers, by telling the stories of a group of women who worked with radium. This is not an easy read emotionally, but it tells a very important story. It’s referenced in Marie Curie for Kids, and would be a great follow-on book for that one.

Bonus Books:

Werewolves and States of Matter
by Janet Slingerland, illustrated by Angel Mosquito

For readers who love graphic novels and/or werewolves, this book provides a great introduction to chemistry. It explores the concept of matter, what states it can exist in, and how matter transforms from one state to another.

Explore Atoms and Molecules! (with 25 Great Projects)
by Janet Slingerland, illustrated by Matt Aucoin

If you’re looking for activities that help explore atoms and molecules, be sure to check out this book. It covers lots of different chemistry topics, including atomic structure, the periodic table, and chemical reactions. There’s even a section that introduces readers to Lewis dot diagrams, a great way to visualize how atoms combine.

As always, there are lots of different things that can be done with these books. Be sure to check out the activities provided in the books. Some of the books also have educator materials or informative websites associated with them. Here are links to some of them:

There is a website dedicated to The Radium Girls. There is an educator guide linked on this page of the site: https://www.theradiumgirls.com/the-radium-girls-young-readers

The Atoms and Molecules page of my website has some links of interest: http://janetsbooks.com/atoms-and-molecules

There is a classroom guide and a free downloadable activity on the Nomad Press site: https://nomadpress.net/nomadpress-books/explore-atoms-molecules

Some of this month’s books are older, and the web links provided in them no longer work. However, since the authors thought they were worthy of inclusion, exploring them might be a good exercise. If a link no longer works, can you find the same information on another reliable website or page?

Here are some other ideas for activities.

Create a Timeline

As mentioned in the book descriptions, I had some difficulties with the book formatting in Marie Curie for Kids. This was particularly true for the timeline provided in the book. In order to better visualize the timeline, create one of your own. This could be done on a single sheet of paper, or it could be constructed so it wraps around an entire room. This can also be an opportunity to explore the use of technology in presenting a timeline, whether it’s created with a graphic tool like Canva, a slideshow like PowerPoint, or whatever your favorite tool is.

Students can choose what should be placed on the timeline, based on the books they’ve read. Including pictures or illustrations of the events helps everyone visualize the events better. This provides lots of opportunities to practice research skills. This is also an opportunity for students to work together to create it.

Here are some ideas of things that could be included on the timeline:

Major life events for the people involved in the science (the Curies, Mendeleev, Bohr, etc.).
Important discoveries, including elements, atomic structure, effects of elements, etc.
Key dates related to products using chemicals.
Major world events like the World Wars.

Get Messy!

Chemistry can be one of the messiest of the scientific disciplines. The books on this month’s book list include lots of experiments that explore chemical reactions. Here are a few popular experiments:

Elephant Toothpaste:

Erupting Soda:

Making slime:

Get Thoughtful

Scientific discoveries often have unintended consequences. The stories of the Curies and the Radium Girls are perfect examples of this. Here is an article from the Society of Physics Studies and the American Institute of Physics that addresses this topic: https://students.aip.org/radiations/discoveries-unintended-consequences-and-the-values-of-science. After reading it, have some discussions about the topic. Does the scientific process help to address this?

This opens up the topic of the scientific process. This website from UC Berkeley has lots of information on this topic: https://undsci.berkeley.edu/understanding-science-101/how-science-works

Explore (Largely Unsung) Scientists

Marie Curie was the first women to achieve many accomplishments. There are other groups of people who have historically faced huge obstacles to achieving things like college degrees and scientific discoveries. Often, discoveries made by women and minorities were attributed to others.

Explore some of the underrepresented people who have made great discoveries related to chemistry.

Each student could explore a different scientist and incorporate it into the timeline from above.

February is Black History Month. Here are a few lists of scientists to explore (there is some overlap between the lists):

March is Women’s History Month. Here are some lists of women scientists to explore:

Janet Slingerland has written over 2 dozen books for young readers, including Werewolves and States of Matter and Explore Atoms and Molecules! (with 25 Great Projects). To find out more about Janet and her books, check out her website: http://janetsbooks.com