Posts Tagged interview

Interview with Britnee Meiser, Author of ALL MY BESTS

By on November 14, 2024   /   Articles, Author Interviews, Upper MG  

Today, Melissa Roske chats with kidlit author Britnee Meiser about her upper MG debut, All My Bests, which follows the up-and-down friendship—and burgeoning romance—of two high school freshmen, Immie Meadows and Jack Marshall, best friends since the age of seven. Hailed by Kirkus as “An emotional story that beautifully encompasses many sensitive topics,” the novel is out now from Aladdin.

Interview with Britnee Meiser

Melissa: Welcome to the Mixed-Up Files, Britnee. It’s a pleasure to have you here!

Britnee: Thanks Melissa! It’s an honor to be here.

All My Bests

Melissa: First, congratulations on the publication of All My Bests. It’s not a short book – almost 400 pages – but I gobbled it up in just a few sittings. Can you give our readers a brief summary?

Britnee: All My Bests is about Immie and Jack, who’ve been best friends since childhood, navigating their freshman year of high school and all the changes that come along with it. They’re making new friends, trying new things, and learning that their feelings for each other might run deeper than they thought. But what does that mean for their friendship?

You’re right that it’s not a short book, and would you believe that it was originally even longer? My editor and I cut over fifty pages from the final draft. I’m glad the page count didn’t deter you!

Melissa: On the surface, the main characters of your novel have little in common. Immie is an introverted bookworm who’s obsessed with taxidermy butterflies and dead queens; Jack is a popular soccer player who struggles in school. Yet their similarities outweigh their differences. Can you tell us more about this unlikely pair of BFFs?

Britnee: Absolutely. I think a big part of it is that Immie and Jack have the same sense of humor––quick, dry, at times absurd––and that can bring even the unlikeliest pair together. But on a deeper level, Immie and Jack are each other’s safe space. Each offers what the other feels like they lack in life. For Jack, that’s peace and quiet. For Immie, it’s devotion and companionship. Jack’s home life (not to mention his mind) is chaos, but Immie makes him feel calm. Immie, on the other hand, is used to feeling misunderstood and overlooked, but Jack knows and loves her for exactly who she is. They have so much chemistry, which made their scenes together really fun to write.

It Takes Two

Melissa: As above, All My Bests is told from the perspectives of Immie and Jack, who have been best friends since childhood. What was the impetus behind writing a dual-POV novel? Also, what was your writing process like? Did you write Immie’s section and then Jack’s? The other way around? Or did you alternate?

Britnee: I’ll start by saying that writing dual-POV, particularly in overlapping timelines, is not for the faint of heart. Every single detail in Immie’s section had to match Jack’s section exactly, except for a few purposeful moments of miscommunication. It was tedious! And difficult! I wrote Immie’s section first, then Jack’s, then did several rounds of revisions on Immie’s section only (to iron out the details), and then did a final revision of Jack’s. Immie’s letter was the very first thing I wrote, and Jack’s letter was the last. It felt important to tell both of their stories thoroughly, as opposed to just getting the story from one side, because as the book hopefully illustrates, you never know what someone might be going through––even someone close to you.

The Sound of Music

Melissa: In addition to friendship and romance, music factors heavily into the book— particularly songs from the early aughts, as evidenced by the CDs Immie receives from her mom. What is it about the music from this time period that speaks to you personally and as an author?

Britnee: Indie music from the early aughts shaped the person, and writer, I am today. I spent my formative tween/teen years blogging to the soundtrack of my iTunes library, which was sacred to me. I feel like discovering and listening to music back then was a much more involved experience. We didn’t have Spotify or Apple Music to introduce us to new artists; we had to go out and find them on our own. For me, that meant scouring the depths of Myspace and Tumblr, looking up movie soundtracks, and religiously checking the events calendar at my local music venue––The Chameleon Club, may she rest in peace––to see who was playing. I was fourteen, the same age as Immie and Jack in the novel, when I saw my first show there, and it rewired my brain chemistry.

The Social Currency of Secrets

Melissa: Another important theme in your book is secret keeping. I’ll avoid spoilers, but let’s just say… both Immie and Jack have a lot they’re not telling each other. What were you trying to say about the nature of secrets, and about secret keeping in general?

Britnee: Secrets are social currency, especially for teens and tweens. The more you know someone’s secrets, the stronger your relationship will be–at least, in theory. I think it can be incredibly difficult to reveal your deepest secrets to the people closest to you, because you want them to think the best of you, and you don’t want to feel judged. What if telling your best friend your secret fundamentally changes your relationship? Is honesty always the best policy, or are some things better left unsaid? That’s sort of the question at the core of this novel. I wanted to explore what happens when two people who supposedly know each other very well––and take pride in that––don’t actually know as much as they thought.

The MG/YA Divide

Melissa: With a pair of high school-age protagonists and a hearty dose of romance and other PG-13 behavior (i.e., kissing, unsupervised parties, a veiled reference to drinking), All My Bests straddles the line between MG and YA. Was this your intention or something that happened organically? Also, in these scary times of book banning, have you gotten any pushback from parents and educators?

Britnee: It was definitely intentional. YA is getting more mature, prioritizing older teens and “spice,” and a lot of middle grade veers younger. There seems to be a lack of contemporary stories geared toward tweens and young teens who don’t want super mature themes but have also aged out of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I wanted to write about ninth grade in a way that felt true to the experience, so including certain PG-13 behavior was inevitable. Book-banning puritans might want to pretend that fourteen-year-olds aren’t kissing each other, or that they’ve never even heard of alcohol, but they would be wrong. I haven’t gotten any pushback yet, but if it happens, I’ll be ready to fight against censorship and defend kids’ rights to access stories that might make them feel seen and understood.

Witches of Peculiar

Melissa: Although All My Bests is your MG debut, you’re also the author of the popular chapter book series, Witches of Peculiar, written under the pseudonym Luna Graves. First, can you tell us a bit about the series? And second, what prompted your decision not to use a pseudonym this time?

Britnee: Witches of Peculiar follows the (mis)adventures of eleven-year-old twin witches Bella and Donna Maleficent as they navigate their first year at Y.I.K.E.S.S.S. (Yvette I. Koffin’s Exceptional School for Supernatural Students). They live in Peculiar, Pennsylvania, where their suburban monster community hides in plain sight––a tricky situation for Bella and Dee, who don’t quite have a handle on their witchcraft yet. The series is such a blast to write! It’s equal parts spooky and silly, and I love leaning into the little details that make the world come alive. For example, Bella and Dee’s vampire friend Charlie wears “sunscream,” a special, ultra-powerful sunscreen that allows vampires to walk in the sun. I chose to write Witches under a pseudonym because I wanted it to exist in its own universe, like Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Age Is Just a Number

Melissa: I read in your bio that you graduated college in 2017 and published your first children’s novel just five years later. What’s it like to have experienced publishing success at such a young age? (I’m not asking out of jealousy, I swear! 🙂)

Britnee: This question is really validating for me, because, thanks to social media, I see people getting book deals at 20, 21, 22, and I feel like I, at 29, am late to the game! So it’s a nice reminder that everybody’s timeline is different, especially in publishing. Whenever I want to compare myself, all I have to do is think about the stuff I was writing in college––more specifically, how much I thought I knew about writing and life––and I remember how glad I am most of it never saw the light of day. I’m growing and learning all the time, and I’m grateful for the experiences that led me here, because they have undoubtedly shaped the kind of stories I want to tell.

Britnee’s Writing Life

Melissa: What does your writing routine look like, Britnee? Do you have any particular rituals?

Britnee: Strangely enough, my process is different for every book I write. All My Bests was mostly written between the hours of 7 p.m. and 2 a.m., when everyone around me was asleep. I had a detailed, chapter-by-chapter outline that I worked from, but I ended up scrapping a lot of it as I moved from draft to draft. Also, I had the show Modern Family on in the background a lot of the time, because it’s my comfort show, and I need to write to noise!

In general, when I’m working on a deadline (either one from my publisher or one I set for myself), I calculate approximately how many pages I’ll need to write per day to meet the deadline, and I mostly stick to it. As far as rituals go, I start every day with a long walk, because I have a dog, and she demands it. I usually listen to an audiobook while I walk, which helps clear my mind.

Melissa: What are you working on now? Enquiring Mixed-Up minds want to know!

Britnee: I’m in the middle of edits for my next upper-MG novel, Jane Stays Dreaming. I’ve been saying it’s a bit like if the protagonist in Jane Austen’s Emma was a fifteen-year-old girl on Tumblr in the early 2010s. It’s fun, it’s full of complicated relationship dynamics, and it will be out next fall from Aladdin!

Lightning Round!

And finally, no MUF interview is complete without a lightning round, so…

Preferred writing snack? Seltzer water and kettle chips. Hal’s sea salt and cracked pepper is a recent favorite.

Coffee or tea? To quote Lorelai Gilmore: coffee coffee coffee!

Favorite band from the early aughts? Death Cab for Cutie. Emo forever ❤️

Zombie apocalypse: Yea or nay? Nay. I am realistic about my chances of survival.

Superpower? Controlling plants and manipulating nature, like Layla from Sky High.

Favorite place on earth? Sag Harbor, New York, especially in the winter.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only three things, what would they be? My dog; Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint; and a magic microwave that produces the perfect bowl of mac and cheese whenever I opened it.

MR: Thank you for chatting with us, Britnee—and congratulations on the publication of All My Bests. I’m sure Mixed-Up readers will enjoy it as much as I did!

Britnee: Thanks so much Melissa! I had a blast, and I really appreciate you asking such thoughtful questions.

All About Britnee

Britnee Meiser is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York. Her chapter book series, WITCHES OF PECULIAR, is published under a pseudonym by Simon & Schuster/Aladdin. The series has been featured in Forbes, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal. Previously, Britnee’s work has been featured in i-D Magazine, shop TODAY, and The Wild Honey Pie, among other publications. Britnee is a 2017 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Fiction Writing and Communication. She also holds a publishing certificate from NYU. Learn more about Britnee on her website and find her on Instagram, Tiktok, and Twitter.

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STEM Tuesday — Bioluminesence– Author Interview

By on October 22, 2024   /   Bioluminescence, STEM Tuesday  

Welcome to STEM Tuesday: Author Interview, a repeating feature for the fourth Tuesday of every month. Go Science-Tech-Engineering-Math!

Why are author interviews such an important part of STEM Tuesday? For one, it’s fun for kids (and adults!) to read about doing research and writing from the person doing the work. Plus, getting a glimpse into what it’s like to be an author can get kids (again – and adults!) excited about doing their own writing!

Now, let’s meet Stephen Aitken, who’s written or illustrated dozens of nonfiction books for kids! His newest book is Living Light: Conserving Bioluminescent Plants and Animals (Orca Book Publishers 2024), which explores the amazing world of creatures that generate their own light.

Andi Diehn: I didn’t realize that bioluminescence had evolved independently in different species with different chemicals working to produce the light. This is fascinating – does this make it more complicated to study?

Stephen Aitken: Bioluminescence has evolved independently in many different species, insects, jellyfish, fungi, etc. And yes, it does make their study more complicated – but it also helps us understand more about evolution. Bioluminescence is an example of convergent evolution, the phenomenon whereby different organisms evolve similar traits independently of each other. Animals and plants that make their own light need two things: a chemical reaction between a light-emitting molecule known as luciferin and another substance that sparks it, luciferase. It’s kind of like a match stick that needs a match box to set it alight. There are at least five different types in different organisms: fireflies, insects, and marine animals use several different types, and fungi and bacteria have their own type of luciferin and luciferase. To study these animals in their wild habitats – oceans, forests and caves – can require specialized equipment such as deep-sea submersibles and other equipment.

AD: Living art – I love the idea of incorporating bioluminescence into the art world. What can young readers gain from this merging of science and art?

Stephen: The natural world is a very inspiring source of creativity. Architects use the principles of natural structures to build, fine artists are inspired by colors and designs found in plants and animals from around the world. Bioluminescence shows the stunning visual displays of the natural world. When artists incorporate this into their work, it can help young readers see science as more than just facts and figures, as a world of beauty and wonder. This broadens their understanding of how deeply connected humans are to the environment, foster a sense of awe, and make science feel more accessible and engaging. By observing how artists use bioluminescence in creative ways, young readers may begin to think about how scientific knowledge can help solve problems in innovative ways. For example, it might inspire solutions for sustainable lighting or the creative uses of light in design. It may also teach them about sustainability in both science and art and reinforce the importance of protecting the environment.

I encourage young readers to imagine new ways of combining many different disciplines, in this case blending scientific knowledge with their artistic talents. Merging science and art encourages STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math), combining technical knowledge with creative thinking. This integration can be particularly motivating for young readers who might be more drawn to one subject but find new interest in the other. The intersection of science and art through bioluminescence provides young readers with an engaging, multi-sensory way to explore both creativity and the natural world, ultimately deepening their appreciation for both.

AD: I love your sidebars – life-saving plankton, tiny trackers to see how infections spread, and so much more. Why did you include these stories of how bioluminescent organisms can help humans?

Stephen: I think we humans are always looking for applicability. Stories of how nature inspired amazing scientific breakthroughs is always uplifting. The sidebar examples spark curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and demonstrate that even small discoveries can make a big impact on our world, encouraging kids to explore the natural world around them.

AD: I love learning about the different uses of bioluminescence – bomber worm, dragonfish hunting with light, attracting mates. And the ones we need to guess about! Is it good for young readers to learn how much we don’t know?

Stephen: Great question. Short answer: YES! Science moves forward through building on the discoveries of the curious minded scientists that came before us. I think it’s important to show young readers how investigating what we don’t know is how great discoveries are made. But also, it’s vitally important to show that there is so much we DON’T know. There is a big world of question marks out there just begging to be turned into exclamation marks by young readers with curious minds.

AD: Your story about local schoolchildren helping collect fireflies – I love this early example of Citizen Science and also love your note about conservation. Why is it important that we continue to adjust the way we do science as we learn more about the repercussions of our actions?

Stephen: In the 1950s there were only two and half billion people in the world. There were more trees, healthier ecosystems, larger populations of animals and insects. Times have changed. The limits of the Earth we live on are becoming more evident. It’s important to keep improving how we do science because as we learn more, we discover new ways our actions can impact the planet, people, and animals. By adjusting our methods, we can avoid harming the environment, make better inventions, and solve problems like pollution or disease. Science is about learning, and we get better at protecting the world when we change how we do things based on what we’ve learned. This helps us create a safer, healthier future for everyone. Our oceans and skies are not infinite and cannot handle everything that we throw into them. Science does not have all the answers and we have to keep questioning the repercussions of all our meddling in the natural world.

AD: A lot of the creatures in your book work together, either in a colony of the same species or in smaller symbiotic relationships. How might kids see this reflected in the human world they’re a part of?

Stephen: Yes, in nature, creatures work together to survive, like ants in colonies or microbes like bacteria helping animals through symbiotic relationships. We see this in the human world too—people working together as teams in school, sports, or communities. When we cooperate, we solve problems faster, share skills, solutions, and support each other. Teamwork can help everyone succeed and make life better for everyone!

AD: Your story about refusing to experiment on live dogs – why is it important to include that kind of anecdote in a science book for kids? What do they learn from it?

Stephen: All living creatures have feelings. We can only imagine what they are experiencing. When I was studying physiology, the paradigm was that animals only functioned through instinct and lived in a programmed way. Anyone who has spent time with animals knows in their heart that this is not true. Animals have feelings and can be incredibly intelligent and intuitive at times. We need to honor this and have respect for all life on Earth. Since those years in the physiology lab, society has changed, science has changed. Animal rights now have a voice. Concerned citizens have started to defend them. We have no right to torture or treat animals as inanimate objects, valuable only for our own purposes. This is an outdated way of looking at the natural world.

AD: The tension about science that can both harm the world and help it – why is it important to have these conversations with students?

Stephen: It’s important to talk with students about how science can both help and harm the world because it teaches them to think carefully about the choices we make. Science can lead to amazing things, cure diseases and protect the environment, but it can also cause problems like pollution or harming animals. By having these conversations, kids learn to ask important questions, make responsible decisions, and understand that using science wisely can lead to a better future for everyone. It helps them see that their actions matter in making the world a better place. It also teaches them that we can make discoveries while still being responsible and respectful to all life forms.

AD: Are there any questions I didn’t ask that you’d like to answer?

Stephen: “What’s my next book and how do you come up with your ideas?” Thanks for asking 😁.  Researching Living Light was really inspiring for me ­– bioluminescence is magical. I got the chance to interview scientists, biochemists, marine biologists and taxonomists, all of whom were doing incredible work in this field. The more I study the natural world, the more treasures I find. Also, I continue to find links between scientific disciplines and I love that! Discovering that bioluminsecent animals produced different colors of light, that florescence in some reptiles and insects is different from bioluminescence, and the principles of iridescence in bird feathers, chameleon skin and fish scales. All this made me stop and think about why animals use color and how does it help them to survive. That was the spark that lit the fire for my upcoming book, Nature’s Palette: Color and Survival in the Animal Kingdom scheduled for publication next year.

Writing books is my life. It’s my way of understanding the fascinating world around me. I love it and I’m pretty darn sure I will never ever run out of things to write about for young readers.

 

Stephen Aitken is a biologist, artist and author. Despite an early brush with nyctophobia (fear of the dark), he became fascinated with bioluminescence while researching a book he wrote on the dangers of light pollution. Stephen’s books fulfill (and sometimes feed) his longing to conserve the living creatures that share and enrich our planet. He has written and illustrated many picture books, chapter books and close to a dozen nonfiction books for middle-grade readers on topics including the climate crisis, the impact of artificial lighting on ecosystems (Saving the Night), the role of sound in conservation (Listen Up!) and other topics that encourage living in harmony with life on Earth. Stephen is the cofounder and executive secretary of Biodiversity Conservancy International, a registered Canadian charity, and is editorial director of the science journal Biodiversity, published in partnership with the Taylor & Francis Group. To see more of his books and art, please visit stephenaitken.com.

 

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Author Spotlight: Mixed-Up Files Member Lisa Schmid

By on October 18, 2024   /   Author Interviews  

It’s always a pleasure to shine the Author Spotlight on a fellow Mixed-Up Files member, so I’m thrilled to chat with my friend and fellow MG author Lisa Schmid! Lisa’s sophomore MG novel, Hart & Souls, about an anxious middle schooler with a ghost problem, is out now from Andrews McMeel Publishing.

And now, without further ado…

Interview with Lisa Schmid

Melissa: Welcome, Lisa! So glad to have you here today.

Lisa: Thank you so much! I always love hanging out with you at the Mixed-Up Files.

About Hart & Souls

Melissa: The last time we chatted, back in October 2023, it was in conjunction with the cover reveal for your second MG novel, Hart & Souls (you can read the interview here). To refresh readers’ memories, what is the premise of the book? Also, how did you come up with the idea?

Lisa: Stix Hart wants to avoid trouble at his new middle school, but his first day brings ghostly encounters that push his anxiety to the limit. He meets three spirits who have been trapped for decades and need his help to move on. To free them, Stix must confront his fears to solve this paranormal predicament.

The idea for Hart & Souls came to me after encountering the local bully at Target. He was on the phone at the front of the store, frightened and crying. After eavesdropping, I learned no one had picked him up from school, and he didn’t know where else to go. I could tell from the conversation this was a regular occurrence.

It told me a lot about why he was acting up at school. I’ve always believed that when somebody behaves unkindly, it usually means they’re fighting a battle we know nothing about. At that moment, I knew I had my next book.

Writing a story about three ghosts with unfinished business allowed me to explore different backstories of kids and how it impacted their lives. And just as important, how their actions affected others.

Overcoming Anxiety

Melissa: The main character, Stix, a talented drummer, was the target of bullying at his previous school. Because of this, he starts middle school with a great deal of trepidation and anxiety. Can you tell us how Stix’s anxiety manifests itself, and what he does to cope with it?

Lisa: Stix is dealing with some fairly intense anxiety as a result of a bullying incident in the third grade. As a result, he suffers from panic attacks when something triggers this memory. It can be a sight, sound, or even a casual glance.

To manage his anxiety, he focuses on music beats to give his brain something else to think about. This coping mechanism is a technique I learned about after speaking with a psychologist while doing research for the book.

Bang a Drum!

Melissa: As above, Stix is a talented drummer. Is this something you have in common with him, or did you have to do extensive research to familiarize yourself?

Lisa: I knew from the start that music would be the underlying theme. I’ve always wanted to be a drummer but never had the patience to pick up the sticks. My son is a musician, so I asked his guitar/drum teacher for advice about playing the drums.

Melissa: Let’s switch gears and talk about the spooky side of the novel. Ghosts are involved, of course. Can you elaborate?

Lisa: Yes! *rubs hands together with glee* I love writing about ghosts because there are no rules. I get to make them up as I go. They are also the perfect sidekicks, providing situations that often lead to funny and heartfelt moments.

I tend to shy away from the super spooky themes. To be honest, that’s not my jam. I wish I could spin a spine-tingling horror story, but I think I would end up throwing in a farting ghost just to lighten the mood. Best to stay in my goofy lane. I have lots of fun there.

Lessons Learned from My Partner the Ghost

Melissa: Your debut novel, Ollie Oxley and the Ghost, was spooky as well. Have you always been drawn to the supernatural? Also, what is it about ghosts that fascinates you?

Lisa: When I was around nine, my favorite show was a British TV series called My Partner the Ghost. It was about a pair of private detectives in London. In the pilot, one gets killed, comes back as a ghost, and helps his partner solve crimes. I’ve been obsessed ever since with the idea of friendly ghosts. It’s brilliant, and I love it to this day! It was my inspiration for Ollie Oxley and the Ghost.

(P.S. You can watch the pilot episode on YouTube.)

Literary Easter Eggs

Melissa: Hart & Souls contains several “Easter eggs,” aka little surprises for eagle-eyed readers to find. Without giving too much away, can you tell us about some of your favorites?

Lisa: There’s actually only one Easter egg in Hart & Souls, but I love it! You will easily find this fun little nugget if you have read Ollie Oxley and The Ghost. Many folks have emailed or commented on a social media post when they see it.

Fun side note: The Chronicles of Narnia are my favorite books of all time. I usually drop in a reference that fellow Narnians will catch. You can look for those as well.

Plotter Versus Pantser

Melissa: Switching gears again, what does your writing routine look like? Also, are you a plotter or a pantser?

Lisa: I am a card-carrying member of the Pantser Society. I always know how a story will begin and end, but I never know what will happen in between. I write all my books chapter by chapter. The idea that people can plot a story is magical. I don’t possess that extraordinary talent. This process makes me a painfully slow writer because I have to figure things out as I go. I also edit along the way . . . I can’t help myself. (grimace face)

Path to Publication

Melissa: Can you tell us about your path to publication? Smooth sailing or a meandering path? Also, what advice would you give to wannabe MG authors?

Lisa: Meandering and full of potholes!

I did not land an agent with Ollie Oxley and the Ghost. As a matter of fact, I only got one request for a full and one personalized rejection. Otherwise, it was crickets. I got my first book deal via a Twitter kidlit pitch party. I received one “like,” and it was from my wonderful editor.

I eventually caught the interest of my fantastic agent, Leslie Zampetti, with a chapter book series about a crime-solving pug with a goldfish sidekick. Unfortunately, it has not sold . . . yet, but I’m still holding out hope that an editor will one day give Bumble & Beans their forever home.

This is a cleaned-up version of my path to publication. My journey was riddled with mishaps and missteps. I was a hot mess. But the trick is to keep plugging away and learn from your mistakes.

For the record, my fastest rejection turn-around was ten minutes. I have yet to meet anyone who can beat that time. 🙂

Melissa: Actually, I can. I once got a rejection in FOUR minutes! How the agent had time to read my query and reject it so quickly remains a mystery!

Lisa: 😂

Writers with Wrinkles

Melissa: In addition to being a writer of middle-grade fiction, you’re also the co-host of the popular podcast, Writers with Wrinkles. How do you juggle these different roles?

Lisa: I don’t think we had any idea how much time and effort goes into creating a podcast, but it’s been worth it.

The first three years, we ran four episodes a month. It was a lot of work between recording and promoting while still focusing on our individual projects. But we love serving the writing community and want everyone to succeed!

We switched to twice-monthly episodes, making our schedules slightly more manageable. We also changed our format. Once a month, we host an “Ask Beth & Lisa” segment in which listeners can send in questions. For our second episode, we interview editors or agents. I feel like we have found our groove and are making the most of our time while still packing in valuable tips for our listeners.

Our editor/agent chats are the best! I have learned so much about publishing and the querying process from our guests. Information I wish I had known when I started my publishing journey. I encourage querying writers to give them a listen.

Up Next…

Melissa: What are you working on now, Lisa? Can you give Mixed-Up Files readers a sneak peek?

Lisa: I am just finishing a middle-grade adventure. This book does not involve ghosts, but it does have ghost towns. It’s a time-traveling tale with some epic twists and turns. It’s been a challenge to write due to the different timelines. More than once, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night with the horrifying realization that I had a major plot hole. Fortunately, I believe I have plugged every last one. (Fingers crossed)

Lightning Round

Melissa: No MUF interview is complete without a lightning round, so…

Preferred writing snack? Potato Chips

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Ghosts: Real or imaginary? Real

Superpower? Empathy

Favorite place on earth? Cotswolds

If you were stranded on a desert island with only three things, what would they be? My pug, Lucy, for company; The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe to read; and a cozy blanket to keep us warm

Melissa: Many thanks for joining us today, Lisa! As always, it was a treat to have you here!

Lisa: Thank you so much! I had a blast. As usual . . . You always ask the best questions.

Bio

Lisa Schmid is an author, a stay-at-home-mom, and co-host of the podcast Writers With Wrinkles. When she’s not scaring up ghostly adventures, she’s most likely visiting schools to talk about writing and books. She lives in Northern California with her husband, son, two dogs, and one very sneaky hamster. Learn more about Lisa on her website and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.

Melissa Roske is a writer of middle-grade fiction. Before spending her days with imaginary people, she interviewed real ones as a journalist in Europe. In London she landed a job as an advice columnist for Just Seventeen magazine. Upon returning to her native New York, Melissa contributed to several books and magazines, selected jokes for Reader’s Digest, and received certification as a life coach from NYU. In addition to her debut novel Kat Greene Comes Clean (Charlesbridge), Melissa’s short story “Grandma Merle’s Last Wish” appears in the Jewish middle-grade anthology, Coming of Age: 13 B’Nai Mitzvah Stories (Albert Whitman). Learn more about Melissa on her Website and follow her on  Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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