Posts Tagged podcasts

More Podcasts for Middle Grade Fans!

In September, From the Mixed-Up Files’ own Kate Manning wrote a great post on Podcasts with Middle Grade Authors and I started loading my phone with fabulous content just the right length to tackle on a commute, a Mom Taxi run, or while waiting for an appointment.

A photo of headphones and an iPad.Since the fall, the number of bookish podcasts seems to have exploded. So here’s an updated list of podcasts on middle grade books to help our avid fans learn about new books:

The Yarn by Travis Jonker and Colby Sharp – The Yarn takes listeners behind the scenes of children’s literature, and lets them look at all the threads that must be weaved together to create a book.

The Narrative Breakdown by Cheryl Klein and James Monohan – Each episode, they analyze popular novels, movies, Broadway shows, television shows, short stories, and more. Featuring various expert guests as well as material from Cheryl Klein’s book ‘Second Sight’ and James’ app ‘The Storyometer.’

Children’s Books – The Guardian. Leading children’s authors discuss their work with young readers and the Guardian literary team.

HarperCollins Children’s – Now HarperCollins Children’s has its own podcast on children’s books as well.

SCBWI Conversations – Now the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has another great reason to join–a great series of podcasts interviewing leaders in the children’s book field.

Kids’ Book Corner – Hear an indie bookseller talk about her favorite children’s titles on her blog.

Book Club for Kids – One of our MUF readers let us know about this podcast, which lets you hear what kids think about their favorite middle grade books!

What are your favorite podcasts? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

When Writers Talk: Podcasts with Middle Grade Authors

headphones-424163_1280

Like many of you, I am an overscheduled person. As a way to fit in some work on the craft of writing for children, I’ve recently started listening to podcasts with my favorite authors. It’s been inspiring and thought-provoking, plus it’s really fun. I love getting to hang out with Kate Messner as I’m doing the dishes, Laurel Snyder as I’m driving, or Adam Rex as I’m running. Here are the ones I’ve enjoyed so far. All of these are available through the websites linked below or through iTunes.

This Creative Life by Sara Zarr

This was the first writing podcast I found. Zarr is a Young Adult author, but she interviews a number of middle grade authors, as well, including Varian Johnson and Gene Leun Yang. I love that she asks all of the authors about their writing process and the bumps they’ve encountered along the way. It’s somehow comforting to know that even bestselling authors have their moments of self-doubt and procrastination.

Let’s Get Busy Podcast by Matthew Winner

Winner is an elementary school librarian, and his podcasts are a celebration of books and how they’re made. He interviews picture book authors and illustrators as well as middle grade authors, and uncovers fascinating stories about their research and inspiration. Winner also has a tendency, when excited, to say “oh my word!,” which is incredibly charming.

Brain Burps by Katie Davis

I recently discovered these chatty podcasts with children’s book luminaries. They often have a business bent, on topics like marketing or the effective use of social media.

TED Talks

These aren’t focused on middle grade, of course, but I couldn’t leave this topic without pointing out a few great talks for writers. Mac Barnett has a fantastic talk on wonder and writing for children. Andrew Stanton, the filmmaker who did Wall-E and Toy Story, gives excellent tips on storytelling. Finally, Elizabeth Gilbert’s talk on creativity is a classic.

I’d love to hear in the comments about any other writing podcasts you’ve enjoyed. Happy listening!

Katharine Manning writes middle grade novels and has three kids under ten. She reviews middle grade books at Kid Book List. You can find her on Twitter @SuperKate and online at www.katharinemanning.com.