Middle Grade Ninja

Middle Grade Ninja


Latest Episodes

212 Author Chrystal D Giles
April 29, 2023

In the final(ish) episode of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, Chrystal D. Giles and I discuss her practical, data-driven approach to writing fiction that led to her newest novel, NOT AN EASY WIN. Its a great conversation to end on as we discuss all my fav

211 Literary Agent Tamar Rydzinski
April 22, 2023

Tamar Rydzinski and I discuss her career in publishing, specifically her time at Sanford Greenburger Associates and the Laura Dail Literary Agency, where she became vice president and director of subrights, and now as the president and founder of Context

210 Authors Yarrow and Carrie Cheney
April 15, 2023

Yarrow and Carrie Cheney share the story of how they were best friends for a decade, lived together as roommates, worked as partners on multiple animation projects, and then decided to get married after their first date. We talk about their new novel, SUP

209 Literary Agent Janine Le
April 08, 2023

Janine Le and I discuss her career in publishing from her first internship to her twelve years with the Sheldon Fogelman Agency to founding the Janine Le Agency. We talk about how she evaluates her slush pile, how she handles submissions and editorial fe

A Reading From GOODBYE TO GRANDMA
April 03, 2023

Author Rob Kent reads from his new middle grade novel, GOODBYE TO GRANDMA. Purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Jesu4UAbout the book:A part of her would always be with me. Always.When 11-year-old Hailey Smith attends her grandmas funeral, she ca

208 Author Anthony Peckham
April 01, 2023

Anthony Peckham and I discuss the differences between writing a screenplay and writing a novel, as well as the inspiration for and craft employed in his incredible debut, CHILDREN OF THE BLACK GLASS. We also talk about why making terrible things happen fo

207 Author David Ezra Stein
March 25, 2023

David Ezra Sein and I discuss his career in picture books and now graphic novels, such as his newest, BEAKY BARNES: EGG ON THE LOOSE. We talk about adapting his INTERUPTING CHICKEN series as an Apple TV series, why I own three copies of POUCH, his childho

A Reading from Rob Worm's Bird Adventure
March 23, 2023

Author Rob Kent reads seven chapters from his new middle grade novel, ROB WORM'S BIRD ADVENTURE. Purchase your copy here: https://amzn.to/3Jesu4UAbout the book:With nonstop action, adventure, and humor, this thrilling tale will have 7- to 11-year

206 Author Cindy Callaghan
March 18, 2023

Cindy Callaghan and I discuss her series, JUST ADD MAGIC, the ups and downs of publishing it, adapting it for an Amazon series, and its impact on readers around the world. We also talk about how being talented in multiple areas improves her fiction, why s

205: Literary Agent Melanie Figueroa
March 11, 2023

Melanie Figueroa and I discuss in depth how she built her career as an agent at ROOT LITERARY. We talk about what makes her agency different, how she uses query manager to review submissions, how she evaluates manuscripts, how she manages her time and avo