In this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray. They discuss Ayana's childhood creativity, her journey to becoming an author, and the influential books that shaped her. Ayana shares her experiences with writing, the challenges of pursuing a writing career, and the balance between confidence and humility in the literary world.

This conversation explores the journey of Ayana Gray, an aspiring author who navigated the challenges of becoming a published writer. It highlights her early passion for storytelling, the obstacles she faced, and the pivotal moment when she leveraged social media to connect with literary agents, ultimately leading to her debut novel's success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and believing in one's dreams.

Chapters

00:00 The Aspiring Author's Journey
03:05 The Power of Community and Connection
05:24 The Breakthrough Moment
06:53 Believing in Your Dreams

In this podcast recap, #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer A. Nielsen reflects on the success of the first two seasons, highlighting the contributions of her team and the insights gained from interviews with notable authors. She expresses gratitude for the support received and shares excitement for the upcoming season three, promising even more engaging guests and discussions.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Season One and Two Achievements
02:22 Lessons from Inspiring Guests
04:42 Insights from Jeff Kinney and Future Guests

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Marc J. Gregson, a New York Times bestselling author and middle school English teacher. They discuss Marc's journey to becoming an author, the impact of teaching on his writing, and the themes explored in his debut novel, 'Sky's End.' Marc shares his experiences with rejection, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and his aspirations for the future, including a film adaptation of his work. The conversation highlights the significance of lifelong learning and the role of books in fostering understanding and connection among readers.

00:00
Introduction to Mark J. Gregson

02:57
The Journey to Becoming an Author

06:06
The Impact of Early Reading Experiences

08:47
The Creative Process and Artistic Expression

11:29
The Passion for Learning and Teaching

14:40
Influential Teachers and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

18:27
Exploring Skye's End and Its Themes

22:53
The Emotional Connection in Writing

24:53
The Journey to Publication

28:10
Sharing Failures and Perseverance

31:12
The Impact of Student Engagement

33:25
Film Adaptation and Industry Interest

36:30
The Writing Process: Plotter vs. Pantser

38:49
Future Aspirations and Goals

40:49
The Role of Empathy in Reading

Those words can mean many things. In this author's case, they were a very good thing. Jennifer Nielsen tells the story of Marc, an author who couldn't believe his eyes.

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Kinney, the author of the beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, shares insights into his creative journey, the impact of his work on young readers, and the importance of humor in storytelling. He discusses his innovative writing techniques, the challenges of maintaining a relatable character, and his commitment to engaging with fans. Kinney reflects on his legacy and the future of his work, emphasizing the significance of creating a literary space for children.

Jennifer A Nielsen tells an unlikely story. One of a boy with a love of books and newspaper comics. The odds were against him.

Summary

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews author Lisa Moore-Ramee, discussing her journey as a writer, the impact of childhood reading, and the importance of diverse narratives in literature. Lisa shares her experiences with race and identity, the influence of teachers, and the challenges of being a left-handed person. The conversation also delves into the role of fear in writing, overcoming rejection, and the significance of creating relatable characters. Lisa concludes by sharing insights about her upcoming works and the themes they explore.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa Moore-Ramee
02:52 The Impact of Childhood Reading
04:51 The Journey to Becoming an Author
07:18 The Influence of Teachers
10:06 Navigating Life as a Left-Handed Person
13:03 Exploring Race and Identity in Literature
14:55 The Importance of Representation in Books
17:17 Diversity in Publishing and Storytelling
19:29 Diversity in Literature
21:50 Complex Characters and Reader Reflection
22:58 Personal Experiences in Writing
27:14 Facing Fears as a Writer
29:51 Persistence Through Rejection
34:38 Upcoming Works and Themes