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I’m overjoyed to be bringing you episode 97 Finding Our Way with Tom Bober, Michelle Cusolito, Valerie Bolling, and Cindy Jenson-Elliott. Before I release an episode, I always listen to it. Today, I listened while wrapping Christmas gifts, which truly filled my afternoon with cheer.

If you’re wondering what this episode will bring you, you can count on hearing about mentor texts, bullet journals and leaning into what you love.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to listen to this podcast–whether you listen on your commute, on a walk or a run, or while you’re doing your dishes, I’m so grateful to you. I look forward to talking with you again three more times in 2026. I’m not sure when exactly the next episode will release or what it will be about, but I am sure it will be jam packed with inspiration that will keep you twirling along on your writing and teaching journey. Until next year, happy teaching and happy writing.

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Today’s episode focuses on the joy of collaborating, accountability and finding the golden thread. You’ll hear from the following fabulous creators: Carole Boston Weatherford, Jeffery Boston Weatherford, Rob Sanders, Ruth Behar, Andrew Hacket and Chris Baron.

Our next chat will be Sunday, November 16th at 12 EST. If you want to join me, Tom Bober, Michelle Cusolito, Valerie Bolling, Cindy Jenson-Elliott, and René Colato Laínez, please fill out this form.

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Wrapping up our fifth season with this summer's top ten tips:

10. Conduct Interesting Interviews

9. Love Lists

8. Discover Structure

7. Setting Is a Super Tool

6. Side Write

5. Value Vulnerability

4. Tell a Story

3. Devise Dynamic Dialogue

2. Cut 10%

1. Have Fun and Be Kind

This year my cousin, my friend, my writing partner, and this podcast’s biggest benefactor, Steven Kent, passed away unexpectedly during the crafting of this episode. Before I head off to start my summer writing, I have a favor to ask you. If this podcast has ever brought you joy, made you feel less alone on your writing and/or teaching journey, made you feel seen, given you a tip that’s improved your writing and/or teaching, or given you a chance to talk about your work, please consider donating to the 4KentGirlsFund on Go Fund Me.

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In this episode, Jarrett Lerner talks about how publishing a book is like participating in the NBA finals, how kids are our bosses, and sloppy first drafts. Let’s get started.

Thanks so much for listening and for being part of the Chalk + Ink community.

Our final episode will be a compilation of writing tips from the fifth season to kickstart your summer writing or give it a boost if your school year ended in May. My goal is to have it out before the end of June. If you’re still teaching, I wish you the best in these final weeks. If you’re already on vacay, soak up some sunshine, you deserve it. Until next time, happy teaching and happy writing.

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In this episode, Ann Marie Stephens talks about visual reminders to write, stoplight writing, and positive self talk.

To prep for our next episode be sure to check out Jarrett Lerner’s A Work in Progress. His nephews attend my school and one of his nephew’s, Dylan, is going to help me interview Jarrett. Be sure to listen and spread the word, it should be a ton of fun.

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In this episode, Nancy McCabe talks about revising for authentic voice, taking detours, and hermit crab essays. Let’s get started.

To prep for our next episode be sure to check out Ann Marie Stephens’s delightful, cat-centered, early childhood math books Scattered and Catawampus.

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In this interview, Cindy Jenson-Elliott lets us in on incredible interview tips.

In addition to interview tips, Cindy talks about researching and writing simultaneously, nonfiction proposal dos and don’ts, and the importance of making connections.

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Ann McCallum exposes the root of nonfiction in this episode. Ann has tons of tips for you including how to find a nonfiction structure that highlights your passions, how to craft enticing sidebars, and how to write a nonfiction book proposal.

Our next episode will feature Cindy Jensen Elliott. Her newest nonfiction book, The Doomsday Detectives, How Walter and Luis Alvarez Solved the Mystery of Dinosaur Extinctions, just released on March 11th. We’ll also be talking about Weeds Find a Way, which is one of my all-time favorite books and her picture book biography Antsy Ansel.

I want to take this moment to thank Sarah Brannen, the creator of Chalk + Ink’s artwork. Her picture book, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, is one of nine books that some parents are trying to ban in the Mahmoud vs. Taylor Supreme Court Case. Join me in supporting Sarah and the other authors in this case by clicking on the court case link above to sign a petition through Pen America to fight against book banning.

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