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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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Amanda Jones definitely gives writing tips in this episode such as listen to music that reflects the mood that you're trying to convey in your manuscript, start with a bang to hook the reader, and seek feedback from a trusted critique partner. I could have featured one of those quotes. But I feel it’s time to get real because during these dark days it’s important to remind ourselves why we show up in the classroom, or the library, or at our desks.

Each time we put pen to paper or walk into a classroom or give a school presentation, we’re striving to make the world a better place. Our hope is that our words and ideas bring joy, wonder, and acceptance to each reader that happens upon our books or each student that steps into our classrooms. Some days the job feels overwhelming, and we may feel defeated before we step foot inside the door or sit down at the desk, but Amanda shows us how to embrace perseverance to help others.

And as Amanda says during this episode, if she can do it, so can we. Without further ado, here is That Librarian Amanda Jones.

Our next episode will feature Ann McCallum and her newest middle grade nonfiction book, Fantastic Flora: The World’s Biggest, Baddest, Smelliest Plants.

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Sarah Prager talks about her passion for queer history, learning how to write for a YA audience, and how to research.

Our next episode will feature school librarian Amanda Jones. She fights against censorship and advocates for protecting intellectual freedom so that every child sees themselves reflected on library shelves.

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