Middle Grade Matters
On the Middle Grade Matters podcast, host Shannon Balloon talks to to authors and publishing professionals about all things middle grade. The show explores topics like the craft of writing, the journey to getting an agent and publishing a book, and why middle grade books should matter to everyone.
Middle Grade Matters
Ep. 109: Katherine Applegate (The One and Only Ivan) on writing and her latest book, Wombat Waiting
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On this episode Katherine Applegate, author of the acclaimed The One and Only Ivan and her latest Wombat Waiting, takes us through her unconventional journey from ghostwriter to winning the Newbery Medal—sharing candid insights about the ups and downs, the long nights, and the moments of serendipity that shaped her career. You'll discover how her early career as a reluctant reader and her love for animals deeply influence her storytelling. She unpacks her unique process: balancing plotting with improvisation, rewriting obsessively, and navigating deadlines with a mix of discipline and daring.
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