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When crafting the perfect story climax, what's your character's greatest fear or deepest wound? According to New York Times bestselling author Alan Gratz, that's exactly what they must face in your finale. In this compelling conversation, Gratz reveals his formula for powerful endings: establish early what a character would never do, then force them to do exactly that when the stakes are highest.

But this masterclass in storytelling craft is just the beginning. Gratz takes us behind the scenes of his journey from writing varied genre fiction to creating what he calls "social thrillers" – page-turning adventures that tackle real-world issues like displacement, prejudice, and censorship. His insights on why middle-grade readers respond so powerfully to social justice themes challenge the notion that children should be sheltered from difficult topics.

"Middle schoolers care about justice," Gratz explains. "They have a heightened sense of fairness." This understanding has shaped books like "Refugee" and "Ban This Book" that give young readers windows into complex realities while encouraging empathy and critical thinking.

The conversation takes an urgent turn when discussing the alarming rise in book banning across America. As co-founder of Authors Against Book Bans (AABB), Gratz dispels the myth that banned books automatically sell better, revealing how censorship silently devastates careers, particularly for authors from marginalized communities. His call to action reminds us that defending literary freedom requires showing up – at school board meetings, in our communities, and wherever books are threatened.

Ready to craft more meaningful stories or join the fight against censorship? Gratz offers practical advice for both aspiring authors and concerned citizens. Connect with him at alangratz.com or subscribe to his newsletter to learn more about his upcoming novel "War Games" and how you can help protect the freedom to read.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

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🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
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🌐 Website & Media Kit

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Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

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Unlock the secrets to success in the world of educational publishing with our special guests, Sandra Athens and Mike Downs, authors of "Sell a Children's Book Now: Quick Success in the Educational Market." Discover how they transitioned from teaching and reigniting dormant writing passions to becoming influential voices in this niche market. Hear their personal stories and learn how identifying gaps in educational materials and networking at educational conferences can propel you toward your own success in this field.

Join us as we explore the fascinating differences between educational and trade publishing. Sandra and Mike provide unique insights into the structured guidelines that educational writers must navigate, along with the creative strategies they employ to captivate young readers. We dive into the process of collaboration with editors, and the distinction between teacher and student materials, offering a deeper understanding of the intricate world of educational publishing. Hear firsthand how they craft content that resonates with both educators and students, and the importance of high-interest, low-readability books in today's educational landscape.

For those aspiring to break into children's literature, this episode is a treasure trove of advice and resources. From the significance of organizations like SCBWI to tips on researching publishers and staying current with market trends, Sandra and Mike offer invaluable guidance. They also discuss the benefits of educational publishing, including speed and instructional impact, while highlighting the critical need for diverse books and representation. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just getting started, this episode provides inspiration and practical advice to help you navigate the educational publishing market effectively.

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...

Send us Fan Mail

Immerse yourself in our latest episode as we explore the intriguing journey of a literary agent turned author. This captivating discussion reveals firsthand insights on how the writing, publishing, and marketing landscape has evolved through the years. Our special guest dives into the unique challenges she faced while transitioning from a publicist to a successful literary agent and now an author, providing listeners with a rich appreciation for the multifaceted nature of storytelling.

Throughout the episode, we unearth valuable writing tips, such as how to craft the perfect query letter, common pitfalls to avoid, and the essential elements that make a compelling story hook. Our guest also shares her thoughts on current market trends in Young Adult and cozy mysteries, highlighting what resonates with readers today. With her fresh perspective, we gain insights into how authors can navigate the complexities of publishing and find their unique voices in a crowded literary landscape.

Join us as we discuss building suspense, creating believable characters, and the crafting of unforgettable narratives. The episode is brimming with practical advice and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers eager to embark on their own journeys in the literary world. With an engaging blend of storytelling and industry insight, we invite you to tune in, subscribe, and share your thoughts with us!

https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat

Rachel Ekstrom Courage, literary agent tips, how to get published, query letter tips, writing advice, publishing industry secrets, cozy mystery market, young adult publishing trends, storytelling tips, book marketing hacks, how to land a literary agent, writing a bestseller, publishing journey, insider publishing tips, aspiring author guide, book industry trends, crafting compelling characters, writing unforgettable stories, building suspense in novels, agent-to-author transition, writing pitfalls to avoid, how to craft the perfect hook, selling your book idea, behind-the-scenes publishing, secrets to a successful book pitch

Support the show

🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall
Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.

About J.D. Myall
J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.

Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.

When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.

💜 Connect with J.D. Myall
📸 Instagram

🌐 Website & Media Kit

💌 Newsletter

🔗 Linktree

Watch episodes on YouTube as well.

💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...