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In this episode, I chat with award-winning Australian middle-grade author Amelia Mellor, whose Grandest Bookshop in the World trilogy has captivated readers with its irresistible blend of real Melbourne history and magic.

Amelia shares the fascinating journey from collecting dozens of rejections to becoming a full-time author, and why she believes the success of The Grandest Bookshop in the World wasn't just about the writing. It also had a clear hook, strong structure, and something publishers could immediately see how to sell.

We dive into how Amelia turns meticulous research into magical stories, why history can be such powerful inspiration for children's fiction, what she's learned about writing authentically for young readers, and the enormous amount of thought that goes into making fantasy accessible rather than overwhelming.

Amelia also takes us behind the scenes of working with a traditional publisher, collaborating with editors, planning an entire five-book series, revising drafts, marketing books, and somehow fitting actual writing around everything else an author has to do.

And if school visits terrify you (like they do me!), stay until the end, because Amelia's wonderfully simple teacher-approved framework for structuring an author workshop might just change everything.

A warm, funny and genuinely inspiring conversation about imagination, persistence, craft, research and what it really takes to build a career writing books for children.

MORE ABOUT AMELIA:

Amelia Mellor is the author of the award-winning Grandest Bookshop Trilogy, a fantasy series for children inspired by Melbourne history. She started writing when she was eight years old, wrote plays for her high school during VCE, and holds postgraduate degrees in creative writing and teaching (primary and secondary).

When Amelia isn’t writing, surrounded by her collection of matryoshkas and tropical fish, she enjoys drawing, spotting wildlife and playing indie puzzle games.

Her new five-part children’s fantasy series, Oceanforged, launched in August 2025.

CONNECT WITH AMELIA:

Amelia Mellor’s website
Follow Amelia on Instagram

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

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I had the absolute pleasure of speaking to one of the most innovative storytellers of our time, Brian Selznick.

Best known for The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, The Marvels, and now Run Away With Me, Brian has spent his career redefining what stories can be.

In this conversation, we explore why illustrations should never simply repeat the text, how every story teaches readers how to read it, and why the most important discoveries about a book often don't arrive until years into writing it.

Brian also speaks openly about grief, trusting your subconscious, the themes that keep returning to your work, and why there is no single correct way to write a novel.

Whether you write picture books, chapter books, middle grade, or young adult, this conversation is a masterclass in storytelling that will stay with you.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How The Invention of Hugo Cabret evolved from a 98-page novella into a groundbreaking new reading experience.
• Why illustrations should do what words cannot.
• How every book teaches readers how to read it.
• Brian's unique creative process and why there is no single "right" way to write.
• Trusting your subconscious and giving stories time to reveal themselves.
• The recurring themes that become an author's creative DNA.
• Writing about grief, memory, love, and hope.
• Creating Run Away With Me and using Rome as both setting and character.
• Why authentic emotional experiences create unforgettable stories.
• The value of collaboration, experimentation, and following your curiosity as a writer.

Brian Selznick is an award-winning author and illustrator whose groundbreaking books have sold millions of copies and been translated into more than 35 languages.

He is best known for the Caldecott Medal-winning The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which was adapted into Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film Hugo. His bestselling books also include Wonderstruck, The Marvels, Big Tree, Kaleidoscope, and his latest young adult novel, Run Away With Me.

In addition to his own books, Brian illustrated the 20th Anniversary U.S. editions of the Harry Potter series and has collaborated with Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and other celebrated filmmakers throughout his career.

Brian lives between Brooklyn, New York, and La Jolla, California, with his husband, Dr. David Serlin, and continues to create some of the most original and emotionally resonant stories in children's and young adult literature.

Website: https://brianselznick.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrianselznick

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

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From bookstore shelf-stacker to traditionally published middle grade author, Meredith Davis takes us right inside how a book really makes it into the world. You'll learn what the three rounds of editorial actually look like, what a developmental editor sees that you can't, how illustration changed the way she writes her scenes, and how she and her publisher divide the marketing between them. Plus one of the most inventive book launch campaigns I've heard of, involving wax seals and a secret agency!

MORE ABOUT MEREDITH:

Meredith Davis is the author of THE MINOR MIRACLE and THE MINOR RESCUE, books one and two in THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF NOAH MINOR series (Waterbrook, 2024/25) and co-author of HER OWN TWO FEET: A RWANDAN GIRL’S BRAVE FIGHT TO WALK (Scholastic, 2019).

She once worked at an independent children’s bookstore, started the Austin Chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and earned her Masters of Fine Arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her superpowers include reading, grandmothering, wrangling her doodle and finding ways to fit more books in her Austin, Texas home.

IG: meredithdavisauthor

FB: Meredith Davis

Substack: Author With a Kidlit Crush

KidLit Studio is my monthly membership for children's book writers. Live group coaching, masterclasses, and six interactive workspaces that walk you through your own book, from first idea to launch day. US$29 a month, cancel anytime. https://www.elenapaige.com/kidlit-studio/

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

Send us Fan Mail

What makes a child who “hates reading” suddenly devour books?

In this episode, I’m joined by hugely successful children’s author Dustin Brady, best known for his blockbuster Trapped in a Video Game series, which has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. Dustin writes books for kids who think they hate reading — and somehow, miraculously, he turns them into readers.

We talk about how he comes up with ideas that are both wildly fun and highly commercial, what keeps kids turning pages, how he writes fast-paced books for reluctant readers, and what he’s learned from school visits, parents, teachers, and years of connecting with real kids.

We also dive into Dustin’s publishing journey — from self-publishing to being picked up by a traditional publisher — plus what he’s discovered about writing books that feel approachable, addictive, and impossible for kids to put down.

If you write for children, want to better understand reluctant readers, or dream of creating stories kids genuinely beg to keep reading, this episode is packed with insight.

• Writing for kids who think they hate reading
• What makes a children’s book truly page-turning
• How Dustin comes up with high-concept commercial ideas
• The importance of writing the book you would have loved as a child
• Keeping books tight, fast, and approachable for younger readers
• Cliffhangers, pacing, and chapter length
• School visits and what Dustin has learned from meeting real readers
• Dustin’s journey from self-publishing to traditional publishing
• How Trapped in a Video Game grew into a multi-million-copy success
• What to do when a book just isn’t working
• How to tell the difference between laziness and a story problem
• Why fun matters so much in children’s fiction

Dustin Brady is the bestselling author of books for kids who think they hate reading. His hugely popular Trapped in a Video Game series has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide, and he’s also the author of Escape from a Video Game, Adventures in a Video Game, Leila and Nugget Mystery Series, and The World’s Worst Time Machine.

Known for his fast-paced, funny, highly approachable books, Dustin has built a loyal following among reluctant readers, teachers, and parents alike. He writes stories that help kids discover that reading can actually be fun — and often addictive in the very best way.

Website: https://dustinbradybooks.com/
Instagram Andrews McMeel Kids: HERE
Books: Trapped in a Video Game, Escape from a Video Game, Adventures in a Video Game, Leila and Nugget Mystery Series, The World’s Worst Time Machine

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

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In this episode, I'm joined by Alysson Bourque from Expound Publicity—and she's making history as the first guest ever to return to the Children's Book Author Podcast!

We dive deep into holiday marketing strategies and modern publicity tactics that actually work:

• Why October is the best time to get prepared for Christmas book sales
• The genius of unexpected collaborations (think dirty soda carts and boutique book nooks!)
• How to use AI without losing your authentic voice
• The difference between earned and paid media—and why paid is now useful for authors
• Getting featured in satellite media tours and holiday gift guides
• When to invest in a PR firm vs. DIY marketing
• Thinking of your book as a product (the mindset shift that changes everything)
• Scaling beyond books: developing your IP into plush toys, musicals, and more

Whether you're gearing up for your first holiday selling season or looking to take your author business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can start implementing today.

🎁 Special Podcast Listener Offer
I've just launched The Picture Book and Middle Grade Writing Blueprint—my most comprehensive course yet, covering everything from picture book mastery to middle grade novels, story idea generation, rhetorical devices, self-editing, and market research. PLUS monthly group coaching sessions with me!

Use code PODCAST100 for $100 off (brings it down from $297 to just $197). Valid through Christmas Day!
👉 Visit elenapaige.com to enroll

🧡 Learn more about Alysson and Expound at: expoundpublicity.com

MORE ABOUT ALYSSON & EXPOUND PUBLICITY:

Alysson Bourque is a bestselling, award-winning children's book author who began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. Alysson is the author of seven books in The Alley Cat Series, including her upcoming Christmas release. Her work has been featured in major media outlets, and she's currently developing her IP for potential adaptation, including discussions with Apple about turning her series into a cartoon.

Using the latest industry trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns tailored to each author's unique needs and goals.

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I’m joined by two powerhouse women—Alysson Bourque and Lori Orlinsky—award-winning children's book authors and the co-founders of Expound Publicity, a boutique book marketing agency built by authors, for authors.

We talk about:

• The biggest marketing mistakes new authors make
• How to get media attention (without being famous!)
• Why writing a great book isn’t enough—and what to do about it
• The story behind Expound and how it’s helping authors not just launch… but grow

Whether you're launching your first picture book or looking to breathe new life into your backlist, this episode is full of practical takeaways and author-to-author wisdom.

🎁 Free Resource Mentioned in the Episode
Writing a children’s book? Don’t miss my Scene-Building Blueprint—a free, powerful tool to help you write scenes kids can’t stop reading. It includes a plug-and-play worksheet I use myself.
👉 GET IT HERE or visit elenapaige.com

🧡 Learn more about Alysson, Lori, and Expound at:
expoundpublicity.com

MORE ABOUT ALY, LORI, & EXPOUND PUBLICITY:

Alysson Bourque is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book author who began her career as a teacher after graduating from University of Louisiana Lafayette with a degree in Elementary Education. She earned a Juris Doctor law degree from the Southern University Law Center in 2007. Alysson is the author of seven books in The Alycat Series.

Lori Orlinsky is a bestselling, award-winning children’s book author and seasoned marketer, most recently serving as the marketing director at PBS Chicago. She is the mother of three little ladies who are small but mighty. At 5’1, she wishes her children’s picture book Being Small (Isn’t So Bad After All), was around when she was growing up.

Using the latest industry trends, Expound's mission is to build a platform for an author to succeed and maintain their success as a writer. Created by a team of multi-award winning, bestselling authors, and seasoned marketers, Expound Publicity is a full-service book marketing agency specializing in custom integrated campaigns.

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

Send us Fan Mail

From Actor to Graphic Novel writer, Elisa Eliot brings her years of study and knowledge in the performing arts, and from screenwriting and producing to children's books. You'll learn about creating the most unique yet truthful characters and bringing them to life. Plus so much more!

MORE ABOUT ELISA:

Elisa Eliot began performing with the Houston Grand Opera at 12, starred in plays throughout school and won her state’s science fair before studying Drama, Literature and Playwriting at Yale, where she starred in 40 more productions. She won the lead in the Off-Broadway production of Bells of the Mill on a summer break before moving to Los Angeles, where she quickly racked up roles in TV and film. She wrote and produced the feature, A Genie’s Tail, which debuted on Showtime and is available on most streaming platforms.

On May 14 2024, Eliot released her debut graphic novel, ZAK VS. ZOMBIES through Orange Hat Publishing about a group of misfit kids who band together to save the world from the technology-obsessed talkers. As an original cast member of We’re Alive, in addition to writing and producing their upcoming spin-off, Scout’s Honor, Eliot is already an experienced zombie survivor. Eliot remains an in-demand actress, voiceover artist and creator/writer/producer while simultaneously raising twins and Jack Russell terriers and developing new animated and written content in her spare time.

WEBSITES

BOOK: https://www.zakvs.com

FILM & TV CONTENT: https://www.triplejackproductions.com, https://www.triplejackkids.com

SOCIALS

INSTA: @elisaeliot @zakvszombies

FB: https://www.facebook.com/elisa.eliot.yudofsky.nord, https://www.facebook.com/ZAKVSBooks/

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.

Send us Fan Mail

Are you stuck writing a particular book?

Feeling frustrated with your productivity?

Sick of trying strategies that never work?

Here's how to overcome all these obstacles and more: discover and work with your unique strengths! Jump into today's interview with Becca Syme, success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) where we talk all about transformation and the power of an individualised approach.

This is such a golden episode you will listen to over and over again! Also go do the Gallup Strengths Test https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/ and discover your top five strengths, so you can start being the best creative YOU!

MORE ABOUT BECCA

Becca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for over fifteen years. She’s coached over 5,000 individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike.

She is the author of the Dear Writer books and host of the Quitcast for Writers Podcast/You Tube channel, created around the content of Becca Syme’s “What to Quit, What to Keep, and What to Question” model of coaching writers.

Find out more at https://betterfasteracademy.com/

SEE THE VIDEOS ABOUT YOUR STRENGTHS http://betterfasteracademy.com/next-steps-videos

Support the show

Want to go deeper? Every week I write about the craft and psychology of writing children's books that transform young readers. It's free, it's called No More Boring Kids Books, and you can join us at nomoreboringkidsbooks.substack.com

And if you're ready to write your own children's book, The Picture Book & Middle-Grade Writing Blueprint is my complete step-by-step course.