42: Creativity in Crisis with guest author Rebecca Stead

4/4/2020

Author Rebecca Stead (WHEN YOU REACH ME, LIAR AND SPY, among others) joins me to talk about her creative process -- as well as such important topics as revision with book maps, finding an authentic voice, giving yourself permission to suck, shutting down your inner critic, the annoyingness of the word "tween", and the restorative power of watching other people bake things. I'll also let her tell you a bit about her latest novel, out this week: THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE!

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Show Notes:

* The Literaticast has a Patreon. Throw in a buck and help me keep the show going.

* Find me on Twitter. Find Rebecca Stead on Twitter.

* The 92nd Street Y is closed at the moment, but they have a full roster of online events, including writing workshops!

* The Highlights Foundation has amazing workshops throughout the year - though they are closed right now, there are still online opportunities -- including free craft seminars!

* Rebecca shares her "Book Map" template

* I'm obsessed with the Bon Appetit Test Kitchen YouTube channel!

* Rebecca is obsessed with @WednesdayChef on Insta!

Books We Discussed:

Signed copies of Rebecca Stead's books are available at Oblong Books while supplies last!

6 Comments

Mia Macrossan link

4/8/2020 08:36:46 pm

Fascinating discussion about the term 'tween', a marketing term that is sexist and patronizing. Also Stead's views on writing honestly for the middle grade age group which means real life. I am reminded of Karen Foxlee's Lenny's Book of Everything which is often put into the YA category but is really a middle grade book.

Paulette

5/18/2020 04:36:20 pm

I loved this podcast. Thanks so much to Ms. Laughran and Ms. Stead! Thanks so much for sharing your working process, Ms. Stead. Also--since I cook and am sheltering at home in Morningside Heights, I will check out both of the cooking bloggy things that you mentioned--the Berlin chef and the Bon Appetit test kitchen videos. That all sounds perfect. I look forward to reading THE LIST OF THINGS THAT WILL NOT CHANGE. In the time of Corona, that title sounds especially promising.

Kyra Teis link

5/22/2020 03:36:50 pm

Timely! I just had the pleasure of reading When You Reach Me with my 11-yr old. Hadn’t revisited since I read it when it came out with my now 16 yr-old. So great to hear about Rebecca’s thinking for this mind-blowing book!!!

Janee Trasler link

6/14/2020 08:09:18 pm

This was my favorite Literaticast ever! I found inspiration, reassurance, and entertainment. The only thing that threw me was how much Rebecca Stead sounds like Paget Brewster from Criminal Minds. :-O

Kristin Mahoney link

7/26/2020 12:34:17 pm

This podcast felt like a hug; so wonderful to hear Rebecca's thoughts on writing for this age group

Gary link

8/16/2020 05:04:39 pm

Always of fan of Rebecca Stead ... and thanks for the book mapping idea. It might just replace my sticky note story mapping magnet board : )