Guest author Lesa Cline-Ransome gets into it about writing nonfiction (particularly biographical) picture books. Like, how does she choose subjects? How does she decide HOW to tell the story, do research, and get a new angle on a topic we might think we already know? Plus, what is it like to have a partner who is also the illustrator for your picture books? Annnnd, we discuss Lesa's brand-new debut Middle Grade novel, FINDING LANGSTON.

* The Literaticast has a Patreon! 

* Find me on the Twitters!

* Find Lesa Cline-Ransome on Twitter, or on her website!
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* 44 PAGES - A documentary about Highlights Magazine and the production of the 70th anniversary issue, Inon Netflix

* KIM'S CONVENIENCE - A funny and heartwarming sitcom about a Korean-Canadian family, also on Netflix. (Both OK for kiddos.)

* Want to procrastinate? Spend time on Apartment Therapy.

* One of our fave shows on HBO, INSECURE is about to start its third season! (Not for kiddos...)

I talk about the qualities of my "ideal author" besides, like, writing awesome books. Author Martha Brockenbrough joins me to rap about such topics as: Writing in multiple categories; the difference between writing fiction and  nonfiction; the value of saying YES to opportunity, and more. We then take a look at the subject of her newest book, a man who may have said YES at least two times too many... founding father Alexander Hamilton. HAMTASTIC! Oh and we discuss Santa, do a dog poet storytime, and I not-so-subtly beg for a special ARC.

• The Patreon - throw in a buck, and you'll get access to future guest info, and you just might win books!
• I'm on Twitter @literaticat - Martha is on twitter @mbrockenbrough
• Martha Brockenbrough's website, for lots more info on her and her books!
• ALEXANDER HAMILTON: REVOLUTIONARY gota starred review from SLJ! It will be out in the world on 9/5.
• A-Ham's motto was ALL FOR LOVE - you can get a necklace with this motto in his own handwriting. (Bless!)
• Books we mention, click covers to purchase or pre-order from your local indie bookstore. (Note that I got the Anya Seton book title incorrect in the 'cast!):

I rant a bit about "girl books" and "boy books", then I am joined by David Elliott, the brilliant author of BULL, the ORQ series, and much more. His books are generally hilarious, and his latest YA is in verse, so we talk about having an "ear" for comedy and poetry. We talk about novels in verse, and David sheds light on his process, talks about Jungian analysis, and gabs about Greek myths and Joan of Arc. David also gives his advice for both how to take criticism of your writing... and how to GIVE it. And he reaches into the archives to give some book recommendations, including TUCK EVERLASTING. :-)

SHOW NOTES

* The Literaticast has a Patreon! Throw in a buck and you'll get a chance to ask questions on the podcast as well as the chance to win books!

* David and I will both be mentors at the "Big Sur on Cape Cod" writers workshop, Sept 22-24 -- it's an intense opportunity to dig into your writing and get feedback from publishing professionals, and there are a few spots left!

* I couldn't find the WSJ article that David referenced, but I did find this fantastic NPR piece in which Kwame Alexander talks about getting kids interested in poetry, and the power of poetic play.

* Check out David Elliott's website, especially all the praise for BULL. (IT's a seriously amazing book!)

YA author Mackenzi Lee joins me to talk about, well, almost everything, from book deal depression to hitting milestones like the NYT Bestseller List. We also cover: how to tackle historical research (and when to get anachronistic); cross-dressing fencers; Dutch tulip-mania; a lady painter of the Italian Baroque; 1980's women wrestlers -- this is a wide-ranging conversation with a fascinating author. 

SHOW NOTES

* The Literaticast has a Patreon: Throw in a buck and you could win books, as well as have the opportunity to ask questions of our guests, and more.
* My twitter: @literaticat  -- Mackenzi Lee's twitter: @themackenzilee
* Buy Mackenzi Lee's latest book: THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO VICE AND VIRTUE!
* Pre-order Mackenzi's next book: BYGONE BADASS BROADS: Forgotten Women who Changed History
* Check out more of these Bygone Badass Broads in these archived twitter-stories.
* For a most fascinating look at the life and mind of the woman who invented the modern children's book industry, read DEAR GENIUS, the letters of Ursula Nordstrom. HIGHLY recommend!
* Mackenzi recommends you pre-order BLOOD, WATER, PAINT by Joy McCullough.
* TV Corner: Jenn thinks you should watch G.L.O.W. and Mackenzi thinks you should watch THE BOLD TYPE.

​In this episode, I answer my most frequently asked question: What the heck is a literary agent, anyway? And author and professor Laurel Snyder is on hand to talk about Imposter Syndrome, mid-list author mania, crafty plots (and how to keep 'em moving), avoiding creative burnout, and more.

SHOW NOTES

• Visit Laurel Snyder's website
• Buy Laurel's latest books, ORPHAN ISLAND and CHARLIE AND MOUSE, from your friendly local bookseller!
• Jenn on Twitter: @literaticat
• Laurel on Twitter: @laurelsnyder