10: George Jreije: Successfully Writing for Middle-Grade Readers and the Importance of Arab Representation and Marketing Your Book

In this episode, Sarah and Emily sit down with a traditionally published middle-grade author who has made it their mission to provide representation for Arab characters in children's literature. George Jreije discusses the inspiration behind their stories and how they incorporate their own experiences into their writing to create authentic and relatable characters without boxing them in.As a marketing extraordinaire, George delves into the importance of not letting your identity define your art but also to ensure nuanced representation to impact diverse readers. Our guest will share their insights on the state of representation in publishing and its pigeon-holing and how it's crucial for young readers to see themselves in the characters they read about.Additionally, we'll discuss the hustle that goes into marketing a book and getting it into the hands of readers. George will share their experience working with their publisher and successfully taking control of their book's promotion through social media and other avenues.We'll also discuss the challenges of navigating the publishing industry as a debut author and the importance of persistence. This episode is a must-listen for writers and readers alike who are passionate about representation in literature and the dedication it takes to market a book successfully to get in the hands of reader outside of traditional avenues. MentionsGeorge JreijeWebsiteInstagramTwitterLinkedInFacebookTikTokElixir Writing RetreatsAmerican Library Association Books Mentioned - We strongly encourage that listeners purchase these titles from their favorite indie bookstoreShad Hadid and the Alchemists of Alexandria by George JreijeShad Hadid and the Forbidden Alchemies by George JreijeFor She is Wrath by Emily VargaHope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana Come back every second Thursday for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee!Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review! It really helps the podcast, especially since we're just getting started.Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok! Come back on the first Thursday of every month for a brand new episode of On the Write Track Pod. Make sure you hit the follow button to get notified, and like and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen! Sign up to our Patreon where you can receive exclusive perks, some for as little as the cost of a coffee! Did you enjoy the episode? Please leave us a review!  Follow the podcast @OntheWriteTrackPodcast on Instagram. Also connect with Sarah and Emily on Instagram or TikTok!