Breaking Through Writer's Block: A Journey with Barbara Dee into 'Unstuck'

In this episode, sit down with critically acclaimed author Barbara Dee to delve into her latest middle-grade novel, Unstuck. Listeners are treated to a sneak peek into this novel that follows protagonist Lyla as she grapples with anxiety, writer's block, and the pressures of meeting a writing contest deadline while trying to rescue her older sister, Dahlia, both on and off the page. Barbara Dee's insightful discussion offers aspiring writers and readers alike a glimpse into the creative process and the power of storytelling to tackle real-life issues with empathy and heart. Tune in to this enlightening episode for a behind-the-scenes look at "Unstuck" and Barbara's journey as a middle-grade author. Transcription: ⁠You can read the ⁠transcription on ⁠The Children's Book Review (coming soon)⁠⁠. Order a Copy: Unstuck on ⁠Amazon⁠ or ⁠Bookshop.org⁠. Discussion Topics: Barbara Dee Talks About: Her passion for writing books for middle schoolers and how she draws from her own emotional memories to create authentic stories that resonate with young readers. How the genesis of Unstuck was sparked by kids' questions about writer's block during school visits and in emails. The importance of addressing emotional struggles in her work. How themes of friendship, sisterhood, and breaking free from preconceptions are woven throughout the book. The importance of writing from the heart and authenticity in character dialogue—emphasizing the need for different levels of speech to sound authentic for each character. Being open to trying different solutions when facing creative struggles, whether it's writer's block or navigating the complexities of middle school friendships. For more information, visit https://barbaradeebooks.com/.