EPISODE 87: The Art of Writing Young Adult with Bloomsbury Author Michelle I. Mason

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, the hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Michelle I. Mason, author of Your Life Has Been Delayed, to discuss writing young adult (YA) fiction. The conversation explores Michelle's background in public relations, her transition to writing, and the evolution of her thematic interests. Listeners gain insight into Michelle's approach to character development, the importance of authenticity, and the value of perseverance in the writing journey. Additionally, the discussion tackles the nuances of the YA category, the distinction between middle grade and YA fiction, and practical advice for aspiring writers. The episode wraps up with Michelle sharing her process of balancing entertainment with meaningful themes in her novels. 00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers 00:31 Meet Michelle Mason: Author of 'Your Life Has Been Delayed' 01:46 Michelle's Writing Journey 03:32 Finding Her Voice in Young Adult Fiction 05:55 Differences Between Teen and Adult Voices 07:45 Navigating Middle Grade and Young Adult Categories 12:50 Writing Process: Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser? 14:54 Handling Complex Issues in YA Writing 19:08 Balancing Busy Lives and Storytelling 19:45 Exploring Speculative Fiction 20:07 Character Development and Personal Connections 23:43 Research and Authenticity in Writing 26:30 Inspiration Behind the Stories 28:20 YA Tropes and Creative Twists 33:12 The Journey of Writing and Publishing 36:37 Advice for Aspiring Writers 37:30 Conclusion and FarewellFind out more about Michelle I. Mason HERE!Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit waywordwriters.substack.com