S2 Ep 7: Packing a punch and being purposeful with your language plus more writing insight with Allie Millington

Plotting, outlines, multiple points of view, and developing distinct characters are some of the things we talked with Allie Millington about today after reading her latest Middle Grade novel, Once for Yes.Here were a few of our favorite lines that stood out to us as we read:* Alexis: “Friendships are like water leaks. Who knows how they start.”* Brittany: “But sometimes it’s the things you lose that are the heaviest to hold.”Share your favorite lines!Further down in the description you can read more about the book, where to buy your own copy, and what we are doing next.You can listen to the podcast above or on Apple Podcasts. We also have transcripts available if listening is not for you. Note: Transcripts on Substack are only available in the web version, not the app.We would love to hear what you thought of the book and our talk with the author.Music credits: Will SaulnierAbout Allie MillingtonAllie is the author of two middle grade novels and has also released her first book in a picture book series. Allie’s first middle grade book Olivetti received numerous accolades including USA Today Bestseller and Indie Bookstore Bestseller.About Once for YesFrom the author of the national bestseller, Olivetti, praised by Tom Hanks as "a great favor" for readers.This heartfelt novel celebrates the healing power of community and the endurance of love, perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Peter Brown.The Odenburgh, an old apartment building made of brick and blunt opinions, is the last of its kind in a swiftly changing neighborhood. After years of putting up with people and their many problems, the Odenburgh knows there’s no point in getting attached. They all just leave eventually. A truth that comes all too soon when the building is sold and slated for demolition, giving tenants a month to move out. No one is more troubled by the news than eleven-year-old Prue, who refuses to leave her family’s apartment. Not when it was the last place she lived with her sister Lina, before she lost Lina forever. When Prue launches a plan to save their home, the Odenburgh joins in—flickering lights, jamming elevators, triggering fire alarms—all to try and bring a building full of bickering residents together. In the process, Prue meets Lewis, an eccentric boy who lives across the street—and the only one who can help her discover the missing elements of her sister’s story. Heartfelt and bursting with a community of unique characters, Once For Yes is a testament to the endurance of love and the people we carry with us, wherever we go.Thanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.Looking aheadThanks for reading Read to Write Kidlit Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readtowritekidlit.substack.com