Season 3 Episode 8:How Reese Witherspoon’s Lit Up Program Helped Ariel Vinson Land a Penguin Teen Book Deal

Send us Fan MailAriel Vinson joins us to share her fascinating journey from the world of journalism to becoming a creative writer. With a background that combines journalism, creative writing, and even apparel merchandising, Ariel's story is full of unexpected twists and valuable lessons. Her time as an intern in New York City was eye-opening, shifting her focus from reporting news to crafting her own narratives. Discover how Ariel's journalism skills have shaped her storytelling and the role a pivotal diversity program played in deepening her passion for poetry and fiction.Tune in as Ariel reflects on her transformative experience pursuing an MFA in writing, where she discovered the power of writing in verse. Under the guidance of a supportive thesis advisor, Ariel’s debut novel was born, evolving from prose to verse with a setting as dynamic as a skating rink. She shares the liberating challenges of capturing emotional depth with brevity and the exciting process of applying for the Reese Witherspoon Lit Up program. Ariel's insights into crafting a novel in verse are not to be missed, offering a glimpse into the nuances of balancing lyricism with narrative drive.The journey doesn't stop there. Ariel opens up about the exhilarating process of submitting her debut novel, from receiving offers from literary agents to the thrill of an auction with editors at Penguin Teen. Her story is a masterclass in balancing creativity and marketing, especially after transitioning from a marketing job to part-time writing and teaching. Ariel's strategies for managing writing tasks with tools like Scrivener and Airtable are invaluable, as she dives into drafting her second novel, rich with themes relevant to Black high school students. Join us for a conversation that highlights the freedom and adaptability of the writing journey, filled with Ariel's infectious enthusiasm and wisdom.https://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener-affiliate.html?fpr=craftchat Support the show🎙️ Craft Chat Chronicles with J.D. Myall Candid conversations on writing, publishing, and creative life — featuring bestselling authors, MFA students, and writers at every stage of the journey.About J.D. Myall J.D. Myall is the co-chair of Drexel University’s MFA Alumni Association and a publishing and library professional. She is the creator and host of Craft Chat Chronicles, where she interviews authors, agents, and industry insiders about the art and business of writing.Her work has appeared in Ms. Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and HuffPost. Her debut novel, Heart’s Gambit, releases with Wednesday Books/Macmillan in February 2026.When she’s not conjuring magic, murder, and mayhem on the page, J.D. mentors emerging writers through workshops and alumni programs, fostering community among aspiring and published authors alike.💜 Connect with J.D. Myall 📸 Instagram 🌐 Website & Media Kit 💌 Newsletter 🔗 LinktreeWatch episodes on YouTube as well. 💜 Level up your writing process with Scrivener — the ...