PODCAST · arts
My Messy Muse
by Michele McAvoy (host)
A podcast to inspire your kidlit journey through interviews with authors, illustrators, agents & editors who share their own personal struggles.
Episodes
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My Messy Muse- Episode 53- Poetry for Young Readers
In this Episode we discuss poetry for young readers, from picture books to middle-grade, with traditionally published authors, Chris Baron, Michelle Schaub, and Angela Shanté. Be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse If you are interested in a...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 52- Kidlit BITS #4- Teachers Pay Teachers
Kidlit BITs- Bite Sized Informational Takeaways! On this Episode learn about how to get your FREE book resources into the hands of teachers. If you are not already a member, be sure to join the My Messy Muse community on Facebook to continue the conversation and meet like minded individuals who...
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My Messy Muse - Episode 51- 2020 Year in Review, Picture Books!
Celebrate Picture Books! 2020 was a difficult year for everyone yet beautiful books published. In this Episode, we celebrate new picture books that released in 2020. We celebrate their authors, illustrators, stories, and journeys. If you are not already a member, be sure to join the My Messy Muse...
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My Messy Muse-Episode 50- Self Publishing: Should I or Shouldn't I?
You desperately want to be published. You have your story, you think it's perfect, do you try the traditional route or do you self-publish? In this My Messy Muse kidlit podcast Episode 50, Michele McAvoy interviews April Cox, a successful self-published kidlit author who works with other kidlit...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 49- Writing Holiday Books
Have a winter holiday idea but think that market is too crowded? Have a holiday story manuscript but don't know when the best time to shop it is? Have a new holiday books, but don't know how to get started marketing during such a crazy time. In this Episode 49 of the My Messy Muse #kidlit podcast...
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My Messy Muse Episode 48- #TeacherFeature: Flip Grid Part II: Connecting Authors + Students
In this #TeacherFeature Part II of Flipgrid for authors with Educator Collaborator & Flipgrid ambassador, Nicole Mancini (aka "Miss Nikki") we dive a little bit deeper into how to use the platform to connect with students. Flipgrid is a great way to market your book and get in front of the kids...
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My Messy Muse Episode 47- #TeacherFeature- FlipGrid 101 For Authors + Educators
Flipgrid 101 for Authors & Educators. Have you heard of Flipgrid? Authors, ever wonder how you could use Flipgrid to connect with your young audience? Educators, ever wonder how to use Flipgrid to connect your students with authors and other creatives? This is your Episode! FlipGrid 101 will give...
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My Messy Muse Episode 46- NerdCamp for Kidlit Explained
Ever heard of Nerdcamp? What is a Nerdcamp? What's all the rave? How can you present at a Nerdcamp? In this My Messy Muse Episode, I tell you what NerdCamps are, how to register, how to get yourself on a panel, and what to expect the day of. This Episode will take the mystery out of NerdCamps and...
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Episode 45- #TeacherFeature- Distance Learning During the Pandemic Roundtable
A roundtable discussion about "crisis" learning during Covid-19 with special guests Cornelius Minor (literacy equity expert, educator, & author), Kelly Gallagher (science teacher), and Elaine Mendez (vice-principal) with Nicole Mancini (5th grade ELA teacher and My Messy Muse educator…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 44- Pinterest 101 for Creatives with Debbie Gonzales
Pinterest 101 for Creatives. Did you know that Pinterest is a fantastic tool to grow your author platform and sell books! Learn how to use Pinterest to your advantage as an author. It's not just for finding cool recipes! Part of a series on Building your Author Platform. In this Episode Pinterest...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 43- Kidlit BITS #3- Keeping Momentum During Quarantine
Friends, what a messy time we are living in right now. The Corona outbreak may have disrupted your author/illustrator momentum, but we can take some of that momentum back. What should you be doing right now during quarantine for your author/illustrator business? This Episode will give you some...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 42- #TeacherFeature Navigating Distance Learning with Miss Nikki & Special Guests
What a crazy and scary time it is! Right now schools are closed across the country and we try to flatten the curve of the spread of Covid-19. Educators are thrown a curveball and forced to teach their students virtually. Listen here for insights and support on how to navigate distance learning...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 41- #TeacherFeature- A Frank Perspective on Read Across America Week
My Messy Muse Educator Collaborator, Nicole Mancini, 5th-grade ELA teacher with 17+ years experience, provides her honest opinion about Read Across America Week and how we can change it for the better! Dr. Seuss Books Can Be Racist, But Students Keep Reading Them Is 'The Cat in the Hat' Racist?…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 40- Kidlit BITS #2 (Swag)
Kidlit BITS- bite sized informational takeaways. Little things Michele learns long away. Paying it forward to her Kidlit community. Learn more about host Michele McAvoy at www.michelemcavoy.com Follow Michele on Twitter @michele_mcavoy and Instagram @michelemcavoy
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My Messy Muse- Episode 39- President's Day Interview with Author Eileen Meyer
Eileen Meyer writes picture books and poetry. Her works include The Superlative A. Lincoln: Poems About Our 16th President (Charlesbridge) – a 2020 ILLINOIS READS selection for grades 3-5; Sweet Dreams, Wild Animals, and other titles. Eileen loves visiting schools and working with K-8 students.…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 38- #Classroom Speed-dating with Author Alastair Heim
Our most popular segment #Classroom Speeddating is back with Author Alastair Heim. Listen in as we put Alastair in the hot seat to answer lots and lots of questions from elementary school students. You will learn everything there is to know about good ol' Alastair. lol! Alastair Heim is the…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 37- It's a #BookClub Wrap!- Interview with Skylark & Wallcreeper Author, Anne O'Brien Carelli-
We wrap up our very first My Messy Muse #Bookclub read of- SKYLARK & WALLCREEPER! Listen to this interview with MG author Anne O'Brien Carelli as she answers all of our burning questions. Anne O'Brien Carelli is the author of adult nonfiction, the Middle- Grade book Skylark and Wallcreeper, and…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 36- Interview with Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan (picture book)
Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan is a former elementary reading specialist who now devotes herself to writing for children and visiting schools. She is the author of Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3, Grace Zong ill. (Peachtree), I'm Done! Catherine Lazar Odell ill. (Holiday House) and Button and Bundle,...
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My Messy Muse-Episode 35- Kidlit BITS #1 (Bite-Sized Informational Takeaways)
My Messy Muse Kidlit BITS, Bite-sized Information Takeaways, tells you the small things we learn along the way. Why not share with friends? Small things can have a big impact. Learn more about host, Michele McAvoy, at www.michelemcavoy.com If you are interested in a school visit with host Michele...
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Episode 34- #TeacherFeature with Miss Nikki (host)- NCTE Discussion with Sarah Cannon (author) and Julie Guthrie
Listen in to our first Teacher Feature with My Messy Muse Educator Collaborator, Nicole Mancini - aka Miss Nikki as she leads a discussion with middle-grade author Sarah Cannon and 2018 NJ Teacher of the Year Julie Guthrie. What happens at NCTE. How can educators and authors collaborate? Be sure…
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Episode 33- Interview with Jess Redman Middle Grade Author
Interview with Middle-Grade author Jess Redman. Her debut, The Miraculous, published with FSG/Macmillan on July 30, 2019 and received a starred review from Kirkus. Her second middle-grade novel, QUINTESSENCE, will be out in May, 2020. Jess is from Florida. Aside from being an author, she is also...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 32- Interview with Patricia Toht (picture book author)
Patricia Toht is a children's book author from Chicago, Illinois. She is the author of four picture books – ALL ABOARD THE LONDON BUS (illustrated by Sam Usher), DRESS LIKE A GIRL (illustrated by Lorian Tu), and PICK A PINE TREE and PICK A PUMPKIN (illustrated by Jarvis) which both received…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 31- #TeacherFeature with Educator Nicole Mancini
This #TeacherFeature with Nicole Mancini (a.k.a.- Miss Nikki), My Messy Muse's official Educator Collaborator, discusses book clubs in the classroom! What is a book club? How to organize a book club? How to get the kids excited to do book clubs? Lots of great tips in this #TeacherFeature! Book...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 30- Interview with AnnieLynnBird Music- KidLit Music Artist
Annie Lynn is a songwriter from Pennsylvania. She is the President and Chief Composer at AnnieBirdd Music, LLC. She began writing songs when she was 14 while acting in Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream." At 14 she wrote a nature song entitled "Listen," that was shown on CBS. Today, Annie...
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My Messy Muse Episode 29- Writing for Children From Tragedy
On the Anniversary of 9/11 we recognize that tragedy can and does strike, and that bad things happen to good people- good people in our kidlit community. This episode reflects on my own personal tragedy which propelled me to write, to eventually write through the sadness and to eventually write...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 28- Interview with Jodi McKay (picture book author)
Jodi McKay lives in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan with her husband, son, and a couple of furry friends. She has two books published by Albert Whitman & Co., WHERE ARE THE WORDS? (2016) and, PENCIL'S PERFECT PICTURE (2019). Jodi is the PAL coordinator and soon to be co-regional advisor for…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 27- Interview with Julie Gonzalez Picture Book Author
Julie Gonzalez is a children's book author living in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. In a past life, she was a 3rd-grade teacher in New Jersey. Her debut How Could a Bear Sleep Here? with Holiday House released 2018. You can find out more about Julie at www.juliegonzalez.com You can follow...
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My Messy Muse Episode 26- Interview with Graphic Novelist & Cartoonist Jarod Rosello (Middle Grade)
JAROD ROSELLÓ is a Cuban American cartoonist, writer, and teacher originally from Miami, Florida. He holds an MFA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Penn State University. He is the author and artist of The Well-Dressed Bear Will (Never) be Found, the middle-grade...
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My Messy Muse-Episode 25- Interview with Holly Niner (picture book author)
Holly Niner is children's picture book author with four published titles. Her books include No More Noisy Nights and The Day I Ran Away both with Flashlight Press and both received a Gold Mom's Choice award and were nominated for Mississippi Magnolia Children's Choice award 2019. No More Noisy...
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My Messy Muse-Episode 24-Interview with Wendy Swore (Middle Grade Author)
Wendy Swore is a middle-grade author with her debut novel released March 2019, A MONSTER LIKE ME, published with Shadow Mountain. A MONSTER LIKE ME is a story about self-acceptance and bullying and we celebrate this story and Wendy's personal story on My Messy Muse in honor of Children's Mental...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 23- Personal Branding with Kidlit Specialist Oanh Jordan
What are the biggest mistakes we make in kidlit marketing? Oanh Jordan, a brand strategist and the founder of Tiny Triumph Co., a literary marketing consulting firm in Portland, Oregon, provides her insight into kidlit marketing & personal branding. Oanh spent over 10 years as a Marketing & Sales...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 22- Interview with Andria Rosenbaum (Picture Book Author)
In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, an interview with Picture Book Author Andria Warmflash Rosenbaum. Andria has 6 published picture books, her most recent book HAND IN HAND, is an early introduction for children to the Holocaust. Andria has been a member of SCBWI for more years than she can...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 21- #KindiLove Interview with Dan Saks Creator of Noodle Loaf Children's Top-Rated Podcast
Interview with Dan Saks creator and host of the top-rated interactive music podcast for kids, Noodle Loaf! Dan is a father, a musician and a music educator trained in the Orff-Shulwerk approach to music education. He records his podcast from his home in Switzerland. Noodle Loaf invites the family...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 20- #LibrarianLessons with Ilana Bachrach- Author Visits for Children with Special Needs
In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, Ilana Bachrach the media specialist with Spectrum360, a school for children and adolescents across the full spectrum of autism and with behavioral and related disabilities, opens our minds to offering author school visits for children with special needs.…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 19- Interview with Sally J. Pla (author)
Sally J. Pla is the award-winning author of the acclaimed middle-grade novels THE SOMEDAY BIRDS and STANLEY WILL PROBABLY BE FINE, and the picture book, BENJI, THE BAD DAY, & ME. Her books are Junior Library Guild Selections with starred reviews, and they have appeared on many awards lists and...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 18- Interview with Diana Murray, Children's Book Author
Diana Murray is a children's book author of 10+ titles including, One Snowy Day (SourceBooks); City Shapes (Little Brown); Grimelda the Witch series (Harper Collins); Summer Color (Little Brown); Pizza Pig (Random House); Ned the Knitting Pirate (Roaring Brook/Macmillan); Groggle's Monster...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 17- Interview with Middle-Grade Author Jarrett Lerner
Jarrett Lerner is the middle-grade author of EngiNerds and its sequel, Revenge of the EngiNerds, as well as the forthcoming Geeger the Robot series (all published by Simon & Schuster/Aladdin). He cofounded and helps run the MG Book Village, an online hub for all things Middle Grade, and is the...
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My Messy Muse Episode 16- #LibrarianLessons with Media Specialist Bibiana Prada
Bibiana Prada, teacher, and media specialist for 20+ years and co-founder of EdCamp Urban and Ed Camp After Hours, gives advice on how to find grant money to stack your stacks! No longer be intimidated about asking for money. Ask away and fill your library with beautiful books! Follow Bibiana…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 15- Interview with Laurie Wallmark Nonfiction Picture Book Author
Laurie Wallmark is children's picture book author with three published non-fiction titles: Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine (Creston Books, 2015)- Starred Reviews from Kirkus, Publisher's Weekly, Booklist, School Library Journal; Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code (Sterling, 2017)-...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 14- Classroom #Speeddating with Picture Book Author Josh Funk
My Messy Muse peppers picture book author Josh Funk with questions submitted by Second Grade students in a "speeddating environment," timer and all! How will Josh answer under such extreme pressure? lol! Listen in! www.joshfunkbooks.com
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My Messy Muse Episode 13- To Conference or Not To Conference? That is the Question
To Conference or Not to Conference? That is the Question. In this Episode, Michele McAvoy will discuss the conferences she plans to attend. She will provide suggestions and advice on #kidlit conferences, both traditional, online and free! Material discussed in this Episode. Traditional…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 12- Interview with Lakita Wilson SCBWI On the Verge Emerging Voices Award
Lakita Wilson is the recipient of a 2017 SCBWI "On the Verge Emerging Voices Award" for her middle-grade contemporary fiction manuscript, BOOKS LIKE ME. Lakita is an MFA student at Vermont College of Fine Arts- Writing for Children and Young Adults. She writes picture books, middle grade and…
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My Messy Muse- Episode 11- #TeacherFeature with Educator Erin Varley
My Messy Muse- Episode 11- #TeacherFeature with 5th Grade Educator Erin Varley 5th Grade Educator (for 12 years!) Erin Varley shares her and her students favorite book activities. Erin is active in the kidlit community and expands upon her book knowledge and authors resources to provide her...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 10- Interview with Leslie C. Youngblood- Award-winning Middle Grade Author with Disney Hyperion
Leslie C. Youngblood is an award-winning middle-grade author with Disney Hyperion. Her debut novel Love Like Sky released November 6, 2018. In this My Messy Muse interview Leslie tells us about her favorite character to write and the character with whom she most identifies. She talks about her...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 9- Interview with Hannah Carmona Dias- Picture Book Author
Please join us in the My Messy Muse private community on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mymessymuse Are you a picture book writer interested in a critique? Michele is currently open for picture book critiques. Please visit her at www.michelemcavoy.com/workwithme. Are you a teacher, librarian or...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 8- Twitter for Kidlit Talent- Learn how to use Twitter to expand your kidlit network and grow your following
In this Episode Michele discusses how to use Twitter to grow your kidlit network and socialize with other kidlit talent and fans. Whether you're just starting out or a veteran in the kidlit industry, you will learn something from this Episode. Twitter is a proverbial playground for kidlit talent,...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 7- Interview with Kathie Maclsaac- Children's Librarian and Co-Founder of MG Book Village shares an activity for Multicultural Children's Book Day on January 25th
Kathie Maclsaac Children's Librarian and co-founder of MG Book Village provides ideas for engaging children for Multicultural Children's Book Day, January 25th. Kathie shares with listeners one of her most successful activities she uses to engage her young patrons at the library. The activity is...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 6- Interview with Jackie Yeager - Middle Grade Author of the Crimson Five Series; Spin the Golden Lightbulb & Flip the Silver Switch with Amberjack Publishing
Jackie Yeager is a middle-grade author of the Crimson Five Series; Award-winning Spin the Golden Lightbulb (January 2018) and Flip the Silver Switch (August 2018) with Amberjack Publishing. Jackie tells us her inspiration for this creative STEM story set in the future about 5 kids who enter an...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 5- Stephanie Hansen (Senior Agent #AskAnAgent Series)- Get Answers To All Of Your Agent Questions.
Don't miss this interview with Stephanie Hansen, senior agent and owner of Metamorphosis Literary Agency as she answers all of your agent/publishing questions. Stephanie will open up for queries from December 17, 2018 through December 21, 2019 for My Messy Muse members ONLY. It's free to join the...
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My Messy Muse- Episode 4- Interview with Rob Vlock (author): Middle Grade Novelist (Sven Carter Series) Dishes on Writing Process & Inspiration.
An interview with Rob Vlock, a middle grade author with two novels published with Simon & Schuster, Sven Carter & The Trashmouth Effect and Sven Carter & the Android Army. Rob talks about his inspiration for his crazy characters, what drove him to write for children and how writing helped him...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A podcast to inspire your kidlit journey through interviews with authors, illustrators, agents & editors who share their own personal struggles.
HOSTED BY
Michele McAvoy (host)
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does My Messy Muse have?
My Messy Muse currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is My Messy Muse about?
A podcast to inspire your kidlit journey through interviews with authors, illustrators, agents & editors who share their own personal struggles.
How often does My Messy Muse release new episodes?
My Messy Muse has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to My Messy Muse?
You can listen to My Messy Muse on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts My Messy Muse?
My Messy Muse is created and hosted by Michele McAvoy (host).
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