BackStory Podcast

In this episode, April shares how a terrifying night in her Portland apartment set her on a path to become a master of suspense, with 32 published books and counting. You'll discover the behind-the-scenes details of that night, her journey from small-town Oregon to the bestseller list, and how real-life trauma transforms into fiction that hooks thousands of readers. We break down April's meticulous research, her favorite twists, and how her own vulnerabilities shape her storytelling. You’ll hear how her real-life brush with danger inspired her fascination with true crime, her extraordinary research methods (including creating a real-life canteen for her next book), and why she believes tenacity is the secret ingredient to success in writing—and in life. Whether you're an aspiring author, a thriller junkie, or someone seeking courage in adversity, this episode provides a blueprint for turning life’s scars into stories that captivate and inspire.Perfect for fans of crime thrillers, aspiring writers, or anyone looking for a dose of resilience, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it means to survive—and why stories of survival matter. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a close call into a catalyst for creativity, April Henry’s backstory is a masterclass in resilience, research, and storytelling magic. April Henry is a bestselling author known for her gripping thrillers and meticulous research, blending her personal experiences with her storytelling craft.

Listen to NYT bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen recount the backstory of this thriller author. 

Most writers dream of creating stories that truly matter — but for Ibi Zoboi, it’s also about the impact her words have on marginalized youth and those feeling invisible. In this powerful episode, she reveals how her Haitian roots, personal loss, and desire to be seen fuel her storytelling and her fight to keep diverse voices alive in literature.Ibi shares how her early experiences navigating language barriers, cultural expectations, and the challenge of finding her own voice shaped her work as a novelist, poet, and advocate. She discusses her groundbreaking books—like American Street, a National Book Award finalist, and Nigeria Jones, a critically acclaimed novel celebrating marginalized girls—and how these stories serve as mirrors for readers who often go unheard.Ibi Zoboi is a critically acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author, known for her powerful narratives that elevate Black and immigrant voices. Her work challenges the status quo and inspires countless young readers to see themselves in stories that demand to be heard.

Join Jennifer A. Nielsen as she shares the powerful backstory of a New York Times bestselling author. 

Most writers face rejection, doubt, and the overwhelming odds of success, but Brandon Mull’s relentless determination turned a childhood dream into a successful career. His journey from struggling beginner to bestselling author proves that perseverance, a love for storytelling, and embracing failure are the secret ingredients to breaking through.Guest Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven and numerous series, with over 31 books sold worldwide. Known for his inventive ideas and tenacious spirit, Brandon continues to push the boundaries of fantasy storytelling. 

Jennifer A. Nielsen shares the backstory how this writer became a beloved bestselling author. 

NYT bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Aaron N. Hall. He is the author of The Legend of Uh, the Wevlian Chronicles, the Hammerfist series, and multiple collections of stories and poems. When he’s not writing (which isn’t often), he’s doing nonprofit work, lifting heavy things, reading a book, or sipping a cup of tea. Listen along as they break down his indie author journey and the ins and outs of social media marketing for authors. 

Welcome to season 5! Join Jennifer A. Nielsen as she outlines this author's journey from struggling indie author to internet success. 

Join us on the Backstory Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Amber McBride, an award-winning author and poet. From her early days of writing poignant poetry in a predominantly white school to her acclaimed novels, Amber shares her experiences of overcoming rejection, embracing her unique voice, and the profound influence of her cultural heritage. Discover how Amber's passion for storytelling and her commitment to authenticity have shaped her career and continue to inspire readers of all ages.

Listen to author Jennifer A. Nielsen share the backstory of an award-winning poet. Featuring sneak peaks at the poet's first writings and most recent writings. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Soman Chainani, the creative mind behind "The School for Good and Evil" series. In this interview, Soman shares his journey from writing bestselling novels to seeing them adapted into a Netflix film. Discover his thoughts on storytelling, the challenges of adapting books for the screen, and the impact of his work on young readers. Soman also discusses the future of literature in the age of AI and offers advice for aspiring writers. Don't miss this engaging discussion with one of today's most innovative authors.

Jennifer Nielsen tells the story of how our author's bestselling novels transitioned from the page to a Netflix film, captivating audiences worldwide. She shares the challenges of adapting his work for the screen.

Join us on the Backstory Podcast as we dive into the world of storytelling with New York Times bestselling author Kate Messner. Discover how Kate's insatiable curiosity fuels her diverse writing career, from picture books to graphic novels. Learn about her journey from teaching middle school to becoming a celebrated author, and how her passion for history and adventure shapes her stories. Whether you're an aspiring writer or a book lover, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Don't miss out on Kate's tales of climbing the Adirondack peaks and her adventures in international school visits. Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the power of stories to connect and inspire. #Storytelling #KateMessner #Podcast

In this episode of the BackStory podcast, Jennifer A. Nielsen shares the story of how Kate rose from an overlooked intern to a trusted news producer, faced rejection head-on, and received advice that would shape her writing career forever: Don’t try to be someone else. Find your own voice.

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Nick Brooks, an award-winning author and filmmaker. They discuss Nick's multifaceted career in storytelling across various mediums, including literature, film, and music. Nick shares his early influences, the power of storytelling, and the importance of respecting the narratives he creates. He reflects on impactful experiences with young readers, his creative process, and the challenges he has faced in his career. The conversation also touches on his aspirations in film and the unique ways he combines music with storytelling.

Host Jennifer A. Nielsen tells the back story of an artist, musician, author, and educator, who was once just an child in a low-income school district. But a child of promise. 

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Brodi Ashton, a New York Times bestselling author known for her works like the Everneath series and My Lady Jane. They discuss Brodi's upbringing influenced by Greek mythology, her experiences in school, the challenges of procrastination, and the impact of COVID-19 on her creativity. Brodi shares her journey from education to writing, the importance of accepting limitations, and the collaborative process of co-writing. The conversation highlights the resilience required to navigate personal and professional challenges, ultimately emphasizing the importance of storytelling.

In this episode, Jennifer Nielsen shares the powerful story of bestselling author Brodi, whose once-effortless writing career came to a halt after a severe battle with COVID left her with brain fog and depression. As deadlines slipped and doubt crept in, Brodi made the difficult decision to seek help, discovering the life-changing power of setting boundaries and saying "no." Her journey is a reminder that even in our lowest moments, recovery is possible, and great careers can be built not in spite of our limitations, but because of how we grow through them. 

In this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray. They discuss Ayana's childhood creativity, her journey to becoming an author, and the influential books that shaped her. Ayana shares her experiences with writing, the challenges of pursuing a writing career, and the balance between confidence and humility in the literary world.

This conversation explores the journey of Ayana Gray, an aspiring author who navigated the challenges of becoming a published writer. It highlights her early passion for storytelling, the obstacles she faced, and the pivotal moment when she leveraged social media to connect with literary agents, ultimately leading to her debut novel's success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of perseverance, community support, and believing in one's dreams.Chapters00:00 The Aspiring Author's Journey03:05 The Power of Community and Connection05:24 The Breakthrough Moment06:53 Believing in Your Dreams

In this podcast recap, #1 NYT Bestselling Author Jennifer A. Nielsen reflects on the success of the first two seasons, highlighting the contributions of her team and the insights gained from interviews with notable authors. She expresses gratitude for the support received and shares excitement for the upcoming season three, promising even more engaging guests and discussions.Chapters00:00 Celebrating Season One and Two Achievements02:22 Lessons from Inspiring Guests04:42 Insights from Jeff Kinney and Future Guests

In this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Marc J. Gregson, a New York Times bestselling author and middle school English teacher. They discuss Marc's journey to becoming an author, the impact of teaching on his writing, and the themes explored in his debut novel, 'Sky's End.' Marc shares his experiences with rejection, the importance of empathy in storytelling, and his aspirations for the future, including a film adaptation of his work. The conversation highlights the significance of lifelong learning and the role of books in fostering understanding and connection among readers.00:00Introduction to Mark J. Gregson02:57The Journey to Becoming an Author06:06The Impact of Early Reading Experiences08:47The Creative Process and Artistic Expression11:29The Passion for Learning and Teaching14:40Influential Teachers and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome18:27Exploring Skye's End and Its Themes22:53The Emotional Connection in Writing24:53The Journey to Publication28:10Sharing Failures and Perseverance31:12The Impact of Student Engagement33:25Film Adaptation and Industry Interest36:30The Writing Process: Plotter vs. Pantser38:49Future Aspirations and Goals40:49The Role of Empathy in Reading

Those words can mean many things. In this author's case, they were a very good thing. Jennifer Nielsen tells the story of Marc, an author who couldn't believe his eyes. 

In this engaging conversation, Jeff Kinney, the author of the beloved 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid' series, shares insights into his creative journey, the impact of his work on young readers, and the importance of humor in storytelling. He discusses his innovative writing techniques, the challenges of maintaining a relatable character, and his commitment to engaging with fans. Kinney reflects on his legacy and the future of his work, emphasizing the significance of creating a literary space for children.

Jennifer A Nielsen tells an unlikely story. One of a boy with a love of books and newspaper comics. The odds were against him. 

SummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews author Lisa Moore-Ramee, discussing her journey as a writer, the impact of childhood reading, and the importance of diverse narratives in literature. Lisa shares her experiences with race and identity, the influence of teachers, and the challenges of being a left-handed person. The conversation also delves into the role of fear in writing, overcoming rejection, and the significance of creating relatable characters. Lisa concludes by sharing insights about her upcoming works and the themes they explore.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lisa Moore-Ramee02:52 The Impact of Childhood Reading04:51 The Journey to Becoming an Author07:18 The Influence of Teachers10:06 Navigating Life as a Left-Handed Person13:03 Exploring Race and Identity in Literature14:55 The Importance of Representation in Books17:17 Diversity in Publishing and Storytelling19:29 Diversity in Literature21:50 Complex Characters and Reader Reflection22:58 Personal Experiences in Writing27:14 Facing Fears as a Writer29:51 Persistence Through Rejection34:38 Upcoming Works and Themes

Are you scared? Don't worry—everyone is. Public speaking is the greatest fear in the world—yes, even more than death. Lisa has been able to overcome that fear and leverage the strength of that accomplishment into her successful career as an author. 

In this episode of the BackStory podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews bestselling author Trisha Levenseller, known for her popular YA romantic fantasy novels. They discuss Trisha's journey as a writer, her breakthrough with 'Daughter of the Pirate King', and the emergence of the 'romantasy' genre. Trisha shares insights into her writing process, the importance of writing for younger readers, and the healing power of romance in literature. The conversation also touches on overcoming writer's block, the challenges of standing out in a crowded genre, and her upcoming projects, including her first adult novel. Trisha emphasizes the importance of perseverance for aspiring authors and shares memorable fan interactions that have impacted her career.0:00Introduction to Trisha Levenseller02:22The Impact of 'Daughter of the Pirate King'05:13Teenage Trisha: A Journey of Self-Discovery08:12The Emergence of Romantasy10:49Escapism Through Reading13:28The Accidental Writer16:22Advice for Aspiring Authors19:14The Reality of Writing as a Career20:59Navigating Writer's Block25:03The Journey to Publication29:39The Dream of Adaptation31:04Standing Out in YA Fantasy32:35World Building Strategies35:04Encouragement for Aspiring Writers35:22Memorable Fan Interactions37:06Exploring New Genres

Tricia hated reading. If all writers loved books growing up, then there was no way she would ever be an author. Books are just sad stories about a boy and his dog who die... right? Jennifer Neilsen explores the backstory that changed Tricia's life and put her on the path to becoming a bestselling author. 

SummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Moses Ose Utomi, a Nigerian-American author known for his young adult fantasy novels. They discuss Moses's journey as a writer, the fluidity of identity, the impact of travel on self-discovery, and the importance of empathy in storytelling. Moses shares insights from his experiences as an educator, his early love for reading and writing, and the significance of his cultural heritage. The conversation also touches on his martial arts journey, the publishing process of his debut novel 'Daughters of Oduma', and his upcoming releases.Chapters00:00Introduction to Moses Ose Utomi01:54The Fluidity of Identity05:46Self-Discovery and Personal Growth07:08The Role of Teaching in Identity09:33Reflections on Student Relationships10:53Early Reading and Writing Journey13:14The Impact of Fantasy Literature15:18Travel as a Catalyst for Growth17:27Martial Arts and Personal Resilience19:41Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance21:21The Publishing Journey of Daughters of Oduma23:25Navigating Dual Identities: Nigerian and American27:37The Importance of Name and Identity in Storytelling27:44The Essence of Story: Empathy and Connection30:57Writing Process: Fast or Slow?35:46Advice for Aspiring Writers36:07Upcoming Releases and Future Projects38:34Themes of Empathy in Writing

SummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews bestselling author Marissa Meyer. They discuss Marissa's childhood, her journey to becoming a writer, her experiences in publishing, and the impact of success on her career. Marissa shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, her writing process, and the importance of inspiration. The conversation also touches on her podcast, The Happy Writer, and her new graphic novel, We Could Be Magic, which promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.TakeawaysMarissa's childhood imagination played a crucial role in her writing.She started writing fan fiction at 14, which helped her share her work.Success brings new pressures and expectations from readers.Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for writers, even successful ones.Inspiration can come from dreams, overheard conversations, and everyday life.Marissa emphasizes the importance of enjoying the writing process.Her experiences in publishing taught her about the behind-the-scenes work.Balancing family life and writing can be challenging but rewarding.Luck plays a role in success, but hard work is essential.Marissa's new graphic novel promotes body positivity and self-acceptance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Marissa Meyer01:53 Childhood Imagination and Early Influences05:16 Academic Journey and Literary Inspirations08:10 The Path to Becoming an Author10:14 Fan Fiction and Writing Beginnings12:14 Publishing Career Insights14:47 The Impact of Fan Fiction on Writing17:57 The Moment of Breakthrough Success20:52 Navigating Reader Expectations22:02 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome23:29 Finding Inspiration Everywhere25:34 The Writing Process Unveiled27:21 Infusing Personal Experiences into Writing28:41 The Joy of Being Recognized31:53 The Impact of Motherhood on Writing33:01 The Happy Writer Podcast34:46 The Role of Luck in Success37:10 Memorable Fan Interactions38:48 Sneak Peek: We Could Be Magic

Mary was waiting for lightning to strike in her very own way. Jennifer Nielsen explores Mary's story. 

summaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews acclaimed author Neal Shusterman, exploring his journey from a hyperactive child with ADHD to a celebrated writer. They discuss the influence of teachers, cultural experiences, and the importance of identity and fiction in shaping one's narrative. Neal shares insights on his academic path, the challenges of his debut novel, and the support he received along the way. He reflects on the purpose of his writing, the thrill of exploring different genres, and the impact of his stories on readers' lives. The conversation culminates with a discussion of his latest book, 'All Better Now.'takeawaysNeal's childhood experiences with ADHD shaped his creativity.The role of supportive teachers was crucial in Neal's development.Cultural experiences can significantly impact personal growth.Identity is a narrative we create for ourselves.Neal's academic journey led him to discover his passion for writing.His debut novel faced many rejections before success.Support from friends and mentors kept Neal motivated.Neal advises younger writers to enjoy the process and reduce stress.Writing serves a purpose beyond entertainment; it can change lives.Exploring different genres keeps Neal engaged and inspired.Chapters00:00Introduction to Neil Shusterman02:13Neil's Early Life and Reading Journey05:20Creative Aspirations and Teacher Influence08:10The Impact of ADHD on Creativity09:20Life-Changing Move to Mexico City14:34Identity and the Discovery of Adoption18:05Academic Journey and Major Choices20:23Debut Novel and Early Writing Experiences22:43The Role of Support in a Writer's Journey24:50Stepping Out of Comfort Zones25:05Reflections on Early Career Expectations25:42The Impact of Writing on Readers28:05Exploring Different Genres and Perspectives29:51The Thread of Perspective in Storytelling31:18The Creative Process and Inspiration34:06Introducing 'All Better Now' and Its Inspiration

Jennifer Nielsen dives into the backstory of an author who thought they knew who they were until everything they knew about their identity came into question. 

SummaryIn this episode of the Backstory Podcast, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Christopher Paolini, the renowned author of the Aragon series. They discuss Paolini's upbringing, the impact of homeschooling on his writing, and the importance of family support in his journey as an author. Paolini shares insights into his creative process, including the art of naming characters, the value of boredom in fostering creativity, and the challenges of executing ideas. He reflects on the power of fantasy literature and the techniques he employs in world-building. The conversation also touches on the significance of maps in storytelling, character development over time, and Paolini's advice for aspiring authors. As he shares his current projects and future aspirations, Paolini expresses gratitude for the impact his work has had on readers and contemplates his legacy as a writer.TakeawaysChristopher Paolini's upbringing significantly influenced his writing style.Family support was crucial in Paolini's journey to becoming a published author.Boredom can lead to creativity and new ideas.Execution of ideas is often more challenging than coming up with them.Fantasy literature provides a sense of awe and wonder for readers.World-building is a meticulous process that shapes the story.Character names are often derived from historical sources or invented languages.Paolini emphasizes the importance of revision in the writing process.Feedback from readers can be incredibly rewarding for authors.The journey to success in writing often takes years of hard work.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Christopher Paolini02:33 The Impact of Childhood on Writing05:24 The Evolution of Aragon07:49 Character Naming and Development09:29 Family Support in the Writing Journey12:14 The Reality of Overnight Success15:00 The Role of Boredom in Creativity17:32 Finding Creative Spaces20:02 Staying Grounded Amidst Success20:30 Life Beyond Writing: Embracing New Experiences21:08 The Joy of Writing: Emotional Connections22:57 Impact of Stories: Reader Feedback and Connections24:19 The Power of Fantasy: Why It Resonates24:39 World Building: Crafting Unique Universes28:01 Character Development: Evolving Through the Story31:50 Advice for Aspiring Authors: Embracing the Journey35:13 Future Projects: What Lies Ahead

Christopher grew up digging holes and making up stories in the Northern United States. It wasn't until he was a teenager that he decided to write a "practice book" about a boy named Kevin. Jennifer Nielsen shares Christopher's backstory. 

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Margaret Peterson Haddix shares her journey as a celebrated author, discussing her early influences, the challenges of getting published, and the evolution of her writing process. She reflects on her childhood experiences, the impact of growing up on a farm, and the importance of persistence in the face of rejection. Haddix emphasizes the value of writing for personal fulfillment, the thrill of discovering new ideas, and the joy of connecting with young readers. She also offers insights into overcoming writer's block and the significance of storytelling in shaping lives.TakeawaysMargaret began her journey to becoming an author in third grade.Growing up on a farm provided a unique backdrop for her creativity.Persistence is key in the writing and publishing process.Writing is valuable even if it never gets published.Inspiration for stories can come from everyday experiences.The thrill of new ideas keeps her motivated to write.Connecting with young readers is a rewarding experience.Every story deserves a great ending, no matter the journey.Writing can help individuals understand their thoughts and feelings.Enjoying the writing process is essential for young writers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Margaret Peterson Haddix02:22 Early Inspirations and the Journey to Authorship11:20 Growing Up on a Farm: Impact on Creativity12:57 The Path to Publication: Challenges and Persistence16:31 Reflections on Growth: From Debut to Now18:41 Inspiration from Life Experiences20:00 The Thrill of Writing20:40 Addressing Unfinished Business22:58 Advice for Stuck Writers25:09 Finding Ideas in Everyday Life27:16 Managing Writer's Block28:27 Smooth Sailing vs. Challenging Books31:36 The Stolen Key and Reader Connections35:46 Future Projects and Sequel Temptations37:14 Encouragement for Young Writers

Jennifer Nielsen explores the backstory of an author who wrote 50 books over the course of 25 years. With a story yet untold, the author returned to her first book to write a sequel. 

SummaryIn this episode of Backstory, host Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Jennifer Jenkins, an accomplished author and the Executive Director of Operation Literacy. They discuss Jenkins's journey through literacy challenges, the impact of supportive teachers, and the importance of validation in writing. Jenkins shares her experiences with dyslexia, her spontaneous adventures, and her passion for inspiring young writers through programs like Teen Author Boot Camp and the upcoming StoryCon. The conversation emphasizes the need for storytellers and the belief that anyone can create if they choose to pursue their passion.NotesThe teen author referenced in the Podcast as Elijah is Elijah Lewis and can be found alongside Jennifer Jenkins and other authors in the Deep Magic volume 3 anthology. TakeawaysDyslexia affects many but is often misunderstood.Teachers can have a profound impact on students' lives.Validation is crucial for aspiring writers.Spontaneity can lead to incredible adventures.The journey of writing often begins with self-permission.Supportive backgrounds foster creativity and resilience.Facing rejection is part of the writing process.Inspiring young writers can change lives.StoryCon aims to connect authors and readers.Everyone has a story to tell, and we need more storytellers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Jenkins01:47 The Journey of Spontaneity and Adventure05:52 Overcoming Dyslexia: A Personal Story12:07 The Impact of Teachers on Young Lives17:54 The Path to Becoming a Writer24:36 The Power of Belief and Determination30:51 Inspiring Young Writers through Operation Literacy37:31 StoryCon: A Celebration of Literacy and StorytellingFind Jennifer Jenkins here: https://linktr.ee/jenniferjenkins

As a young girl, Jennifer struggled with reading. Now, understanding her dyslexia, she is a published author and co-founder of a literacy-driven nonprofit.