BackStory Podcast

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.

Chapters

00:00 The Aspiring Author's Journey
03:05 The Power of Community and Connection
05:24 The Breakthrough Moment
06:53 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.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Season One and Two Achievements
02:22 Lessons from Inspiring Guests
04:42 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.

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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. 

Summary

In 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa...

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...

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. 

Summary

In 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.
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Summary

In 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.

Takeaways

Marissa's childhood imagination played a crucial role in her writing.
She started...

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

summary

In 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...

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. 

Summary

In 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...

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. 

Summary

In 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.

Takeaways<...

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. 

Summary

In 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.

Notes

The teen...

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.