WRITERS' RUMPUS

HOW TO MIDDLE GRADE

Hi! My name’s James Ponti, and I write Middle Grade book series such as City Spies and The Sherlock Society. I’m excited to share some pointers with you, but only with a major caveat. I know a bunch of writers and we all do it differently. I’m not talking plotting vs. pantsing, but radically different approaches.

SKIPSHOCK by Caroline O’Donoghue: A Master Class in World Building

For writers of fantasy, science fiction, and romance, this genre-blending novel is a master class in how to create details and imagery that pull readers into the plot and keep them riveted from first page to last, and importantly, leave them eager for more.

AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DIANE MULDROW ON ENVIRONMENTAL STORIES, INSPIRING YOUTH, AND CELEBRATING EARTH DAY WITH HER NEW PICTURE BOOK ONCE A WASTELAND: FROM TOXIC DUMP TO NATIONAL PARK

April 10, 2026 René Bartos

René Bartos: I’m so excited for the opportunity to chat with author Diane Muldrow today. Welcome to Writers’ Rumpus, Diane! You’re an award-winning and New

Come meet an awesome #kidlit creative, David McMullin.

April 7, 2026 Carol Gordon Ekster

CAROL GORDON EKSTER: What brought you to enter the world of writing for children? DAVID MCMULLIN: I have always enjoyed my creative side. As a

BAN THIS BOOK by Alan Gratz: a MUST read!

March 31, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

I found BAN THIS BOOK on the Banned Books Table at my local library, the wonderful Memorial Hall Library in Andover, MA. My first impression from scanning the table was how many of the books I’d read and enjoyed. This slim novel stuck out from the title alone, though I wasn’t familiar with it. So of course, I checked it out!! And wow, I’m so glad I did!!

INTERVIEW WITH #JEWISH #KIDLIT #PICTUREBOOK AUTHOR DR. MEL ROSENBERG, PLUS A 30 MINUTE AMA GIVEAWAY

March 24, 2026 DrZatHome

Dr. Mel Rosenberg and I are perhaps the only two former biology professors turned children’s book authors out there! Or at least, Mel is the

WONDERS OF SHADOW KEY: JJ Fleming talks about his loveably quirky, lightly spooky MG novel … and offers TWO amazing giveaways!

March 17, 2026 Laura Fineberg Cooper

When JJ Fleming contacted our blog, I jumped at the chance to interview the experienced author about his first book for children, a lightly spooky, loveably quirky, suspenseful middle grade mystery set in the Florida Keys.

Going Green: Writing Books about Nature and the Environment to Inspire and Delight Youth with Award-Winning Author Sue Fliess

March 10, 2026 René Bartos

René Bartos: I am so excited to be able to chat with author Sue Fliess today! Welcome to Writers’ Rumpus, Sue! I am honored to

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