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...

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 lan...

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 bestsel...

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...

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...

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 di...

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. Whe...

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...

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 educati...

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...

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 literar...

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 perse...

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 Celebr...

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 empat...

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 o...

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