The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast

📚 Feeling stuck as a creative? Wondering if it’s too late to follow your dream? If you’re an illustrator, author, or educator burned out by trends and algorithms, this episode is for you.💥 In today’s fast-paced publishing world, many creatives feel like they’ve missed their chance or that their ideas must go viral to matter. But what if your best work is still ahead—rooted in purpose, not popula...

Join us for an exclusive interview with Laila Rifaat, an Egypt-based middle grade author best known for her fantasy adventure series, Aliya, and for being shortlisted for the 2021 Times/Chicken House Award. In this episode:Discover how Laila brings Egyptian myths and magical worlds to life for young readers. Hear her practical advice for aspiring middle grade authors. Get inspired by her journey f...

We sat down with Felicia Norfor, the founder of the Singapore-based publisher  @StoryVerseLand  to dive into how Storyverse began and learn about their mission to make every child the hero of their own story with customizable characters picture books. 📖Support inclusive books and get a great gift for the young readers in your life: 🛍️SHOP Storyverse Land and get 10% off offer with promo code Stor...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Noni Carter—a Harvard alumna, award-winning author, PhD scholar, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA)—to explore the intersection of creativity and commerce. Dr. Carter's journey is nothing short of inspiring. She penned her debut novel, Good Fortune, a young adult historical fiction, during her teenage years, leading to its publication by S...

🎉 GIVEAWAY! Win a SIGNED copy of John’s upcoming picture book, This Moment Is Special: A Día de Muertos Story , publishing on July 15, 2025 . (See entry steps below!)  Join us on The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast as we delve into the world of children's book illustration with John Parra , a multi-award-winning illustrator, author, and educator celebrated for his vibrant, culturally rich artwork...

Join us on The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast for an exclusive conversation with literary agent Elizabeth Copps of Copps Literary Services! Learn the ins and outs of query letters, book pitching, and landing the perfect literary agent for your manuscript. Elizabeth shares essential tips for effectively pitching your book, reveals common mistakes authors make (and how to avoid them), and offers a behi...

Get Inspired to Write Neurodiverse Characters Who Aren’t Always Perfect—But Are ALWAYS Relatable and Inspirational for Kids! Want to write authentic characters (featuring dragons… or nah) but don’t know where to start? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , we dive into the creative world of Kris Paulsen , homeschooling mom and award-winning indie author of the Galaxy Walkers middle...

In this magical episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast , join co-host and author Theresa Maria Villarreal as we dive into the art of writing fantasy for kids—full of heart, humor, and imagination. ✨ Here’s what we explore: 🌍 How to write engaging, age-appropriate fantasy for middle grade readers 🌿 Building immersive, sensory-rich worlds that feel real 🗺️ Outlining tips to help organize your...

Want to write fantasy or sci-fi but don’t know where to start? In this episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we chat with Dr. Rebecca Rowe, Ph. D., Assistant Professor of Children’s Literature at East Texas A&M University. From world-building to fan-fiction, Disney’s influence, and timeless storytelling, this episode is packed with expert insights to help you craft your next great story....

Step into a world of enchantment in this unmissable episode of The Storyteller’s Shelf ! Join acclaimed author April Henley, creator of the mesmerizing Treasures in a Bottle , as she reveals the secrets behind her award-winning middle grade masterpieces. Discover how deep research, relentless creativity, and a touch of magic combine to craft stories that capture hearts and ignite imaginations. In...

Welcome to The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast! Join hosts Jackie and Theresa as they dive into the world of children's literature, exploring storytelling, publishing, and the journeys of authors and industry professionals. In our debut episode, Jackie sits down with Linda Radke, a leading expert in children's book marketing, to discuss the secrets behind a successful book launch. From ide...

Celebrate the season with The Storyteller's Shelf Podcast Holiday Special! 🎙️🌟 Join hosts Theresa Villarreal and Jackie Garcia-Morales as they dive into the magic of the holidays with storytelling, creativity, and cherished traditions. ✨ In This Episode: Tips for balancing writing, parenting, and creativity during the holidays. Favorite holiday reads, including Elf on the Shelf , Elf Pets: Arcti...