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Dive into the thrilling world of espionage and storytelling with author James Ponti as he unveils his latest thriller, London Calling, from the City Spies middle grade adventure series. Discover how real-world experiences, travel, and expert insights (he's interviewed a former CIA director!) enrich his narratives. Plus, there's a fun lightning fill-in-the-blank section based on listener questions.

Chapters and Clues:

1:29: All Things London Calling and City Spies

James Ponti introduces London Calling, the sixth book in the City Spies series, sharing how personal adventures in Rome and London fuel the story's rich setting and complex characters. Discover how his background as a History Channel producer adds depth to the narrative, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming storyline twists.

17:40 - Lightning Fill in the Blank

Enjoy a playful fill-in-the-blank segment and delve into the essence of mystery writing as James answers such questions as:

• a good spy needs...
• your secret spy skill would be...
• a good mystery has...
• next stop for the City Spies is...
• being a renegade of middle grade means...
• I make my hair silky smooth by...
• favorite City Spies memento..
• books are...
• you should have asked me...

28:32- Navigating the Noise

We discuss the importance of the children's literature community in creating worlds for readers to explore -- and in supporting each other in times of struggle.

Links:

Order London Calling and the rest of the City Spies series

Join the book tour

Mission Manhattan interview

Sherlock Society interview

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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Step into a realm where imagination dances with science, as Thomas Wheeler invites us on a captivating journey through time with his new middle grade fantasy (soon to be movie), Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault. Discover how a moment of meditation, a dash of Douglas Adams' time travel, and a lifetime of writing and world building helped bring this imaginative universe to life.

This week, Dr. Diane chats about creative spark, time travel, writing, and hope with screenwriter, showrunner, and producer Thomas Wheeler. You know Tom Wheeler for his feature films Puss in Boots and The Lego Ninjago Movie, as well as Cursed for Netflix, Empire for ABC, and The Cape for NBC. In this episode, we delve into Tom's newest creation, into his newest creation, Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault, a fascinating fusion of time travel, science, and imaginative storytelling.

Sparked by a meditative moment, Tom weaves a world where imagination propels scientific discovery, led by the lively trio of Bertie, Zoe, and Millie. We also explore Tom's adventures in learning, and how he launched and sustained a successful writing career in Hollywood.

Chapters:

01:30: Connecting Imagination and Science Through Time Travel Thomas Wheeler shares the inspiration behind Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault, the role of imagination in scientific discovery, and the vibrant dynamics between main characters Bertie, Zoe, and Millie.

13:28: Science and Math Easter Eggs, Plus The Screen Adaptation Uncover the challenges of weaving real math into storytelling in a time-travel universe and the process of adapting Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault, from book to screenplay.

21:27: Adventures in Learning Through Research and Experience Tom recounts his journey of harnessing his passion for writing and some of his favorite research rabbit holes.

30:34: Advice for Writers and His Younger Self Tom offers insights into his creative process and the importance of playful storytelling.

35:33: The Power of Hope

Links:

Order Everwhen: The Doomsday Vault,

Instagram: @thomaswheelerofficial and @simonkids

Join us for an episode that not only entertains but also sparks curiosity about the possibilities of the future. Whether you're a fan of science, storytelling, or time travel, this conversation with Thomas Wheeler is one you won't want to miss!

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.

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One of the things I love about the work I do is discovering new authors to share with you. This week, we are joined by debut author Gloria L. Huang to discuss her novel Kaya of the Ocean. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, Gloria's book intertwines themes of folk literature, family challenges, and the struggles of finding self-acceptance while battling anxiety. And she does it with humor and grace, giving us a book that is full of adventure and humor, as well as nuanced characters struggling with anxiety, self-acceptance, and the worries of middle graders.

Chapter Highlights:

0:01:03: Kaya of the Ocean: Gloria introduces her middle grade novel. We explore its rich themes, including anxiety, family expectations, and folk literature. She shares her inspiration drawn from personal experiences and the effects of the pandemic on children, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and normalizing conversations about anxiety in middle-grade literature.

0:08:54: Kaya's Mythological Inspirations and that gorgeous Hawaii Setting

Go behind the scenes of Gloria's creative process as we discuss the parallels between Kaya's story and the history of the Chinese water goddess, Mazu. Gloria highlights the significance of friendships over romantic interests and explains why Hawaii was the perfect setting to reflect Kaya's personal evolution and fears.

(0:19:42) - Literary Inspirations and Hope in Writing

Gloria shares her literary influences, from childhood favorites like Avi's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle to contemporary authors such as Tae Keller (When You Trap a Tiger). She offers advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing perseverance, and hints at exciting future projects.

(0:26:22) - Family Support in Publishing

Gloria reflects on the invaluable support from her daughter, who served as a critical early reader.

Resources and Links:

Order Kaya of the Ocean

Follow Gloria L. Huang on Instagram @lailaswrites

Visit Gloria's webpage.

Support the show

Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with our latest episodes and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and the Adventures in Learning website. Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

*Disclosure: I am a Bookshop.org. affiliate.