Author Ruth Mitchell joined me for this episode to discuss some of the influential books in her life. We talk about growing up in a children's book, how channeling Pippi Longstocking got her into mischief, and the perils of loaning books to middle school crushes. We also discuss the books that made her want to become a writer and chat a bit about her own book Deleted.
You can find Ruth online and learn more about her book Deleted on her website www.literallyruth.com, and you can follow her on Instagram @literally.ruth.mitchell. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com.
Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 29: Muskrat love, literary mischief, and inspirational forearms with Ruth Mitchell

This episode I chat with children's book editor Alex Messina-Schultheis about some of the books that are most important to her. We cover the sweetest birthday books ever, a myriad of literary crushes, and pulling her first reading all nighter.
You can follow Alex on Instagram @commasandcarbs. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com.
If you’re subscribed to the podcast, you may have noticed a lengthy hiatus — putting together a podcast takes a lot of time and with 2020 being what it was, I needed that break. But I’m excited to be back with a new episode and hope to keep new episodes coming in 2021. However, I’m taking a relaxed approach to producing and publishing the podcast, so staying subscribed in your podcast app of choice is the best way to know when a new episode is out! 
Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 28: Birthday books, literary crushes, and the joys of rereading with Alex Messina-Schultheis

While I have long been familiar with The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, I had never heard of Ende’s book Momo until my guest Tabby Pawlitzki brought it to my attention. Tabby first encountered the book as a child growing up in Germany, and it has been a favorite ever since. We discuss becoming a kid detective, reading in translation, and the many life lessons to be learned from a tortoise. 
You can follow Tabby on Instagram @tabbypawlitzki and keep up with her podcast at https://www.modernlifepodcast.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 27: Momo with Tabby Pawlitzki

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time is one of those books that sticks in your imagination. Such was the case for writer and scholar Dr. Trinna S. Frever who counts A Wrinkle in Time as a lifelong favorite. We chat about the joy of being read to, hideaway reading nooks, and the wonderful appeal of books with a touch of magic. Dr. Frever also tells me more about her latest project, Your L. M. Montgomery Story.     
You can follow Dr. Frever on Instagram @trinna_writes and keep up with all of her projects at www.trinnafrever.com. You can learn more and participate in the Your L. M. Montgomery Story project at www.yourlmmstory.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 26: A Wrinkle in Time with Dr. Trinna S. Frever

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith has long been a favorite book of my guest, writer Katharine Schellman. We talk about growing up in a family of readers, devouring books in a series, and the difficulties and complexities of growing up, even if you do happen to live in a castle. We also chat about Katharine's new novel, The Body in the Garden.
You can follow Katharine on Instagram @katharinewrites and keep up with all of her literary adventures at www.katharineschellman.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 25: I Capture the Castle with Katharine Schellman

The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton might not be familiar to you unless you grew up in the U.K., but my guest Elizabeth Bornstein fell in love with them while growing up in Alaska, starting with the first book Five on a Treasure Island. Elizabeth and I chat about the most adorable mother-daughter book club, reading just about every childhood mystery series, and the fun of discovering the real life inspiration behind the settings of our favorite books.
You can follow Elizabeth on Instagram @asuitcasefullofbooks and read more about her literary travel adventures at www.asuitcasefullofbooks.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 24: Five on a Treasure Island with Elizabeth Bornstein

If you've only read one Jane Austen novel, chances are it's Pride and Prejudice. This novel is beloved for many reasons, and my guest Megan Cregge is more than happy to take you through the full list. We discuss why Wishbone was the greatest show ever, Megan's original childhood Goodreads challenge, and she tells me what first drew her to Pride and Prejudice and the parts that still make her swoon. Also, shout out to Miss Wilson, wherever you may be!
You can follow Megan on Instagram @glitterandplato. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 23: Pride and Prejudice with Megan Cregge

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett is one of those childhood classics that many of us have a deep attachment to, and my guest Cat Gray counts it as a lifelong favorite. We chat about growing up in Scotland, inheriting book collections, and the wonder and anticipation of discovering secret gardens - even if only in our imaginations.
You can follow Cat on Instagram @wellreadcat. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 22: The Secret Garden with Cat Gray

Lisa Klein's book Ophelia takes on the character from Hamlet and reimagines her life and the ending that Shakespeare originally gave us. This book had a huge impact on my guest Kara Harte, and it's one that she has continued to turn to as an adult. We discuss getting dressed up for story time, reading as a potential fire hazard, and the power of finding a character that you immediately connect with.
You can follow Kara on all social media platforms @kattitudereads and find her blog at https://kattitudereads.wordpress.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 21: Ophelia with Kara Harte

Judy Blume loomed large in many a childhood, and this was certainly true for teacher and podcaster Carrie Vittitoe who connected deeply with Blume's book, Then Again, Maybe I Won't. Carrie and I chat about old-timey systems of news delivery (except not THAT old-timey), traveling to pony book homelands, and the ways that books can continue to inform our lives, years after that initial reading.
You can follow Carrie's podcast on Instagram @perksofbeingabookloverpod and find her blog at https://mooddisorderedmama.blogspot.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 20: Then Again, Maybe I Won't with Carrie Vittitoe

Published in 1935, Little House on the Prairie and the rest of the Little House series were all childhood favorites of my guest, Rose Miller. We talk about exploring treasure filled attics, sisterly dynamics, and the difficulties of selecting books for a long journey. 
You can follow Rose on Instagram @shire.library and find her etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/shirelibrary. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 19: Little House on the Prairie with Rose Miller

A 1986 Newbery Honor book, Gary Paulsen's Hatchet was also a sixth grade classroom read for my guest, novelist Summer Rachel Short. We discuss reading romance novels in middle school, classroom reads and the fun activities that accompany them, and the ways that survival stories can inspire us to call on our own inner strength. We also talk about Summer's book, The Mutant Mushroom Takeover, out from Simon & Schuster this fall and available now for pre-order! You may hear me reference the book by another name during our conversation, and that's because the title was changed after we taped this episode.
Content warning: We do discuss a scene of self-harm that occurs in the book Hatchet. This discussion starts around minute nineteen and lasts for about two minutes.
You can learn more about Summer on her website www.srachelshort.com and follow her on Instagram @summerrachelwrites. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 18: Hatchet with Summer Rachel Short

Winner of the 1961 Newbery Medal, The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell had a deep impact on my guest, novelist Rachel Toalson. We chat about growing up as the child of a librarian, the lasting influence of amazing teachers, and how portrayals of survival and resilience in our favorite books can make us feel seen and heard during a difficult childhood. Rachel also talks to me about her wonderful new book, The Woods, out now from Little Bee Books.
You can learn more about Rachel on her website www.racheltoalson.com and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @racheltoalson. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

Episode 17: Island of the Blue Dolphins with Rachel Toalson

Are you looking for a great book to make you cry? Because Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls has you covered. My guest Jessica Stefani and I chat about a lifelong love of animal stories, growing up in the country with dogs, and the love (often heartbreaking!) that we have for the animals in our lives. This episode also contains a very special edition of literary tea party featuring an original piece of fiction by Jessica!
You can learn more about Jessica on her website www.jessicastefani.com and follow her on Instagram @jstefaniauthor. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Episode 16: Where the Red Fern Grows with Jessica Stefani

This episode we head to Narnia with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. My guest Selah Pike is a lifelong friend of Narnia (side note: she does NOT approve of Turkish Delight). We discuss reading in closets, family read alouds, and the wonder of finding literary magic in your own backyard. Also, shout out to all the amazing story time librarians out there! 
You can follow Selah and learn more about #AYearWithChristie2020 on her Instagram @abibliophilesstyle. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Episode 15: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with Selah Pike

Did you know that the movie you watched on repeat as a kid was originally a book? The Neverending Story by Michael Ende was and is a beloved book for writer and academic Sasha Tamar Strelitz. We chat about childhood book clubs, believing in magic and fairies, and the important role of literature in feeding and shaping our imaginations. We also mourn the loss of Borders (RIP).  
You can follow Sasha on Instagram @shegotlongblackwavyhair. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Episode 14: The Neverending Story with Sasha Tamar Strelitz

Almost everyone knows Little Women, but Louisa May Alcott wrote many other novels, including my guest Autumn Krause's favorite An Old-Fashioned Girl. We discuss saving books for the future, getting philosophical as a teenager, and how a gentle book is sometimes just what we need for emotional comfort. Autumn also chats with me about her new novel A Dress for the Wicked. P.S. This episode also contains spoilers for Little Women.
You can learn more about Autumn and her work by going to www.autumnkrause.com and you follow her on Instagram @AutumnSarahStory. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Episode 13: An Old-Fashioned Girl with Autumn Krause

Happy Halloween, all! We're celebrating the spookiest day of the year with Goosebumps! This episode I'm chatting about R. L. Stine's Night of the Living Dummy with bookworm and future teacher Julie Martin. We get into the glories of the Scholastic Book Fair, terrible sibling dynamics, and how spooky stories can help us to process our own fears in a safe environment. 
You can follow Julie on Instagram @fictitiouswonderland. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Episode 12: Night of the Living Dummy (Goosebumps) with Julie Martin

The Hardy Boys series is a classic of the kid detective genre, and my guest Beth Anne Dunphy credits the series with sparking her love of reading. We talk about Beth Anne's early book pusher tendencies, listening to audiobooks in the days before smartphone apps, and the enduring appeal of reading mystery novels where the loose ends are always resolved and the hero or heroine always prevails. 
You can follow Beth Anne on Instagram @Bookworm_Baggins and you can check out her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/thebookwormbundle. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

Episode 11: The Disappearing Floor (Hardy Boys) with Beth Anne Dunphy

Jane Eyre is a book that many people have a deep and abiding affection for, and my guest Kaylee Gwyn stans hard for Jane Eyre, both the character and the book. We discuss reading in the laundry room, the perils of teen romance, and what Jane has to teach all of us about courage and resilience. Also, shout-out to all the cool moms out there!
You can follow Kaylee and view her video reviews on her Instagram @LiteraryPengwyns. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @ShapedByStoriesDiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq.

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