In this episode of The Growing Readers Podcast, Megan E. Freeman takes us on a journey through her creative process and the powerful stories behind her novels ALONE and AWAY.

From discovering swimming as an unexpected source of inspiration to transforming ALONE from prose to verse, Megan shares the evolution of her craft and her deep connection to young readers. She reveals how student feedback shaped AWAY's multiple narrative styles and discusses her meticulous research process, from calving on ranches to studying emergency management protocols.

At the heart of our conversation is her passionate mission: empowering young readers and helping them fall in love with reading, one story at a time.

Discussion Topics:

• Swimming as a significant source of creative flow.
• Reading Nancy Drew books in first grade.

• How the unique narrative styles in 'Away' enhance character development.
• The importance of choice in reading for children.
• Diverse storytelling formats can make reading more accessible.
• How Megan's transition from prose to verse transformed her storytelling approach.

• Engaging young readers requires authenticity in experiences.
• Feedback from tween readers is crucial for writing.
• Researching enhances story authenticity.
• Audiobooks provide a new perspective on storytelling.
• How Megan aims to empower young readers through her books.

• Inspiring a love for reading.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠⁠

Order Copies of Alone on ⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠

Order Copies of Away on ⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org

For more information about Megan E. Freeman, visit https://www.meganefreeman.com/

Keywords: creativity, writing, children's literature, reading journey, novels in verse, hybrid storytelling, Megan E. Freeman, Growing Readers podcast, storytelling, character development, young readers, hope, authenticity, audiobooks, rural experiences, writing process, empowerment, literature