Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Sarah Mlynowski
Episode Overview In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens engages in an insightful conversation with Sarah Mlynowski, a prolific young adult and middle-grade novelist. The discussion delves into Sarah’s extensive writing career, her creative processes, the inspirations behind her popular book series, and her perspectives on writing for different age groups. This episode offers aspiring writers and avid readers alike a deep dive into the mind of a successful author who seamlessly blends magic and reality in her storytelling.
Guest Introduction: Sarah Mlynowski Zibby Owens introduces Sarah Mlynowski as a highly accomplished author with an impressive bibliography, including the beloved Upside-Down Magic and Whatever After series. Sarah’s background as a Canadian residing in New York City, coupled with her active role as a mother and educator, provides a rich foundation for her engaging narratives. Zibby highlights Sarah’s dedication, noting, “That’s right... [Sarah has] been producing so many books” (04:27).
Writing Process and Productivity Sarah elaborates on her disciplined approach to writing, emphasizing that writing is a full-time job for her. She maintains a structured schedule, working diligently from her office to balance writing, publishing, and promotional activities. Sarah shares her goal of writing approximately 2,000 words a day and explains her methodical outlining process:
“I always have the concept from the beginning... I always have that one scene in my head, and then I'll go from there.” (07:31)
Her meticulous outlining involves creating detailed chapter-by-chapter plans, which enables her to write efficiently without succumbing to writer’s block. Sarah’s strategy includes setting small, manageable goals, such as focusing on a single chapter at a time, which fosters consistent productivity.
Evolution of Magical Elements in Her Books Sarah discusses the gradual incorporation of magic into her work. Initially writing realistic fiction, she transitioned to integrating magical elements to add depth and intrigue:
“Magic is kind of fun, especially if I set it in a real world with just a twist of magic.” (09:36)
This evolution reflects her growing interest and comfort with fantastical themes, leading to the creation of the Whatever After series, which reimagines classic fairy tales with modern twists, and the Upside-Down Magic series, set in a magic school where students possess unconventional magical abilities.
The Whatever After Series In the Whatever After series, Sarah reinterprets traditional fairy tales, granting her characters agency and contemporary relevance. She explains her intent to empower young readers, particularly girls, by redefining the roles typically assigned to princesses:
“I wanted to teach her that she doesn't have to wait for a prince to come and save her... she has to have agency.” (17:23)
Each book presents a familiar fairy tale altered by the protagonists’ actions, fostering themes of self-reliance, bravery, and kindness. For instance, in Two Peas in a Pod, the protagonist Abby struggles with fear while adapting to life as a princess, ultimately finding strength and confidence.
The Upside-Down Magic Series The Upside-Down Magic series introduces readers to a magical school where students’ powers don’t quite fit the norm. Sarah describes the protagonist, Nori, a "fluxer" whose magic is unpredictable:
“Her magic is a little bit wonky... she turns into a kitten with a little bit of dragon in it.” (10:29)
Co-written with Emily Jenkins and Lauren Myracle, the series explores themes of acceptance and individuality. Sarah compares the series to iconic works like Harry Potter but emphasizes its unique focus on characters whose magical abilities are unconventional, highlighting personal growth and friendship.
Writing for Teens: Bridging the Generation Gap Addressing the challenge of writing authentically for a teenage audience, Sarah shares her strategies for maintaining relevance without losing her authentic voice:
“I try to in my head be still the 17-year-old that I was and try to write about those emotions because slang and everything is going to change every year, but angst is angst.” (12:30)
She stays connected to the teenage experience by engaging with current social media trends and maintaining a genuine understanding of adolescent emotions. This approach allows her to create relatable characters and scenarios that resonate with young readers.
Personal Inspirations and Family Influence Sarah’s personal experiences significantly influence her writing. Reflecting on her own adolescence, she connects her past to her storytelling:
“When my parents left, I was left on my own... that was the heart of the story.” (20:07)
Her relationship with her husband, whom she met at 17, serves as a model of chosen family, enriching her narratives with themes of support and belonging. Additionally, Sarah plans to honor her grandparents’ Holocaust survival through future writing projects, indicating a desire to explore diverse and profound themes.
Future Projects and Aspirations Looking ahead, Sarah expresses ambitions beyond novel writing. With the Upside-Down Magic series optioned by Disney, she aims to explore television and film adaptations. She also aspires to write picture books and delve into historical stories, such as recounting her grandparents’ Holocaust experiences. These goals demonstrate her commitment to expanding her storytelling repertoire and addressing a variety of genres and audiences.
Advice for Aspiring Writers and Parents Sarah offers valuable advice for both writers and parents encouraging literary creativity:
“Encourage your kids to read everything, not just one type of book... keep a journal.” (25:44)
She emphasizes the importance of diverse reading experiences and consistent writing practices, such as journaling and writing short stories. For parents, fostering an environment that supports exploration and creativity is crucial for nurturing future writers.
Closing Thoughts The episode concludes with Sarah reflecting on her writing journey and the continuous evolution of her craft. Her dedication to storytelling, coupled with her ability to adapt and innovate, positions her as a significant voice in young adult and middle-grade literature. Listeners are left inspired by her passion and practical insights into the writing process.
Notable Quotes:
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Sarah Mlynowski on Writing Process:
“I always have the concept from the beginning... I always have that one scene in my head, and then I'll go from there.” (07:31) -
Sarah Mlynowski on Empowering Characters:
“I wanted to teach her that she doesn't have to wait for a prince to come and save her... she has to have agency.” (17:23) -
Sarah Mlynowski on Writing for Teens:
“I try to in my head be still the 17-year-old that I was and try to write about those emotions because slang and everything is going to change every year, but angst is angst.” (12:30) -
Sarah Mlynowski on Family Influence:
“When my parents left, I was left on my own... that was the heart of the story.” (20:07)
Timestamp Reference:
Note: Times are indicative and correspond to the transcript provided.
This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers a rich exploration of Sarah Mlynowski’s literary world, providing listeners with both inspiration and practical advice. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a parent fostering creativity in your child, or simply a fan of magical storytelling, this conversation delivers meaningful insights and engaging narratives that underscore the power of imagination and perseverance in the world of literature.