https://www.storymix.co.uk/podcastenBooksCopyright Storymixhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/63f5c9e46bb6f4472f31ddc4259a20a5.jpghttps://www.storymix.co.uk/podcastThu, 17 Sep 2026 10:43:38 +0000StorymixStorymixjasminerichards@storymix.co.ukWelcome to Storymix: Craft and Conversation, the podcast from inclusive fiction studio Storymix, exploring the craft of children’s storytelling, the realities of publishing and the people creating the books we want to see in the world.Season 1,...falseae7df2ca-e1df-5248-a4bf-7518ee6241baepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-gets-to-ride-stableheart--75183653https://nickyloveswriting.com/ ● Follow Nicola on Instagram and TikTok: @nickyloveswriting ● Buy Stableheart at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf ● The FAB Prize, for undiscovered writers and illustrators of colour, which shortlisted Nicola in 2021: https://www.fabprize.org/ ● Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us 

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75183653Thu, 17 Sep 2026 10:42:07 +0000StorymixAt one point Nicola Williamson was sharing a house with 22 guinea pigs, seven chickens, four rabbits, two dogs, two cats, a rooster called Jack Sparrow and two seagulls named Flappy and Crappy. She was also a vet for decades, and a veterinary...https://nickyloveswriting.com/ ● Follow Nicola on Instagram and TikTok: @nickyloveswriting ● Buy Stableheart at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf ● The FAB Prize, for undiscovered writers and illustrators of colour, which shortlisted Nicola in 2021: https://www.fabprize.org/ ● Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us 

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>2731false26fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/what-access-looks-like-dead-yard-deep-trouble--75043438This week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Jasmine Richards talks to Pardina Samson-Fessale, writing as P. J. Killburn, about DEAD YARD: DEEP TROUBLE, illustrated by Markia Jenai and published by Little Tiger on 3rd September 2026.
In book two, Jermaine has won his film competition and feels guilty about how he won it. Then children start disappearing from his corner of Shepherd's Bush, and every one of them was last seen near the Thames. That points to Mami Wata, a water deity carried from West Africa to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. She is not a duppy. She is a good spirit, which makes what is happening in the waterways of London all the more worrying.
Pardina and Jasmine talk about access at every level. What Pardina had to learn once writing stopped being a hobby, from royalties and contracts to being told to engage on Instagram, which she is certain she is terrible at. What publishing could do for the writers coming up behind her, which turns out to be less about encouragement than about telling people the actual next step. And access on the page, including the Caribbean word she cut from book one because not every reader would have grown up hearing it.
There is also the matter of book one, Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom, being shortlisted for the Lollies 2026, an award for funny books, which Pardina finds hilarious given that she wrote a spooky story.
Plus: writing book two in the middle of planning a wedding, testing dialogue by saying it out loud in her best cantankerous old man voice, why Nine Night traditions fade three or four generations into the diaspora, and why a disappointed family matriarch is scarier than any vampire.
Listen, share and get into the conversation!
Useful Links:
● Follow Pardina on Instagram: @pardinawrites
● Buy Dead Yard: Deep Trouble at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dead-yard-deep-trouble/ea89d70537e81fd6?ean=9781788957922&listref=storymix-projects&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t
● Buy Book 1, Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dead-yard-seeds-of-doom-p-j-killburn/4e45b2e4cab7e5ad?ean=9781788957649&listref=storymix-projects&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t
● Vote for Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom in the Lollies 2026: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/lollies
● Explore Dead Yard's publisher, Little Tiger, at https://littletiger.co.uk/
● Explore Pardina and Jermaine's favourite film director, Ryan Coogler's filmography: https://letterboxd.com/director/ryan-coogler/
● Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us

Support Storymix
Support our mission to make children's books more inclusive by buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/storymixfundraising
Why support us? Storymix creates original, high-concept fiction with inclusive casts of characters, giving every child the chance to be the hero. Founded in 2019 by author Jasmine Richards, we act as a springboard for racially-minoritized creators, incubating talent to produce stories that resonate with young readers everywhere. Since our launch, publishers have sold over 500,000 copies of our titles.


Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/75043438Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:18:03 +0000StorymixWhen Pardina Samson-Fessale was a child in Saint Lucia, her mum, the only South African on the island at the time, marched into Nelson Mandela's hotel and refused to leave until they had met him. He gave Pardina a glass of orange juice and told her to...This week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Jasmine Richards talks to Pardina Samson-Fessale, writing as P. J. Killburn, about DEAD YARD: DEEP TROUBLE, illustrated by Markia Jenai and published by Little Tiger on 3rd September 2026.
In book two, Jermaine has won his film competition and feels guilty about how he won it. Then children start disappearing from his corner of Shepherd's Bush, and every one of them was last seen near the Thames. That points to Mami Wata, a water deity carried from West Africa to the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade. She is not a duppy. She is a good spirit, which makes what is happening in the waterways of London all the more worrying.
Pardina and Jasmine talk about access at every level. What Pardina had to learn once writing stopped being a hobby, from royalties and contracts to being told to engage on Instagram, which she is certain she is terrible at. What publishing could do for the writers coming up behind her, which turns out to be less about encouragement than about telling people the actual next step. And access on the page, including the Caribbean word she cut from book one because not every reader would have grown up hearing it.
There is also the matter of book one, Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom, being shortlisted for the Lollies 2026, an award for funny books, which Pardina finds hilarious given that she wrote a spooky story.
Plus: writing book two in the middle of planning a wedding, testing dialogue by saying it out loud in her best cantankerous old man voice, why Nine Night traditions fade three or four generations into the diaspora, and why a disappointed family matriarch is scarier than any vampire.
Listen, share and get into the conversation!
Useful Links:
● Follow Pardina on Instagram: @pardinawrites
● Buy Dead Yard: Deep Trouble at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dead-yard-deep-trouble/ea89d70537e81fd6?ean=9781788957922&listref=storymix-projects&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t
● Buy Book 1, Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/dead-yard-seeds-of-doom-p-j-killburn/4e45b2e4cab7e5ad?ean=9781788957649&listref=storymix-projects&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t
● Vote for Dead Yard: Seeds of Doom in the Lollies 2026: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/lollies
● Explore Dead Yard's publisher, Little Tiger, at https://littletiger.co.uk/
● Explore Pardina and Jermaine's favourite film director, Ryan Coogler's filmography: https://letterboxd.com/director/ryan-coogler/
● Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us

Support Storymix
Support our mission to make children's books more inclusive by buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/storymixfundraising
Why support us? Storymix creates original, high-concept fiction with inclusive casts of characters, giving every child the chance to be the hero. Founded in 2019 by author Jasmine Richards, we act as a springboard for racially-minoritized creators, incubating talent to produce stories that resonate with young readers everywhere. Since our launch, publishers have sold over 500,000 copies of our titles.


Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: 24fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-power-of-names-the-lost-name-society--74862458
This week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Jasmine Richards talks to Savita Kalhan — writing as S. R. Krish — about THE LOST NAME SOCIETY, published by Fox & Ink Books on 3rd September 2026.

 

At Marybourne School, a hundred students sign a charter agreeing to compete for the Pentangle Prize. None of them know the games are lethal. Andy — whose real name is Aniruddha — is about to find out.

 

Savita and Jasmine talk about the power of names: the ones we're given, the ones we're made to give up, and the ones we choose for ourselves. Savita explains the very personal reason behind the name S. R. Krish, and why it felt right for this particular book.

 

They also get into what it does to a young reader to grow up never seeing a child like themselves in any of the books they love, and how long it can take before a writer feels they have permission to put those characters on the page. Savita discusses the CLPE's Reflecting Realities research, why South Asian protagonists remain so underrepresented in UK children's books, and why the recent slippage in those numbers matters.

 

Plus: moving into horror after a career in contemporary fiction, what teenagers actually want from a scary book right now, and something Savita noticed in school writing workshops that changed how she runs them.

 

Listen, share and get into the conversation.

 

USEFUL LINKS

Follow Savita on Instagram: @savita_kalhan

Savita's website: https://savitakalhan.com/

Book Savita for a school visit via Authors Aloud UK: https://authorsalouduk.co.uk/speaker/savita-kalhan/

Buy THE LOST NAME SOCIETY at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf

CLPE Reflecting Realities Report: https://clpe.org.uk/research/reflecting-realities

Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us

 

CREDITS

www.storymix.co.uk

Host: Jasmine Richards

Producers: Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic

Cover art for THE LOST NAME SOCIETY by Douglas Lopez

Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram

Socials: @storymixstudio @savita_kalhan

 

SUPPORT STORYMIX

Support our mission to make children's books more inclusive by buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/storymixfundraising

 

Why support us? Storymix creates original, high-concept fiction with inclusive casts of characters, giving every child the chance to be the hero. Founded in 2019 by author Jasmine Richards, we act as a springboard for racially-minoritized creators, incubating talent to produce stories that resonate with young readers everywhere. Since our launch, publishers have sold over 500,000 copies of our titles.

 










Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74862458Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:32:48 +0000StorymixIn the 1990s, Savita Kalhan smuggled books through customs in the lining of her suitcase. Three decades on, she's writing teen horror under a name built from names that are very important to her This week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Jasmine...
This week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Jasmine Richards talks to Savita Kalhan — writing as S. R. Krish — about THE LOST NAME SOCIETY, published by Fox & Ink Books on 3rd September 2026.

 

At Marybourne School, a hundred students sign a charter agreeing to compete for the Pentangle Prize. None of them know the games are lethal. Andy — whose real name is Aniruddha — is about to find out.

 

Savita and Jasmine talk about the power of names: the ones we're given, the ones we're made to give up, and the ones we choose for ourselves. Savita explains the very personal reason behind the name S. R. Krish, and why it felt right for this particular book.

 

They also get into what it does to a young reader to grow up never seeing a child like themselves in any of the books they love, and how long it can take before a writer feels they have permission to put those characters on the page. Savita discusses the CLPE's Reflecting Realities research, why South Asian protagonists remain so underrepresented in UK children's books, and why the recent slippage in those numbers matters.

 

Plus: moving into horror after a career in contemporary fiction, what teenagers actually want from a scary book right now, and something Savita noticed in school writing workshops that changed how she runs them.

 

Listen, share and get into the conversation.

 

USEFUL LINKS

Follow Savita on Instagram: @savita_kalhan

Savita's website: https://savitakalhan.com/

Book Savita for a school visit via Authors Aloud UK: https://authorsalouduk.co.uk/speaker/savita-kalhan/

Buy THE LOST NAME SOCIETY at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf

CLPE Reflecting Realities Report: https://clpe.org.uk/research/reflecting-realities

Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us

 

CREDITS

www.storymix.co.uk

Host: Jasmine Richards

Producers: Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic

Cover art for THE LOST NAME SOCIETY by Douglas Lopez

Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram

Socials: @storymixstudio @savita_kalhan

 

SUPPORT STORYMIX

Support our mission to make children's books more inclusive by buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/storymixfundraising

 

Why support us? Storymix creates original, high-concept fiction with inclusive casts of characters, giving every child the chance to be the hero. Founded in 2019 by author Jasmine Richards, we act as a springboard for racially-minoritized creators, incubating talent to produce stories that resonate with young readers everywhere. Since our launch, publishers have sold over 500,000 copies of our titles.

 










Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and...]]>2723false24fullhttps://app.notion.com/p/storymix/Episode-3-3c2da2f21a7380c09ba1f8e5dfa511d6
  Useful Links: ●      Check out Lui’s website: https://www.lui-land.co.uk/ ●      Follow Lui on Instagram: @lui.land ●      Buy The Lucky House Detective Agency at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf ●      Buy The Land of the Last Wildcat at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/land-of-the-last-wildcat-lui-sit/37047eafeab0ddeb?ean=9781035040315&listref=storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t ●      Pre-order The Wildcat and the Gathering Storm at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wildcat-and-the-gathering-storm-lui-sit/a596e2226d700f7b?ean=9781035040346&listref=storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t ●      Work with StoryMix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us     

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74703649Thu, 27 Aug 2026 06:30:02 +0000StorymixIn this episode, we're talking to Lui Sit, who writes under the pen name Scarlett Li, author of The Lucky House Detective Agency, published by Storymix Books on 11th June 2026. We talk about why Lui thinks that collaboration with Storymix made The...
  Useful Links: ●      Check out Lui’s website: https://www.lui-land.co.uk/ ●      Follow Lui on Instagram: @lui.land ●      Buy The Lucky House Detective Agency at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf ●      Buy The Land of the Last Wildcat at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/land-of-the-last-wildcat-lui-sit/37047eafeab0ddeb?ean=9781035040315&listref=storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t ●      Pre-order The Wildcat and the Gathering Storm at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/the-wildcat-and-the-gathering-storm-lui-sit/a596e2226d700f7b?ean=9781035040346&listref=storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf&aid=7068&bkshp-astro=t ●      Work with StoryMix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us     

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>2736false23fullhttps://storymix.notion.site/Episode-2-Imagine-Differently-with-A-M-Ellis-3c2da2f21a738076a336f2818ad3b3fcThis week on our episode of Storymix: Craft and Conversation Season 2, Jasmine Richards chats with YA author Angelica Ellis, who writes under the pen name A. M. Ellis, about blending two genres, who gets to write which stories, and the expectation around stories centering pain and trauma. A.M Ellis's book, I Feel Your Pain, published by Penguin Random House, came out on 25th June 2026. Listen, share and get into the conversation!
Useful Links:

• Follow Angelica on Instagram: @amonaiellis
• Transcript can be found here
• Buy I Feel Your Pain at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf 
• Buy Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/their-eyes-were-watching-god-zora-neale-hurston/7130ce64b4702b25?ean=9780060838676&bkshp-astro=t
• Buy Divergent by Veronica Roth at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/divergent-veronica-roth/5c707406766d2a58?ean=9780062387240&bkshp-astro=t
• Buy the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?bkshp-astro=t&keywords=sookie+stackhouse
• Buy the Daughters of the Moon series 
• Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us

Credits
Host: Jasmine Richards
Producers: Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @amonaiellis

Support our mission to make children's books more inclusive by buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/storymixfundraising
Why support us? Storymix creates original, high-concept fiction with inclusive casts of characters, giving every child the chance to be the hero. Founded in 2019 by author Jasmine Richards, we act as a springboard for racially-minoritized creators, incubating talent to produce stories that resonate with young readers everywhere. Since our launch, publishers have sold over 500,000 copies of our titles.



____________________________



Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74381661Thu, 20 Aug 2026 11:35:32 +0000StorymixThis week on our episode of Storymix: Craft and Conversation Season 2, Jasmine Richards chats with YA author Angelica Ellis, who writes under the pen name A. M. Ellis, about blending two genres, who gets to write which stories, and the expectation...This week on our episode of Storymix: Craft and Conversation Season 2, Jasmine Richards chats with YA author Angelica Ellis, who writes under the pen name A. M. Ellis, about blending two genres, who gets to write which stories, and the expectation around stories centering pain and trauma. A.M Ellis's book, I Feel Your Pain, published by Penguin Random House, came out on 25th June 2026. Listen, share and get into the conversation!
Useful Links:

• Follow Angelica on Instagram: @amonaiellis
• Transcript can be found here
• Buy I Feel Your Pain at Bookshop.org: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/storymix-craft-and-conversaton-the-reading-shelf 
• Buy Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/their-eyes-were-watching-god-zora-neale-hurston/7130ce64b4702b25?ean=9780060838676&bkshp-astro=t
• Buy Divergent by Veronica Roth at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/divergent-veronica-roth/5c707406766d2a58?ean=9780062387240&bkshp-astro=t
• Buy the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris at Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/beta-search?bkshp-astro=t&keywords=sookie+stackhouse
• Buy the Daughters of the Moon series 
• Work with Storymix: https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us

Credits
Host: Jasmine Richards
Producers: Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @amonaiellis

Support our mission to make children's books more inclusive by buying us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/storymixfundraising
Why support us? Storymix creates original, high-concept fiction with inclusive casts of characters, giving every child the chance to be the hero. Founded in 2019 by author Jasmine Richards, we act as a springboard for racially-minoritized creators, incubating talent to produce stories that resonate with young readers everywhere. Since our launch, publishers have sold over 500,000 copies of our titles.



____________________________



Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by...]]>2460false22fullhttps://storymix.notion.site/Storymix-Craft-and-Conversation-Season-2-3bada2f21a73805585a0ca0cb436bd89

• Writing mixed race identity and belonging
• Creating Della, the teenage heroine of Princess (Apparently)
• Black royalty, Caribbean history and St Antonique
• Representation without turning characters into lessons
• Writing joyful, commercial stories with big ideas
• What teaching teenagers reveals about writing for young people
• The books and writers that shaped Siren’s storytelling

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73862279Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:05 +0000StorymixIn the first episode of Season 2 of Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Storymix founder Jasmine Richards talks to debut children’s author Siren Knight about mixed race identity, Caribbean history, teenage life and the creative journey behind her new...

• Writing mixed race identity and belonging
• Creating Della, the teenage heroine of Princess (Apparently)
• Black royalty, Caribbean history and St Antonique
• Representation without turning characters into lessons
• Writing joyful, commercial stories with big ideas
• What teaching teenagers reveals about writing for young people
• The books and writers that shaped Siren’s storytelling

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>2625author-interview,black-british-authors,black-royalty,caribbean-history,childrens-books,childrens-publishing,craft-and-conversation,debut-author,inclusive-publishing,jasmine-richards,mixed-race-identity,mixed-race-representation,princess-apparently,siren-knight,storymix,teen-fiction,usborne,writing-craft,writing-for-teenagers,young-adult-fictionfalse21fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-get-a-seat-at-the-publishing-table--56071859Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni chat extensively with children’s literary agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch about what it really means to be a literary agent, industry expectations, and answering the constant question: how do you get a seat at the publishing table? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Curtis Brown
• The Fab Prize
• Follow Davinia on Twitter @nocturnalreader and Instagram @andlynlit

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56071859Mon, 24 Jul 2023 06:00:03 +0000StorymixThis week on the final episode of the season of Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni chat extensively with children’s literary agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch about what it really means to be a literary agent, industry expectations,...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni chat extensively with children’s literary agent Davinia Andrew-Lynch about what it really means to be a literary agent, industry expectations, and answering the constant question: how do you get a seat at the publishing table? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Davinia Andrew-Lynch at Curtis Brown
• The Fab Prize
• Follow Davinia on Twitter @nocturnalreader and Instagram @andlynlit

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>3084author,childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,fabprize,illustratingforchildren,illustrator,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,literaryagent,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse110fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/getting-your-work-out-there--56024652Storymix: Craft and Conversation, in our final Craft episode of the season, Maame Blue takes you through the crucial steps needed to get your stories out of your head and into the hands of agents and publishers. Plus, our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards shares some great tricks for writing the elevator pitch for your story idea! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• Writers and Artists Yearbook
• SCBWI Illustrator Gallery

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56024652Wed, 19 Jul 2023 06:00:02 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, in our final Craft episode of the season, Maame Blue takes you through the crucial steps needed to get your stories out of your head and into the hands of agents and publishers. Plus, our 5 Minute Mentor...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, in our final Craft episode of the season, Maame Blue takes you through the crucial steps needed to get your stories out of your head and into the hands of agents and publishers. Plus, our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards shares some great tricks for writing the elevator pitch for your story idea! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• Writers and Artists Yearbook
• SCBWI Illustrator Gallery

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>1823childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,elevatorpitch,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,literaryagents,publishers,submissionpackage,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse19fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-tackle-big-topics-like-slavery-and-racism--56069544Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni sit down with author and teacher J. T. Williams - who wrote The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries - to discuss how research can play a part in story development, what it takes to create characters from real figures in history, and how to navigate the question: How do I tackle big topics like slavery and racism when writing for children? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• J. T. Williams books
• Follow JT Williams on Instagram (@lizzie_and_belle) and Twitter (@ojibrown73)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56069544Mon, 17 Jul 2023 06:00:02 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni sit down with author and teacher J. T. Williams - who wrote The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries - to discuss how research can play a part in story development, what it takes to create...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni sit down with author and teacher J. T. Williams - who wrote The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries - to discuss how research can play a part in story development, what it takes to create characters from real figures in history, and how to navigate the question: How do I tackle big topics like slavery and racism when writing for children? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• J. T. Williams books
• Follow JT Williams on Instagram (@lizzie_and_belle) and Twitter (@ojibrown73)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>3604blackhistory,childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,ignatiussancho,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,lizzieandbelle,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse18fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/writing-for-different-ages--55991268Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue explains the differences in creating stories for children depending on their age, with the help of three Storymix Studio books! Plus, our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards breaks down publisher expectations and rules around the age ranges of books for children! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• Age levels for children’s books
• Books:
  • Magic Faces: Heroes of the Pirate Ship written by Esi Merlah & illustrated by Abeeha Tariq
  • Secret Beast Club: The Unicorns of Silver Street written by Robin Birch & illustrated by Jobe Anderson
  • The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Portraits and Poison by J. T. Williams

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory


Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55991268Wed, 12 Jul 2023 06:00:02 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue explains the differences in creating stories for children depending on their age, with the help of three Storymix Studio books! Plus, our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards breaks down publisher...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue explains the differences in creating stories for children depending on their age, with the help of three Storymix Studio books! Plus, our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards breaks down publisher expectations and rules around the age ranges of books for children! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• Age levels for children’s books
• Books:
  • Magic Faces: Heroes of the Pirate Ship written by Esi Merlah & illustrated by Abeeha Tariq
  • Secret Beast Club: The Unicorns of Silver Street written by Robin Birch & illustrated by Jobe Anderson
  • The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Portraits and Poison by J. T. Williams

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory


Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>17696-8,8-12,childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,differentages,historicalfiction,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,lizzieandbelle,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse17fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-use-slang-or-foreign-words-authentically--56024502Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni take a closer look into dialogue, language and heritage, in conversation with Tania Tay - the author writing as Crystal Sung on the upcoming middle grade series Spellcasters. From research to personal history and more, the question is: How do I use slang or foreign words authentically when writing for children? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
• Book: Spellcasters by Crystal Sung
• Follow Tania on Instagram (@taniatay88) and Twitter (@taniatay88)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/56024502Mon, 10 Jul 2023 06:00:02 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni take a closer look into dialogue, language and heritage, in conversation with Tania Tay - the author writing as Crystal Sung on the upcoming middle grade series Spellcasters. From...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni take a closer look into dialogue, language and heritage, in conversation with Tania Tay - the author writing as Crystal Sung on the upcoming middle grade series Spellcasters. From research to personal history and more, the question is: How do I use slang or foreign words authentically when writing for children? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
• Book: Spellcasters by Crystal Sung
• Follow Tania on Instagram (@taniatay88) and Twitter (@taniatay88)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>3010authenticity,childrenspublishing,chinesemalaysian,creatingforchildren,egyptian,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,mythology,nonenglishwords,usingslang,westindian,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildren,writingresearchfalse16fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/writing-authentic-dialogue--55991146Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue is discussing dialogue! How to make it sing, how to make it ring true, and what to avoid, especially when writing for kids. Screenwriter and author E. L Norry will be doing a reading of her brand new middle grade book Fablehouse, and our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards - writer, editor and screenwriter - will be back with some invaluable tips on dialogue inspired by her experience in the scriptwriting world! Listen, share and get into the craft!


Useful Links:

• Dialogue with Storygrid
• Book: Fablehouse by E. L. Norry
• Follow E. L. Norry on Instagram (@elnorry_writer) and Twitter (@elnorry_writer)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/55991146Wed, 05 Jul 2023 06:00:03 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue is discussing dialogue! How to make it sing, how to make it ring true, and what to avoid, especially when writing for kids. Screenwriter and author E. L Norry will be doing a reading of her...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue is discussing dialogue! How to make it sing, how to make it ring true, and what to avoid, especially when writing for kids. Screenwriter and author E. L Norry will be doing a reading of her brand new middle grade book Fablehouse, and our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards - writer, editor and screenwriter - will be back with some invaluable tips on dialogue inspired by her experience in the scriptwriting world! Listen, share and get into the craft!


Useful Links:

• Dialogue with Storygrid
• Book: Fablehouse by E. L. Norry
• Follow E. L. Norry on Instagram (@elnorry_writer) and Twitter (@elnorry_writer)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi
Recorded at Dream Factory

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>1459childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,dialogue,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,screenwriting,scripts,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingdialogue,writingforchildrenfalse15fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/who-or-what-do-i-draw--54547582Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni dig deep into the world of children’s illustration with the help of illustrator Selom Sunu, who discusses diversity in children's book characters, how to decide what to draw, and tackles the question: How do I avoid creating white characters that are just shaded in? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Line of Action - Practice Tools for Artists
• Book: The Marvellous Granny Jinks And Me written by Serena Holly & illustrated by Selom Sunu
• Follow Selom on Instagram (@selomsunu86) and Twitter (@mrsunu)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54547582Mon, 03 Jul 2023 06:00:02 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni dig deep into the world of children’s illustration with the help of illustrator Selom Sunu, who discusses diversity in children's book characters, how to decide what to draw, and...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni dig deep into the world of children’s illustration with the help of illustrator Selom Sunu, who discusses diversity in children's book characters, how to decide what to draw, and tackles the question: How do I avoid creating white characters that are just shaded in? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Line of Action - Practice Tools for Artists
• Book: The Marvellous Granny Jinks And Me written by Serena Holly & illustrated by Selom Sunu
• Follow Selom on Instagram (@selomsunu86) and Twitter (@mrsunu)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>3046avoidingstereotypes,childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,internalbias,kidbookillustration,kidlit,lifedrawing,publishingindustry,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse14fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/finding-characters--54547584Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue takes the helm of another Craft episode, this time to help you find inspiration for creating authentic characters that reflect your reader's worlds - that is, the world of children. With a reading from The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger from author J.T. Williams, and an immersive journey back to your childhood bedroom from our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards, this one requires multiple replays! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• Writers & Artists Yearbook: On creating your cast of characters
• Book: The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger by J. T. Williams
• Follow JT Williams on Instagram (@lizzie_and_belle) and Twitter (@ojibrown73)

Credits:
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54547584Wed, 28 Jun 2023 06:00:02 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue takes the helm of another Craft episode, this time to help you find inspiration for creating authentic characters that reflect your reader's worlds - that is, the world of children. With a...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue takes the helm of another Craft episode, this time to help you find inspiration for creating authentic characters that reflect your reader's worlds - that is, the world of children. With a reading from The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger from author J.T. Williams, and an immersive journey back to your childhood bedroom from our 5 Minute Mentor Jasmine Richards, this one requires multiple replays! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• Writers & Artists Yearbook: On creating your cast of characters
• Book: The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger by J. T. Williams
• Follow JT Williams on Instagram (@lizzie_and_belle) and Twitter (@ojibrown73)

Credits:
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>1543authenticcharacters,childrenspublishing,creatingcharacters,creatingforchildren,developingcharacters,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse13fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/how-do-i-reflect-my-heritage-without-resorting-to-stereotypes--54547583Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni get into the Conversation with Storymix Founder, author and editor Jasmine Richards to explore the question: How do you reflect your heritage without resorting to stereotypes when creating children's books? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Create for Storymix
• Jasmine’s books
• Follow Jasmine on Instagram (@writeonauthor) and Twitter (@jrichardsauthor)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54547583Mon, 26 Jun 2023 12:30:01 +0000StorymixThis week on Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni get into the Conversation with Storymix Founder, author and editor Jasmine Richards to explore the question: How do you reflect your heritage without resorting to stereotypes when...Storymix: Craft and Conversation, Maame Blue and Azi Farni get into the Conversation with Storymix Founder, author and editor Jasmine Richards to explore the question: How do you reflect your heritage without resorting to stereotypes when creating children's books? Listen, share and get into the conversation!

Useful Links:

• Create for Storymix
• Jasmine’s books
• Follow Jasmine on Instagram (@writeonauthor) and Twitter (@jrichardsauthor)

Credits
www.storymix.co.uk
Hosts: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>3265booktalk,childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,heritage,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,publishing,stereotypes,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse12fullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/archetypes-vs-stereotypes--54547578Storymix: Craft & Conversation! In our first Storymix Craft episode, host Maame Blue shares some tips on differentiating between Stereotypes and Archetypes when creating stories for children. Plus, we'll hear a reading by Storymix author Isaac Mckenzie, one of the writers behind Future Hero: Mission To The Shadow Sea. And on top of all of that, our fearless Storymix leader Jasmine Richards joins us for our 5 Minute Mentor segment - talking about different ways to find mentorship! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• https://storygrid.com/hero-archetype/
• https://write-mentor.com/
• Book: Future Hero: Mission to The Shadow Sea by Remi Blackwood
• Follow Isaac on Instagram (@isaac.mckenzie) and Twitter (@IsaacHMcKenzie)

Credits:
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/54547578Wed, 21 Jun 2023 14:50:01 +0000StorymixWelcome to the first ever episode of Storymix: Craft & Conversation! In our first Storymix Craft episode, host Maame Blue shares some tips on differentiating between Stereotypes and Archetypes when creating stories for children. Plus, we'll hear a...Storymix: Craft & Conversation! In our first Storymix Craft episode, host Maame Blue shares some tips on differentiating between Stereotypes and Archetypes when creating stories for children. Plus, we'll hear a reading by Storymix author Isaac Mckenzie, one of the writers behind Future Hero: Mission To The Shadow Sea. And on top of all of that, our fearless Storymix leader Jasmine Richards joins us for our 5 Minute Mentor segment - talking about different ways to find mentorship! Listen, share and get into the craft!

Useful Links:

• https://storygrid.com/hero-archetype/
• https://write-mentor.com/
• Book: Future Hero: Mission to The Shadow Sea by Remi Blackwood
• Follow Isaac on Instagram (@isaac.mckenzie) and Twitter (@IsaacHMcKenzie)

Credits:
www.storymix.co.uk
Host: Maame Blue
Producers: Azi Farni and Maame Blue
Music by @Alexthetruefoodie on Instagram
Socials: @storymixstudio @maame_blue @art.by.azi

Follow Storymix:
https://www.storymix.co.uk
https://www.storymix.co.uk/create-with-us
Instagram: @storymixstudioFollow Siren Knight:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sirenknight
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sirenkn1ght   
The music for Storymix: Craft and Conversation is by @Alexthetruefoodie.
Artwork is by Reyhana Ismail 
Produced by Jessica Horton and Sonja Stojiljkovic]]>1430archetypes,characters,childrenspublishing,creatingforchildren,illustratingforchildren,illustratorsofcolour,kidlit,stereotypes,writersofcolour,writingcommunity,writingcraft,writingforchildrenfalse11full