Abigail Horne, of Authors & Co. welcomes you to the debut episode of 'Inkspiration Calling', where creativity meets craft, and authors find their Inkspiration. Join her on this exciting journey into the enchanting world of children's chapter books.

Summary:
In this episode, Abigail shares the backstory of why it took time to launch the podcast, emphasising Authors and Co.'s vision to fill bookshelves with meaningful and heartwarming stories. The season starts with a focus on chapter books, offering insights for aspiring writers, those dreaming of writing for children, and literature enthusiasts.

Abigail explores the challenge of defining chapter books by age range and instead proposes a definition based on word count—10 to 20,000 words. She delves into the importance of chapter books in a child's reading journey, shaping their views and simultaneously providing writers with an opportunity to educate and entertain. Abigail reflects on bedtime routines, the shift from traditional storytime to digital devices, and the impact of literature on shaping young minds.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chapter books are short novels (10 to 20,000 words) suitable for readers of any age.
2. The industry struggles to agree on age ranges, prompting a focus on crafting stories for the reader's choice.
3. Chapter books play a crucial role in a child's coming-of-age reading journey, shaping their worldview.
4. Abigail encourages writers to create inclusive and diverse stories, highlighting the power of literature to impact lives.

The episode concludes with Abigail's call to writers to embrace this season dedicated to chapter books, promising a deep dive into this underserved market.

Inkspiration Calling invites you to explore the magical realms of chapter books, discover the joy of crafting stories that matter, and embark on a journey where imagination knows no bounds. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep writing, and let your story unfold here.

Authors & Co. Resources:

• Website: https://www.authorsandco.pub
• Socials:
  • Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@iamabigailhorne
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailhorneonline
• The Enchanted Christmas Treasury Book

Welcome to the second episode of "Inkspiration Calling," the podcast where creativity meets craft and authors find inspiration. I'm your host, Abigail Horne, and I'm thrilled to have you back for another exploration into the enchanting world of children's chapter books.

Summary:
In today's episode, titled "The Gap in the Middle," we delve into the unique space that chapter books occupy between picture books and middle-grade fiction. Abigail unravels the defining characteristics of chapter books, from short and manageable chapters to the importance of illustrations in supporting the narrative. We explore the role of chapter books in fostering imagination, improving reading skills, and serving as a gateway to a lifelong love of reading.

Abigail also discusses the exciting opportunities within the chapter book market, emphasizing the need for diversity, inclusion, and exploration of untapped genres. As an aspiring author, you'll discover the potential to create engaging content that resonates with underrepresented readers and addresses emerging trends like sustainability and mental health.

Key Takeaways:

1. Chapter books bridge the gap between picture books and middle-grade fiction, offering readers a step towards more complex storytelling.
2. Short chapters, illustrations, and accessible language make chapter books ideal for young readers gaining confidence in independent reading
3. The magic of chapter books lies in their ability to engage young minds, foster creativity, and introduce readers to diverse themes and cultures.
4. Aspiring authors have a significant opportunity to contribute to the chapter book market by incorporating diversity, exploring emerging trends, and creating engaging series.

Abigail invites listeners to share their thoughts on what chapter books could benefit from, encouraging dialogue within the writing community.

Thank you for joining us on this journey into the captivating world of children's literature. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep writing, and remember that your story starts here.

Authors & Co. Resources:

• Website: https://www.authorsandco.pub
• Socials:
  • Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@iamabigailhorne
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailhorneonline
• The Enchanted Christmas Treasury Book

Hello and welcome to Inkspiration Calling! I'm your host, Abigail Horne. In this season, we're exploring the magical world of children's chapter books. Get ready for a journey filled with creativity, craft, and endless inspiration.

Summary:
In today's episode, we delve into the minds of young readers. Respect their intelligence while simplifying language for clarity. Children's chapter books require a brisk pace, concise chapters, and engaging plots to maintain short attention spans. Crafting characters with emotional depth is crucial for building a strong connection. Trust between readers and characters is vital, so create relatable situations. Subtle lessons and themes offer opportunities for personal growth. Leave space for readers to use their imagination and be open-minded to valuable feedback.

Key Takeaways:

1. Respect children's intelligence without patronizing.
2. Maintain a brisk pace and concise chapters to keep young readers engaged.
3. Craft characters with emotional depth for a strong connection.
4. Build trust by creating relatable situations and characters.
5. Include subtle lessons for personal growth and understanding.
6. Leave room for readers to use their imagination.
7. Stay open-minded and receptive to feedback for improvement.

That wraps up this episode of Inkspiration Calling. I hope you've gained fresh ideas, practical tips, and a renewed sense of inspiration. Until next time, keep dreaming, keep writing, and remember, your story can start here.

Authors & Co. Resources:

• Website: https://www.authorsandco.pub
• Socials:
  • Instagram: https://www.threads.net/@iamabigailhorne
  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailhorneonline
• The Enchanted Christmas Treasury Book