Tackling Tough Topics: Christopher Cheng On Addressing Big Themes In Children's Literature With Sensitivity The HYBRID Author podcast

27:11

Alejandra Martinez is an Australian-Uruguayan writer based in the Blue Mountains of NSW. She migrated to Australia at the age of seven with her family, as a military dictatorship was about to take over the country. Her stories have been published in a range of anthologies and magazines, including Best Australian Stories (BlackInc.), Girls Talk and Puentes Review . She has also written short plays, one of which was performed at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta. An extract from her debut novel. Salsa in the Suburbs was the winner of the 2022 Newcastle Writers Festival Fresh Ink Emerging Writer Prize. In the 176th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short-nonfiction for authors, chats to Alejandra about: her inspiration to write suburban setting/Latinx culture 'Salsa in the Suburbs' and what it means for her personally approaching writing about cultural identity in a way that feels authentic and accessible, especially for readers who may not share the same background central themes of family, food and community in 'Salsa in the Suburbs' and these elements drive Alejandra's characters’ and shape the heart of her story Alejandra's advice to writers who want to tell stories rooted in their own culture or heritage while also reaching a broad audience and much more.…

The HYBRID Author

1
Bringing Epic Poetry Back and 'The Amazons’ With Peter Gunn 32:06

15 days ago32:06

32:06

Peter Gunn is a U.S. Air Force vet, avid bodybuilder, coffee connoisseur and poet who strives to bring epic poetry back from the past. Peter reinvents this narrative style in his masterpiece The Amazons . In the 175th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors chats to Peter about: epic poetry, defined what modern readers can gain from reconnecting with this ancient form creative challenges working in such a historic style discoveries of epic storytelling that excited him the most during the writing of 'The Amazons' Peter's advice for aspiring writers looking to write epic poetry and much more.…

The HYBRID Author

1
2025 Mid-year Mashup with Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 26:03

19 days ago26:03

26:03

Can you believe we are mid-way through 2025! Where does the time go. But as always, we'll celebrate with a mashup of the fabulous guests we've had on The HYBRID Author Podcast since January! Episode 151 Overcoming the Shadows: John Walker Pattison on Triumph, Vulnerability and Inspiring Through Memoir Episode 152 Million-copy Bestselling Author Jacqueline Harvey on Creating a Thriving Career in Children’s Fiction and Navigating a Changing Publishing Landscape Episode 153 Relentless Pursuit: Junior Bernard on Overcoming Adversity and Turning Survival into Inspiration Episode 154 Dana Da Silva on Writing Erotica Episode 155 Living with Split: Maggie Walters on the Journey of Multiple Personality Disorder and the Power of Storytelling Episode 156 A.M Jaxon on Balancing Romance and Suspense and The Love Connection Series: Saoirse’s Story Episode 157 Suzi Samuel Revising a Bestseller and The Dark at the Threshold Episode 158 Uncovering Truths in Young Adult Fiction: Karen Cunningham on Writing and Self-Publishing ‘Missing Sarah Harris’ Episode 159 Shane Simonsen on Self-Publishing Books vs. Blogging on Substack Episode 160 How Poetry Serves as a Form of Healing and Self-discovery with Jessie Vong Episode 161 Stephen Whiteside on ‘Writing Narrative Non-fiction Australian History ‘Snow, Fire and Gold’ Episode 162 Deborah Pike on ‘What to do after your first novel is published’ Episdeo 163 The Power of Podcasts to Connect People Through Compelling Storytelling and Meaningful Conversations With Devin Blair Episdoe 164 Reigning in Regency: DG Rampton on Crafting Timeless Romance and Thriving as a Hybrid Author Episode 165 Sandi Parsons on ‘Self-Publishing Children’s Fiction Overseas’ Episode 166 Tackling Tough Topics: Christopher Cheng on Addressing Big Themes in Children’s Literature with Sensitivity Episode 167 Joanne Merrick on ‘empowering readers to make informed decisions’ Episode 169 Writing Good Mystery Books for Kids and Outback Noir with Rosie Schnoell Episode 171 Embarking on Adventures: Yarn Quest and the Magic of Children’s Fantasy with Brooke Scobie Episdoe 172 Retirement Money Secrets with Steven Selengut Episode 173 How to Elevate Your Life and Business to a Higher Level with Rich Kozak…

The HYBRID Author

1
How to Elevate Your Life and Business to a Higher Level with Rich Kozak 52:46

19 days ago52:46

52:46

Rich Kozak is The Voice of Impact Driven Branding. After decades languaging and launching brands, he founded RichBrands specifically to serve heart-centered entrepreneurs and professionals. At RichBrands, Rich guides individuals in elevating their unique gifts so their Brand makes higher level impacts, and in creating, writing and publishing books to move their brand forward. The wisdom he shares is:CLARITY for the IMPACTS You Will Make and STEPS for “The Brand YOU Will Become.” In the 173rd episode of The HYBRID Author podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors, chats to Rich about: what it means to elevate a brand—and how that translates into elevating your life and business what role does clarity play in making a brand not only authentic but impactful how someone can begin identifying their gifts—and what’s the shift that happens when they build a brand around them with intention key mindset shifts or branding principles authors can adopt right now to begin operating at a higher level of impact, purpose and much more. https://authorspublish.com/30-magazines-publishing-hybrid-writing/…

The HYBRID Author

1
Retirement Money Secrets with Steven Selengut 43:01

19 days ago43:01

43:01

Steve Selengut is the #1 Amazon bestselling author of ‘Retirement Money Secrets’ (2023). He is an income independence coach with over 40 years of experience in the financial industry. As a retired private investment portfolio manager, Steve managed over 300 different portfolios at a time before selling his business in 2023 with over $110 million under management. He has introduced several proprietary concepts, including the QDI + PT, Smart Cash, The Investor's Creed, and Base Income. Further, he developed the Investment Grade Value Stock (IGVSI) identification system. Today, Steve coaches individuals and other professionals in creating retirement income independence for both themselves and their clients. In the 172nd episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors chats to Steven about: his book Retirement Money Secrets and how it differs from traditional retirement planning guides common misconceptions people hold about retirement planning, and how Steve's book aims to correct or clarify those misunderstandings the role authorship has played in building his authority and reach within the financial education world Steve's writing, publishing adventure and advice for authors and much more.…

The HYBRID Author

1
Embarking on Adventures: Yarn Quest and the Magic of Children's Fantasy with Brooke Scobie 35:54

24 days ago35:54

35:54

Brooke Scobie is a queer, auDHD, First Nations mum, author and poet that lives on Darkinyung land. Ever since she was very little, Brooke has loved books and stories. Which, of course, makes sense since they grew up with a mum whose favourite thing was her overflowing bookcase and reading before bed. Brooke is most passionate about creating stories and worlds where weird, wonderful kids and adults of all shapes and sizes can see themselves in magical places, on extraordinary adventures! She hopes that one day every child who reads her stories will know they can be a storyteller too. In the 171st episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors chats to Brooke about: the inspiration to create her 'Yarn Quest' series and how she used her your own experiences to shape the story and its characters her process for developing the unique elements of the 'Yarn Quest' universe, and how it captivates young readers while remaining relatable balancing the need for engaging storytelling with important life lessons or themes and the messages she hopes young readers will take away from 'Yarn Quest' marketing, social media for authors and much more.…

The HYBRID Author

1
HYBRID Social Media Strategies With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 22:17

4 weeks ago22:17

22:17

We've hit 170 episodes of The HYBRID Author Podcast, and to celebrate, join host and author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell chatting HYBRID social media strategies via: content stratregy (organic growth) paid promotion (boosting reach) community and collaboration email and off-platform engagement and much more.…

The HYBRID Author

1
Writing Good Mystery Books for Kids and Outback Noir with Rosie Schnoell 32:55

4 weeks ago32:55

32:55

Rosie Schonell is the author of her debut novel: Middle Grade Mystery, ‘Breaking School Rules is Easy … The hardest part is not getting caught.’ She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Special Education and has taught English at all levels in schools and specialised in teaching students with learning difficulties. Rosie also volunteers at schools and organisations that teach reading, including teaching newly arrived adult migrants. Rosie lives with her husband and has three adult children she’s raised to love books as much as she does. She spends her time between Balmain and the Northern Beaches of Sydney, loves a game of Pickleball, outrigging on Pittwater, and volunteers as a crisis supporter at LIFELINE. In the 169th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast, host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors chats to Rosie about: her debut middle grade mystery developing these characters and what Rosie hopes young readers will take away from their personalities balancing creating a compelling mystery with ensuring it's age-appropriate for younger readers Outback noir and what draws Rosie to this setting, and how it shapes the tone and themes of her story Rosie's advice to aspiring children’s authors or debut authors or just authors in general looking to write in the mystery genre and much more. https://careerauthors.com/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-make-it-in-publishing/…

The HYBRID Author

1
4 Years of The HYBRID Author Podcast and Turning 40! With Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell 29:44

4 weeks ago29:44

29:44

The HYBRID Author podcast is 4! And your host turns 40 today! Join Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell for Episode 168 chatting all things hybrid, including why the podcast started and how it's changed over the years, lessons learned, personal and professional growth, what the next 4 years of the podcast looks like, tuning 40, fears hopes, dreams and much more. www.hybridauthor.com.au…

The HYBRID Author

1
Joanne Merrick on ‘empowering readers to make informed decisions’ 34:46

5 weeks ago34:46

34:46

Joanne Merrick offers over 25 years of global experience in helping individuals and organisations thrive. She has delivered transformative leadership programs across five continents and 22 countries, combining her expertise in neuroscience with a passion for building management and leadership capabilities. As founder of The Leadership Recipe, LLC, Joanne designs impactful programs that enhance communication, emotional intelligence, and team performance. Her global perspective - shaped by living in Australia, Hong Kong, and now the USA - draws on her leadership roles at major organisations like Deloitte, Amazon, and Juniper Networks. This diverse background fuels her fresh, practical approach to leadership development. In her debut book, ‘Game On! Is Management Your Best Career Play?,’ Joanne empowers readers to make an informed decision about stepping into a management role. In the 167th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's ficton and short non-fiction for authors, chats to Joanne about: what drove her to write her book 'Game On! Is Management Your Best Career Play' and why this conversation is so important right now key questions/tools introduced in the book to help people make more informed decisions about their career direction How 'Game On!' helps shift the pressure narrative to move into management and put the power back into the individual’s hands consulting through The Leadership Receipe and how Joanne sees books like hers playing a role in bridging the gap between career ambition and leadership readiness and Joanne's advice to authors and professionals looking to write their book based on their experiences to tie in with all they do. https://www.theleadershiprecipe.com/…

The HYBRID Author

1
Tackling Tough Topics: Christopher Cheng on Addressing Big Themes in Children's Literature with Sensitivity 28:30

5 weeks ago28:30

28:30

Christopher Cheng dwells in an inner-city Sydney terrace and writes fiction and non-fiction for children full time. He taught in city and outback schools for a number of years and at Taronga Zoo. He is Co-Chair of the International Advisory Board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and has a Master of Arts in Children’s Literature. He presents to people of all ages at schools and festivals worldwide. His many picture books include 'Bear and Rat,' lovingly written for his amazing wife Binni, and illustrated by Stephen Michael King. 'OneTree,' illustrated by Bruce Whatley, shortlisted in the 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards, and is a CBCA Notable Book. In the 166th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short nonfiction for authors, chats to Christopher about: his inspiration to address hard topics and how to approach presenting them in a way that's gentle and age-appropriate for young readers balancing complex themes with accessible storytelling, Christopher shares his creative process for developing narratives that resonate emotionally with children while ensuring they feel safe and understood feedback received from parents and educators regarding treatment of big themes, and how that has influenced his writing and or future projects Christopher's tips and advice to writers looking to write for children and much more. https://www.chrischeng.com/…

The HYBRID Author

1
Sandi Parsons on ‘Self-Publishing Children’s Fiction Overseas’ 34:17

6 weeks ago34:17

34:17

Sandi Parsons lives and breathes stories, as a reader, writer and storyteller. Sandi's creative nonfiction has been published in MiNDFOOD, Frankie, Chicken Soup and the Growing Up Disabled in Australia anthology. She currently lives in Western Australia with her favourite husband, some problem puppies and many teetering stacks of books. In the 165th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors, chats to Sandi about her: latest children’s fiction book , Salty self-publishing author adventure: what motivated Sandi to take this route, and how her experiences differed when navigating printing options overseas compared to publishing locally unique challenges making print books and having them shipped from China Sandi’s advice for aspiring children's authors looking to self-publish internationally, creating the best product and much more. https://www.sandiparsons.com/#/…

The HYBRID Author

1
Reigning in Regency: DG Rampton on Crafting Timeless Romance and Thriving as a Hybrid Author 31:12

7 weeks ago31:12

31:12

Bestselling author DG Rampton loves to create feelgood romantic comedy, featuring intelligent heroines, dashing men and sparkling banter. An engineer by training but a romantic by nature, she left her corporate career to follow the call of her artistic inclinations and write stories that bring joy and laughter into people's lives. DG Rampton lives in Sydney with her Mr Darcy, their cheeky teenager and emotionally needy fur-baby, and is currently working on a new historical romantic comedy series. In the 164th episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors, chats to DG Rampton on: balancing historical accuracy with imaginative freedom to create compelling love stories that resonate with modern readers the regency romance niche hybrid authorship, effective strategies in growing and maintaining readership such as BookBub the challenges of marketing and self-promotion in such a competitive space across Amazon and Facebook DG Rampton’s advice for aspiring romance authors, particularly those looking to break into historical subgenres like Regency and much more. https://dgrampton.com/home…

The HYBRID Author

1
The Power of Podcasts to Connect People Through Compelling Storytelling and Meaningful Conversations With Devin Blair 23:50

8 weeks ago23:50

23:50

Devin Blair is a graduate in Chemical Engineering Technology and a proud member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. After a few life-changing experiences, he made the leap into the entertainment world. The journey wasn’t linear, but through trial and error, he found his way into podcasting—and that’s how Chemical Rocketeers was born. Today, Devin travels across cities and countries, pushing boundaries in the sci-fi audio space and working to leave a lasting mark through immersive, story-driven content. In the 163rd episode of The HYBRID Author Podcast host Joanne Zara Ellen Morrell, author of young adult fiction, women's fiction and short non-fiction for authors chats to Devin about: why podcasts are such a powerful medium for connection storytelling techniques used to weave compelling narratives and create immersive and meaningful experiences on Chemical Rocketeers standout podcast moments on Devin’s podcast that led to an unexpected or lasting connection his advice for authors and creatives looking to leverage podcasting as a storytelling tool on crafting engaging content that resonates with an audience and much more. https://open.spotify.com/show/2rBYK06wyjw8EMsm5IMkc3…

The HYBRID Author

1
Deborah Pike on ‘What to do after your first novel is published’ 30:24

9 weeks ago30:24