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Origin Stories with JJK

Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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Hosted and produced by bestselling author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Origin Stories with JJK takes you behind the curtain of creativity to explore the journeys of the visual storytellers who shape the graphic novel publishing landscape. Through candid conversations and a deep appreciation for the craft, JJK uncovers the unique paths that fuel artistic expression and drive success. Whether you’re an aspiring comics creator or a lover of graphic literature, this podcast celebrates t ...
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Children’s author-illustrator Niña Mata joins the Thriving Writers Podcast to chat about her publishing journey—from illustrating educational materials, working with Olympian athletes, to finally writing her own stories! Listen to hear Niña share some tips on what illustrators gravitate towards in manuscripts and ways writers can make the collabora…
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Thrilled to be joined by author and publishing expert Courtney Maum! She gives us insight behind her terrific book, Before and After the Book Deal, and talks about the highs and lows of the publishing business. Tune in for her knowledgable tidbits about marketing, building an online platform, self-publishing, memoir, and more! Courtney Maum Website…
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What’s the secret behind designing a bestselling YA book cover? Are illustrated covers here to stay? Casey Moses, an Assistant Art Director at Penguin Random House, gives us some answers and provides insight into the role of a book cover designer. Listen to our in-depth conversation to learn about designing typography, special edition production, a…
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Ready to navigate the publishing landscape and want some practical advice? Mary Kole is joined by writing expert John Matthew Fox to chat about his work helping authors and founding his company, Bookfox. Conversation topics include the different publishing paths available to writers, the benefits and drawbacks of traditional vs. self-publishing, th…
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop As I gear up for new interviews, enjoy the audio from this panel that I moderated for Scholastic Graphix featuring Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud, Gale Galligan, and Jamar Nicholas! 📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop…
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Despite the challenges of balancing writing with a day job and parenting, middle grade and YA author Tracy Badua keeps churning out adventurous contemporary fantasy stories. Tracy’s books, all featuring Filipino-American characters, explore themes of cultural identity and family expectations, even drawing inspiration from Filipino superstitions she…
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Young adult author Farrah Penn (Twelve Steps to Normal & Cancelled) details her publishing journey, from striking out on submission to her newest novel. Listen in to this conversation for thoughts on the young adult genre, using tropes, crafting stakes and curveballs for your characters, and how screenwriting may help when writing a novel. Farrah P…
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Going viral on TikTok can’t be your entire book marketing strategy. So how do new authors go about finding their ideal readers? Jenn Hanson-dePaula guides you through the steps of elevating your book promo! Tune in to hear her take on what marketing is and isn’t, tips for building your social media platform (including valuable advice on what to pos…
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Mary is joined by NYT bestselling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to chat about his experience in children's publishing. He shares the challenges and gratifications of reaching across different age categories and the importance of illustrations in storytelling. Listen to hear his tips on writing within established franchises (like Star Wars…
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Danielle Marietta joins the podcast to discuss her publishing company, Books & Things Publishing, the children’s book sphere, and the importance of promoting diverse authors. Tune in to learn more about Danielle’s writing journey, and her tips on self-publishing, social media marketing, and connecting with your target audience. Danielle Marietta We…
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Romance author Allison Speka joins the pod to discuss her journey into writing and self-publishing. She talks about her love for the romance genre, and shares her experience with self-publishing, including tips on cover design, book marketing, and the value of learning from other indie authors. Allison Speka: Website: https://www.allisonspeka.com/ …
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop Gene Luen Yang is a celebrated writer, artist, and educator whose works have left an indelible mark on the world of comics and literature. Renowned for his thought-provoking storytelling and insightful exploration of cultural, social, and identity themes, Yang has captivated audiences of a…
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Editor and writing coach Katie Wolf joins the pod for an inspiring conversation about getting started in publishing, work-life balance, and writing to market. She also discusses the importance of prioritizing mental health and why self-awareness is key in developing your writing craft. Katie Wolf: Website: https://www.thekatiewolf.com/ Podcast-- Bl…
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop Aaron Blabey is the best-selling author and illustrator behind massive hits like THE BAD GUYS, PIG THE PUG, and THELMA THE UNICORN. I was able to sit down with Aaron at Scholastic headquarters for the launch of his newest book—CAT ON THE RUN–which is the first in a trilogy. Get to know how…
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Thriller vs. Suspense... what's the difference? Heather Dixon, whose debut novel Burlington hits shelves this week, chats with Mary Kole about getting published and the appeal of suspenseful women's fiction. She also discusses plotting high stakes, developing character arcs, and writing "quiet stories." Heather Dixon: Website: https://www.heatherdi…
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Rob Kent, author and host of the Middle Grade Ninja podcast, joins Mary Kole to talk about his illustrious publishing career and provides valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring writers. He discusses the importance of managing expectations and success in your writing career, as well as writing for your own personal happiness. Rob Kent: Websi…
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop Amongst the literary luminaries I have been blessed to befriend in this writerly life is Eric Carle. It almost feels silly to deliver an introduction for him—is unique style and unmistakable illustrations have become a cornerstone of children's literature. Eric's most famous creation, "The…
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You want to write a book? Listen to this and you'll be all set. Dark YA novelist Gretchen McNeil joins Mary Kole in an episode all about recognizing and executing a good story idea. They discuss the shifting young adult book market and embracing diversity, mastering storytelling structure and the importance of shaping the reader's experience, and t…
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop I miss my friend Tomie dePaola. In celebration of the US Postal Service issuing a Strega Nona stamp in his honor, I wanted to share this interview that I conducted with Tomie in the early 20-teens. Tomie's friendship is actually intertwined with the love story between me and Gina. When we …
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How does a new author start gaining traction? Can you stay authentic while "selling yourself" as a writer? Book Marketer and PR Coach Emily Enger joins Mary to talk about some of the aspects of the writing process that might leave a yucky taste in our mouths. Tune in for actionable tips and insights into a publicist and marketer's side of the publi…
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop Mike Curato made a name for himself with beautiful picture books like his Litle Elliot series—heartwarming stories with beautiful illustrations reminiscent of Chris van Allsburg. In the fall of 2020, Mike published FLAMER, a semi-autobiographical tale about a mixed-race teen coming to term…
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📚 Use code PODCAST to receive 10% off at StudioJJK.com/shop I'm so excited to be bringing you Molly Knox Ostertag's Origin Story! Molly is so incredibly talented. She switches her creative time between graphic novels and animation. And it's fascinating to what overlaps and what is very different between those two mediums. Molly started her graphic …
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In today's episode, I talk to Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm—siblings and co-creators of the bestselling, award-winning and trail-blazing Babymouse And Squish graphic novel series. I can't understate just how important their work is to the current-day landscape of graphic novels for young readers. Babymouse: Queen of the World was published in Dece…
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On today's episode, we'll get to know graphic novelist Nate Powell! Nate is a highly-acclaimed writer/artist of critically acclaimed books such as Any Empire, Swallow Me Whole and Save It for Later: Promises, Parenthood, and the Urgency of Protest. Nate Powell is an Eisner Award-winning comics artist from Little Rock, Arkansas who focuses on tellin…
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In today's episode, I talk to Andrew Aydin about MARCH, his award-winning trilogy about the civil rights movement. Andrew was a policy advisor for Congressman John Lewis, with whom he co-authored these seminal graphic novels. Andrew tells us how he got interested in writing and comics and how he convinced Congressman John Lewis he should tell his s…
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Join Mary Kole and Sara Zarr as they talk about the complex realities surrounding publishing and becoming a career author within a rapidly shifting young adult and middle grade marketplace. Sara Zarr brings insight and personal experiences to surviving the sudden and drastic changes within the YA marketplace, such as the popularization of certain Y…
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Tune in for a chat with Mary Kole's long-time friend in the children's publishing space, YA Author J.C. Geiger. He tells all about how he made an epic mixtape with music no one's heard before (and met his heroes in the process), writing young adult characters, the future of post-pandemic fiction, and—of course—the power of music. Website: https://j…
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Lisa Stringfellow, award-winning author and middle school teacher, discusses her debut novel about mermaids and mythology set in the Caribbean, “A Comb of Wishes.” She talks through her long journey from draft to finished book—plus plans for Book 2—and shares craft and industry tips she’s learned along the way. Website: https://lisastringfellow.com…
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In this episode, we are going to get to know how tom Angleberger became Tom Angleberger! Tom made a name for himself with the ORIGAMI YODA books, which were first published in 2010. While Tom has been active creating his own characters, he’s also been entrusted with books on Rocket and Groot as well as Geronimo Stilton. But in the Krosoczka house? …
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Benjamin Roesch joins us to talk about his debut novel—but not his first novel—published with LGBTQ+ young adult indie publisher Deep Hearts. We talk about turning short stories into a novel, coming of age fiction, and being an older debut writer. Website: https://benjaminroesch.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbroesch Good Story Company: If you h…
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Nilah Magruder is an absolute joy and an uber-talented author and artist. She was the first Black woman to write for Marvel, illustrated all of the Heroes of Olympus covers for Rick Riordan’s books, and worked extensively in animation. Not to mention the books that she is the sole creator of, which have proven to be legendary in my home.…
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CEO of independent publisher Girl Friday Productions Leslie Miller, aka "LAM" joins the Good Story Podcast to talk all things publishing, marketing, and building your platform as an author. Having worn all the different hats, she discusses the differences between traditional publishing, self-publishing, indie publishing, and hybrid publishing, and …
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Award-winning children’s book writer Ronald L. Smith, author of Black Panther: The Young Prince and Spellbound, joins the Good Story Podcast. We talk about writing dark and unconventional stories for middle grade, his writing routine, and marketing yourself as an author. And, of course, he tells all about what it’s like to write in collaboration wi…
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Writer, writing teacher, ghost writer, and general literary icon Roz Morris joins Mary Kole on the Good Story Podcast. They dive into the mechanics of storytelling and discuss how to connect with your audience—whether you're writing someone else's story or you're telling your own. Website: https://rozmorris.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/Roz_Morr…
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New York Times Bestselling children's book author Tami Charles joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about experimenting with verse, amplifying the stories of girls of color, and writing what you feel. Website: https://tamiwrites.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TamiWritesStuff Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help…
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Robin Ha's ALMOST AMERICAN GIRL is a powerful, powerful graphic memoir. Through Robin's words and pictures, she shares with us what it was like for her to be a kid in her early teens and be taken away from the life she knew in South Korea and planted in Huntsville, Alabama, where she didn't understand the language that was predominantly spoken. She…
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In this episode, we are going to get to know how Jerry Craft became Jerry Craft! I like to rib Jerry and call him an “overnight success.” Jerry’s first full-length graphic novel, NEW KID, published in 2019. And it did what many in the publishing community thought for years was unattainable—it won the prestigious Newbery Medal. THE GOLD MEDAL—for a …
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In this episode, we are going to get to know how Raul the Third became Raul the Third! Raul blasted onto the comics scene in 2014, with the publication of LOWRIDERS IN SPACE. Written by Cathy Camper and illustrated by Raul, this beautiful graphic novel series celebrates lowrider culture through an action-packed out-of-this world adventure. Raul mad…
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In this episode, we are going to get to know how Ngozi Ukazu became Ngozi Ukazu. In 2013, Ngozi created called Check, Please! The webcomic follows vlogger and figure-skater turned ice-hockey player Eric "Bitty" Bittle as he enters college.Bitty deals with hockey culture, toxic masculinity, as well as his identity as a gay man. Oh, he also bakes del…
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Author and former assistant professor of creative writing Leslie C. Youngblood joins Mary Kole on the Good Story Podcast. She shares her journey through her MFA program, gives tips on crafting interesting character relationships, and weighs in on one of the hottest questions for authors today: traditional or self-publishing? Website: https://www.le…
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Raina Telgemeier, a graphic novelist that is so famous, she can go by just her first name—Raina. Raina’s work helped revolutionize graphic novels as we know them, cementing their place in schools and bookshops. And she did that by just being herself and following her passions, as you will soon learn directly from Raina herself. I can’t imagine the …
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In this episode, we are going to get to know how Maia Kobabe became Maia Kobabe. In 2019, Maia Kobabe made eir debut as a traditionally published cartoonist with their graphic memoir, GENDER QUEER. GENDER QUEER is about Maia’s coming to eir understanding—and coming out—as a non-binary person. It’s a frank and mature book, whose intended audience is…
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Gene is a trailblazer. His book American Born Chinese was the very first graphic novel to become a finalist for the National Book Award finalist —an honor that he’s has actually earned twice! Gene has also garnered a Printz medal, a few Harvey Awards, and about a gazillion Eisner awards. Gene also served as the National Ambassador for Young People’…
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Every superhero has an origin story, as do the people who are responsible for making those comics. And comics, of course, are not just all about superheroes. I’m graphic novelist Jarrett J. Krosoczka, and in this podcast, I am going to go on a deep dive into the stories of my colleagues in comics. What were they like as kids? What were their hopes …
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Mindy McGinnis, mystery, suspense, thriller author and dog haver, joins the Good Story Podcast to talk about her upcoming work with James Patterson, shit-shoveling, book snobbery, and showing characters' humanity. Website: https://www.mindymcginnis.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MindyMcGinnis Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, …
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In a special spooky episode of the Good Story Podcast, NYT Bestselling young adult and middle-grade author Jonathan Auxier joins Mary Kole to discuss visual writing, worldbuilding, and how different media use dialogue to create action. \Website: https://www.thescop.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonathanAuxier Good Story Company: If you have a st…
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Ghostwriter Kelly Madrone joins us to talk about writing as someone else, modulating a professional potty mouth, and creating a story arc in memoir. Website: https://kellymadrone.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/madronekelly Good Story Company: If you have a story in your head, we’re here to help you get it out into the world. We help writers of a…
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