Ever tried to figure out whether Harry Potter is actually middle grade or YA? Does Ender’s Game’s MG cover and young hero really make it appropriate for the 8-10 y.o. crowd? What makes one book young adult and another middle grade? And where does early reader fit in? Is it the age of the protagonist, the voice of the narrator, or is it all just a big marketing gimmick?
In the first episode of the Wordplay podcast, authors James Dashner, Nathan Bransford, and J. Scott Savage explore the differences between early reader, middle grade, and YA novels. The discussion includes definitions of each reading level category, what role the age of protagonist and narrator play, capturing the elusive middle grade voice, and how each of the authors writes to younger readers.
James talks about what bugs him about The 13th reality and Maze Runner. Nathan explains why trading a corn dog for a spaceship makes perfect sense. And Jeff reveals how he and his brother climbed through the sewers. And of course we include the obligatory flatulence jokes.
If you have any questions you’d like answered on the podcast, feel free to comment here or e-mail us directly at contact@wordplaypodcast.com. You can also subscribe via iTunes, RSS, etc, on the link at the upper left side of the screen.
Music for this podcast is Poisonous by Scomber provided under a creative commons license.
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Hey everybody! nice to finally have this up. Thanks for dropping by!
Found this via James’s Twitter: great first episode. Thanks for the explanation and discussion of the middle grade “sensibility.” It’s something I’ve heard a lot about and I’ve been able to sort of feel what that is, but it’s great to hear it explained in a more concrete way that “it feels different.” I look forward to more.
This was a nice Monday treat. It touched upon a subject that I’ve been mulling over lately, too. Nice work, fellas! Looking forward to seeing what you have waiting for us.
This was fantastic! Thank you!
Request: Can Tick and Thomas talk about what bugs them about James? (Alliteration unintentional, I assure you.)
Glad you guys are doing this. Keep having fun.
That was a great first episode. I look forward to your next one. Thank you all for your time and effort making this.
Hi Guys,
My kids and I all listened to the podcast and they’re excited that you’ll have one dedicated especially to them every month. They both adore you, James and Jeff…and are excited to discover Nathan’s books now, too.
Best wishes and our heartfelt congrats on all the wonderful things happening for you!
What a great podcast. I can’t wait to hear more. This is so helpful. It’s kind of making me rethink the classification of my ms.
Hi guys,
Great podcast. I look forward to more. Will there be a way to subscribe? Or will they be available via iTunes (I ask solely because there’s a subscribe feature there).
Much success to all of you.
Hey, all. Thanks for the great welcome. Totally relieved you didn’t respond with, “Wow, that was so lame!”
I think that Tick and Thomas absolutely have a few choice words for James.
Yes, you can subscribe via iTunes, RSS, etc. There is a link at the top of the left sidebar. And we just got confirmation for a couple of guests you are going to love!
Terrific job! I look forward to next week’s episode!
This is an auspicious beginning.
Great first episode! Listened to the whole thing.
I’d love to hear a discussion about what ingredients make vital and unforgettable protagonists (or antagonists). I’m thinking here about the total character arc.
Hey gentlemen,
Since you asked for ideas, how about a podcast on how to balance strengths and weaknesses in your main protagonist? You know, a sort of strategy on how to make well-rounded, believable characters we can really root for?
Speaking for myself, at least, I have a rough time cheering on a seemingly invincible character when I’m reading, but it’s easy to want to do that in my own writing.
David
Great podcast! I look forward to more.
Loved the podcast and the information on YA. You guys did a great job.Thanks.
[...] it happens, the first episode in the Wordplay podcast (which includes former literary agent turned middle grade/young adult author and social media [...]
Love this podcast! Looking forward to the next one.
Informative first episode. I’ve spread the word to the handful of writers I know doing young adult and middle grade stories to check it out. Great that you’ll be doing podcasts especially for younger readers, too.
Great job–fun to hear Nathan’s voice after reading his great blog. I particularly enjoyed the comments on voice, which is always such a hard thing to talk about and grasp (and accomplish!).
Looking forward to listening to more. Great viewpoints on MG vs YA.
I read the 13th Reality series before I read the Maze Runner and I definitely think that people who like the Maze Runner would also like the 13th Reality. Although, I will say that I did think it was for a younger audience before I read it. Both great series although I feel so badly for Thomas! I hope his story ends well.
Y’all are funny and I like your thoughts on books that fit for MG and YA readers. I am 12 and my brother is 9. We are both HUGE fans of The Maze Runner.
[...] from HarperCollins) launched a new podcast this week called Wordplay. Their first episode was “Young Adult and Middle Grade Novels,” which, given their publishing credentials, was a perfect topic for them (the episode is around [...]
Great pod cast. Looking forward to more!
GREAT discussion.
I often wondered about what the distinction was between middle grade and YA. Nice to hear writers’ viewpoints on it.
Great information and discussion! I especially appreciated the insights on writing MG and how it differs from YA.
I really appreciate what you all are doing, and my young writer is looking forward to your upcoming kids’ podcast.
Well this was very fun to hear I loved the pod.But lets be honest we all came her to get that one book DEATH CURE.
Being blunt and to the point
Truly the talk was very informal in the diferenciancencs (may be wrong) books in the world but seriously I don’t care if people saw me reading harry potter the first book. But great pod cast Nathan Bransford, James Dashner and Scott Savage bye. Hope you pick me.
I also sometimes feel a little self-conscious reading kid’s books in public. But I see lots of other people doing it, so perhaps there’s no stigma.
In particular, young adult fantasy seems to be really popular with grown-ups. Just between Harry Potter and Twilight, there’s tens of millions of grown-up readers.
Why do you think that is?