The Writing Journey is So Chaotic with Ellen Oh

The Writing Journey is So Chaotic with Ellen Oh

Author: Matthew C. Winner June 2, 2026 Duration: 34:13

Ellen Oh, author of Jin Young, In Between (Crown Books for Young Readers), joins Matthew to talk about exploring the many ways that lead to an endpoint in the story.

 

Visit Ellen Oh online at www.ellenoh.com 

 

Other helpful links:

  • Ellen Oh at Boyds Mills

  • The Writing Shorter Retreat: Why (and How) Less Can Be More - In the shifting publishing landscape, it seems that many people are discussing the need for more "short" books. How can creatives write shorter without sacrificing the necessary elements of a good story? And how can learning to write short make you a stronger writer overall? Join bestselling authors Hena Khan, Christina Soontornvat, Minh Lê, and Ellen Oh for a retreat that focuses on creating propulsive, vibrant stories where every page packs a punch. This award-winning faculty will share their knowledge of pacing, plot, concept generation, how to write visually, and much more. There will be ample time for you to try out their suggestions as you write and retreat on your own projects.

 

Learn more about Boyds Mills and their upcoming programs by visiting www.boydsmills.org

 

Our podcast logo was created by Duke Stebbins (https://stebs.design/). 

 

Our music is by Podington Bear. 

 

Podcast hosting by Libsyn. 

 

You can support the show and buy me a coffee at matthewcwinner.com or by clicking the link in the show notes.

 

Be well. And read on.

 


At The Children's Book Podcast, host Matthew C. Winner sits down with the people who make the stories we love. Each conversation pulls back the curtain on the entire journey of a book, from that first spark of an idea to the moment it lands in a reader's hands. You'll hear directly from authors and illustrators, of course, but also editors, designers, and others whose work is essential but often goes unseen. Matthew brings his perspective as a teacher, librarian, and writer to these discussions, creating a space that feels both insightful and warmly familiar. The core of this podcast is a genuine celebration of how stories shape us. It explores how the right book can mirror a child's own experience or open a window to a completely different life, building empathy and connection across generations. This isn't just about how books are made; it's about why they matter so deeply. Supported in partnership with Boyds Mills, the podcast focuses on positively impacting young readers by amplifying voices and stories that resonate. Tune in for thoughtful, engaging dialogues that will deepen your appreciation for children's literature, whether you're a parent, educator, librarian, or simply someone who believes in the magic of a well-told tale. You're invited into a community that values the craft and heart behind every page.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Children's Book Podcast
Podcast Episodes
A Muppets Sensibility with John Patrick Green [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:04
John Patrick Green, cartoonist of Weather or Not (First Second), joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again. Visit John Patrick Green online at www.johnpatr…
The Best We Can Possibly Be with Sophie Blackall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:20
Sophie Blackall, author of Story Rug (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), illustrated by Phoebe Wahl, joins Matthew to talk about being bound together in community through listening and making things with our hands.…
Do It Together with Julie Fiveash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Julie Fiveash, cartoonist of The Froggy Library: Welcome to Soggy Stump (Levine Querido), with colors by Jess Lome, joins Matthew to talk about getting over the challenge of a new project pretending that you know enough…
A Gut Feeling with Jennifer Rofé [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:49
Jennifer Rofé, senior agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, joins Matthew to talk about growing together and following that gut feeling. Visit Jennifer Rofé online at https://www.andreabrownlit.com/Team/jennifer-r…
Discovering Myself and Uncovering Our History with Andrew W. Shaffer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:59
Andrew Shaffer, author of What Kind of Queen?: A Royal Biography of Drag Queen and Activist José Sarria (Harry N. Abrams), co-authored with Kyle Casey Chu and illustrated by Cindy Lozito, joins Matthew to talk about focu…
The Journey of a New School Year with Andrew Hacket [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:28
Andrew Hacket, author of In This Classroom (Red Comet Press), illustrated by Arthur Lin, joins Matthew to talk about the journey of a new school year and never having exactly the same class again. Visit Andrew Hacket onl…
Still Out Here with Lil Miss Hot Mess [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:26
Lil Miss Hot Mess, author of Make Your Own Rainbow: A Drag Queen's Guide to Color (Running Press Kids), illustrated by Olga De Dios, joins Matthew to talk about bickering about the things we fundamentally agree on. Visit…
The Kids are Alright with Namrata Tripathi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:06
Namrata Tripathi, publisher and president of Kokila (kokilabooks.com), an imprint of Penguin Random House, joins Matthew to talk about finding pathways to the reader. Browse all of Kokila's titles and see what's coming n…
Always Regarding the Reader with Andy Griffiths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:23
Andy Griffiths, author of You and Me and the Peanut Butter Beast (Feiwel & Friends), joins Matthew to talk about puncturing the vanity and making us believe. Visit Andy Griffiths online at andygriffiths.com.au Learn more…
What Gives Israel Moya Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:05
Israel Moya, author of Monarchs in the Wild (Tu Books), shares what is giving him hope today: young, creative, hopeful, courageous people. This is an ongoing miniseries of indefinite length in which I invite my friends f…