THE FIRST episode of Storymix: Craft and Conversation aired last week,a unique podcast that introduces key elements of the craft of creating children’s books.
Launched on National Writing Day (June 21), the ten podcast series will unpack the nuts and bolts of submissions and researching agents, provide tips on writing for different ages, as well as offer discussion on identifying internal biases, writing about heritage in a way that feels true and authentic.
Co-hosted by award-winning author, Maame Blue, who was recently published in children’s anthology Joyful Joyful: Stories Celebrating Black Voices and former BBC journalist, Azi Farni, the podcast comes to market as Storymix celebrates their fourth anniversary.
Founded in 2019 by entrepreneur, editor, screenwriter and author Jasmine Richards, who is passionate about changing who gets to be an author or illustrator and which kids get to see themselves reflected in the pages of a book, the organisation offers a springboard to creators of colour and incubates talent by working collaboratively to produce and refine stories.
Since launching, both large and indie publishers have sold over 60,000 copies of titles starring Storymix’s inclusive casts of characters, fantastic worlds and thrilling concepts.
In 2021, the company won the Precious Awards Creative Business of the Year award and in 2022 Storymix also won the Future Book Start Up of the year award.
This year, middle grade fiction title The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries written by JT Williams and published by Farshore was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s book prize, while Richards was also shortlisted for Editor of the Year at the British Book Awards
Richards said: “I couldn’t be happier to be celebrating four years of Storymix by launching this podcast. Storymix was an idea borne out of frustration with the lack of quality representation coming out of the industry I had worked in and loved for 18 years.
“I’m immensely proud of all Storymix has achieved in just four short years but there’s so much more to say and do and what better way than with a podcast. The writers and illustrators we work with have been shortlisted for awards, secured publishing deals with key players in the industry both here and abroad – our stories change the conversation and stick in the head and the heart.
“We want to continue to be a support network to help grow and incubate talent and pass on our knowledge, advice and learnings so that there will be more stories, more fun, more impact.”
Blue added: “I’m so excited to be teaming up with Storymix for Storymix: Craft and Conversation. There is a wealth of untapped knowledge and resources within Storymix from the writers and illustrators coming up through the ranks to the agents and publishers they work with.
“It’s surprising that more people don’t know about all the incredible work they do to cheerlead for underrepresented writers and illustrators.
“This podcast will be a fun, spirited and invaluable tool in the arsenal of anyone interested in creating children’s books but especially those from racialised minority groups.”
Farni noted: “As a child I devoured books but I never saw myself reflected in the stories I read.
“Luckily, the world of children’s book publishing is changing, with Storymix playing a big role in that. I’m thrilled to be a part of the Craft and Conversation podcast, leaning on the wealth of writing and industry experience of both Jasmine and Maame to guide us through the techniques, nuances and logistics of creating a children’s book.
“This podcast will be a process of learning – and unlearning – as our listeners are introduced to the craft of writing and ways into painting authentic characters that celebrate our different cultures.”
Storymix: Craft and Conversation is available across all podcast streaming platforms
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