Happy Wednesday Everyone! Today I’m excited to have Jackie Garcia-Morales and Theresa Maria Villarreal here to share about their Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast and how it can help you on your journey to become a published author.
Here’s Jackie and Theresa!
Demystifying Publishing, One Story at a Time
How It All Began
It all began with what was supposed to be a quick coffee chat. Jackie was working in trade publishing, and Theresa was deep into writing her middle grade series. We met on LinkedIn, bonded instantly over a shared love of children’s books, and decided to hop on a call to talk about the industry. Two hours later, we were still talking about publishing as both art and business, the barriers that make it hard to break in, and how so much of what happens behind the scenes still feels like a mystery to so many creatives.
At some point, Theresa laughed and said, “This should be a podcast!” Jackie didn’t miss a beat: “Let’s make it one.” And just like that, an idea became a promise. What started as two women venting about the gatekeeping and complexity of publishing turned into a mission to make knowledge accessible, practical, and encouraging for everyone who dreams of working in this world.
We spent months sketching, researching, and planning every detail of what would become The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast. By the time we officially launched in April 2025, we had poured our hearts and countless late nights into it, often still editing or brainstorming at two or three in the morning. We do it on top of our existing jobs because it matters. Every episode reminds us that this work is worth the effort. People write to tell us that the podcast has given them hope, clarity, or courage to keep going, and those messages are what keep us going too.
Building a Foundation for Storytellers
That spark has grown into The Storytellers Foundation, a creative hub dedicated to uplifting voices in children’s literature and championing stories as a force for connection, access, and joy. We believe that in a climate where voices are needed more than ever, community is essential. We are here to give platforms to voices that deserve to be heard and to connect people by making opportunities and education accessible.
Our 2025 season has been inspiring. We have spoken with Lois Lowry, the Newbery Medal–winning author of The Giver and Number the Stars; Eric Litwin, the number one New York Times bestselling author of Pete the Cat; and Max Beaudry, an Emmy Award–winning screenwriter whose credits include DreamWorks, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. We have also featured Farida Ladipo-Ajayi, founder of The Bookworm Café in Nigeria; Lori Wieczorek, Senior Editor in Trade Licensing at Scholastic; and Janna Morishima, literary agent and founder of Kids Comics Unite.
Our guests have joined us
from around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Egypt,
Australia, Nigeria, South Africa, Singapore, and Canada. Each conversation
reminds us that behind every great story is a person who took a leap of faith,
and that storytelling has the power to build bridges and spark possibility.
As we continued through 2025, we realized that we were learning right alongside our listeners. Each episode, interview, and collaboration helped us grow into better authors, better listeners, and better neighbors in this creative community. That sense of connection inspired us to take our mission beyond conversation and into action. We wanted to share not only knowledge, but also stories and opportunities with those who might not otherwise have access.
Guided by that spirit, we partnered with nonprofits including BookSmiles, StoryMonsters Greenie Box, and Books Between Kids to host book drives that brought stories into the hands of families in need. Along the way, we built a volunteer program that helped nearly 20 participants strengthen their résumés through hands-on experience in blog writing, publicity, and social media marketing. The kindness, enthusiasm, and support we have received continue to remind us why we do this work.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we look toward 2026, we are excited to evolve. For the podcast, we will be introducing a selective new segment and inviting editors to join us for our upcoming season. We have just three interview spots left in our expert Q&A series focused on career journeys and behind-the-scenes insights into publishing. For creatives who would like to be featured, we welcome written Q&A blog interviews so we can continue spotlighting and celebrating your work.
And 2026 will bring something even bigger. We are launching Pitch an Agent, a bi-monthly virtual event connecting KidLit creators with agents in a welcoming and inclusive space. These events will include scholarship opportunities for underrepresented creatives and will serve as the heart of our next chapter together.
Join Our Community
If you are an author, illustrator, editor, or agent who believes in the power of storytelling and community and would like to be involved with our events, we would love to connect with you. Visit thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com, subscribe to our newsletter, or contact us at the email: directors [@] thestorytellersshelfpodcast.com.
Together, we can build a more open, inspired, and connected publishing world, one story at a time.
Upcoming Interviews, Guest Posts, and Blog Hops
Saturday, November 1st, I’m participating in the Thanks a Latte Giveaway Hop
Wednesday, November 5th, I have an interview with Pamela N. Harris and a giveaway of her YA Through Our Teeth and my IWSG post
Monday, November 10th, I have a guest post by Darlene P. Compos and a giveaway of her MG The Center of the Earth
Wednesday, November 12th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Mara Cobb and a query critique giveaway
Sunday, November 16th, I’m participating in the In All Things Give Thanks Giveaway Hop
Monday, November 17th, I have a guest post by Mike Steel and a giveaway of his MG Not Lucille
Wednesday, November 19th, I have an agent spotlight interview with Carter Hasegawa and a query critique giveaway
Monday, November 24th, I have a guest post by R.M. Romero and a giveaway of her MG The Tear Collector
I hope to see you on Saturday!
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