Middle Grade Magic! Co Host Lisa Schmid Goes Deep with 'Hart & Souls'

In this episode, the spotlight is on Lisa Schmid as she discusses her upcoming middle-grade novel, 'Hart & Souls'. The conversation revolves around the challenges of writing a second novel, often referred to as the "sophomore slump," and the unique pressures and expectations that come with it.

Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction to 'Hart & Souls'
   - Lisa Schmid introduces her new novel, 'Hart & Souls' which follows Stix Hart, a sixth grader dealing with anxiety from a past bullying incident. As he starts at a new middle school, he encounters three ghosts with unresolved issues, which he must help resolve to move forward himself.

2. Sophomore Slump and Second Novel Challenges**
   - Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid delve into the concept of the sophomore slump, discussing how the second novel can be harder to write and publish due to heightened expectations and pressures.

3. Inspiration Behind the Story
   - Lisa shares a poignant story about her son’s middle school experience and an encounter with a troubled bully, which sparked the idea for 'Hart & Souls'.

4. Writing for Middle-Grade Readers 
   - The hosts discuss the importance of making middle-grade books accessible, fun, and educational without being preachy. Lisa emphasizes the balance between tackling serious issues and maintaining an engaging narrative.

5. Lessons from the First Novel
   - Lisa reflects on the lessons she learned from writing her debut novel, 'Olly Oxley and the Ghost,' and how these lessons influenced her approach to 'Hart & Souls'

6. Character Development and Real-Life Issues
   - The novel addresses various real-life issues such as bullying, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, parental abuse, and racism. Lisa highlights the importance of reflecting real-life struggles in a way that is relatable and impactful for young readers.

7. Writing Process and Craft
   - Lisa discusses her writing process, including the challenges of creating multiple story arcs and weaving them together. She also talks about the importance of reading across genres to improve writing craft.

8. Advice for Aspiring Authors
   - For those embarking on their second novel, Lisa advises changing the point of view and ensuring the new story and characters are distinct from previous works.

Conclusion

This episode of Writers with Wrinkles offers a deep dive into the creative process behind 'Hart & Souls' highlighting the challenges and triumphs of writing a second novel. Lisa Schmid's insights and experiences provide valuable lessons for aspiring authors and middle-grade enthusiasts alike. 

Listeners are encouraged to pre-order 'Hart & Souls' and attend Lisa's book launch on July 27th at Ruby's Books in Folsom, where she will be in conversation with Beth McMullen. Additionally, Lisa will be at the ALA conference in San Diego on June 29th and 30th, signing books and participating in a panel discussion.

Links Mentioned:
- Pre Order Hart & Souls
- Ruby's Books 
- [ALA Conference

For more updates and to follow the podcast, visit Writers with Wrinkles.

Tune in next week as the hosts chat with Josh Pruitt, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and Emmy Award winner. Until then, happy reading, writing, and listening!