July 14, 2025

BONUS: How to Write Action That Kids Can’t Put Down (an interview with author & book coach Beth McMullen)

Send us a text 🎙️ Episode Summary: In this bonus episode, Beth McMullen switches roles from co-host to guest to explore how to write compelling action and adventure for middle grade readers. Originally recorded for Sara Gentry's KidLit Summer Camp, this conversation is packed with practical tips and emotional insight for writers crafting page-turning stories for kids. 👩‍💼 Guest Bio: Beth McMullen is the author of ten traditionally published novels, including the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for ...

Send us a text

🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this bonus episode, Beth McMullen switches roles from co-host to guest to explore how to write compelling action and adventure for middle grade readers. Originally recorded for Sara Gentry's KidLit Summer Camp, this conversation is packed with practical tips and emotional insight for writers crafting page-turning stories for kids.

👩‍💼 Guest Bio:
Beth McMullen is the author of ten traditionally published novels, including the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls and Secret of the Storm series. She is also the co-host of the Writers With Wrinkles podcast, founder of the You Can Write a Book Substack, and a certified book coach through Author Accelerator. With over 20 years in the publishing industry, Beth helps writers push past messy middles, plot holes, and self-doubt to write stories that matter.

💡 Key Discussion Points:

Why action sequences are so vital in middle grade and how to compete with the fast-paced media kids consume.
The importance of giving child protagonists agency—making decisions, facing consequences, and driving the story forward.
Balancing high-octane action with emotional tension: why stakes don't always have to involve explosions.
Removing adults from the foreground to allow young characters to lead the narrative.
Tips for writing character-driven emotional arcs, even for pantsers.
How to use tools like “The 7 Keys to Writing Stories Kids Can’t Put Down” to troubleshoot plot and pacing issues.
Why voice, surprise, and emotional truth are non-negotiable for successful middle grade.

🔚 Conclusion:
Writing action for middle grade readers means understanding the emotional world of kids and blending it with immersive, high-energy storytelling. Whether you're plotting an epic fantasy or writing a fast-paced mystery, Beth’s insight offers both inspiration and actionable guidance.

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