The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast
Demystifying publishing, one conversation at a time.
We began with children’s books. Now we’re expanding across genres and storytelling mediums, bringing authors, editors, publishers, actors, screenwriters, game writers, and other creatives into the conversation. Together, we explore how stories take shape and reach readers, viewers, and players. Hosted by Jackie Garcia-Morales and Theresa Maria Villarreal, from The Storytellers Foundation.
A Few Conversations to Start With
Lois Lowry
The two-time Newbery Medalist talks about The Giver, writing, and a life in stories.
Watch the Conversation
Kwame Mbalia
The Tristan Strong author and Freedom Fire publisher shares his road to publishing.
Watch the ConversationFor guests & publicists: pitch a conversation · Hear from our guests
Start with a conversation
What do children’s book editors look for?
Go behind the scenes of children’s publishing with editor Catherine Laudone.
Find what you need
Working on a book? Find an interview about writing, editing, or publishing.
An editor, book coach, or beta reader? Explore Storyrise for reader feedback tools and opportunities to work with authors.
Writing about us? Visit our press page for our story, past coverage, and media resources.
What will we send you? A newsletter preview
Here’s a taste of what we share:
- Guest news: Who’s joining us on the podcast and conversations you may have missed.
- Something for your writing: A useful interview, such as Lois Lowry’s thoughts on making time for the craft.
- An opportunity to explore: Contests and events, such as our romance writing contest, with links to dates and entry details.
Join our free newsletter and get the children’s book publishers directory.
From the conversation to your own manuscript
Try the next scene in Storyrise.
See how an editor can leave comments and suggest changes in Storyrise. You decide what stays in your manuscript.
See Storyrise in actionStart writing free
Work with authors? Request a professional walkthrough.
Start with these conversations
Kwame Mbalia
Kwame is a husband, father, scientist, and publisher of Freedom Fire — an imprint from Disney-Hyperion featuring stories of Black resilience and joy. His debut middle grade novel, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, was awarded a Coretta Scott King Author Honor.
Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry is a renowned American author known for children’s and young adult literature, particularly for her thought-provoking themes in The Giver and historical fiction Number the Stars. She is known for winning the prestigious Newbery Medal twice, in 1990 and 1994, for her work.
Max Beaudry
Max is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer of TV, film, and books. He has developed projects for Disney, Nickelodeon, Netflix, DreamWorks, Imagine Entertainment, and more. His graphic novel Aw, Nuts! debuted with Papercutz in 2025.
Co-Directors & Hosts
Jackie Garcia-Morales
Jackie is an author, associate literary agent at Storm Literary Agency, and co-director of The Storytellers Foundation. She brings experience in publishing, publicity, and book reviewing to the podcast. Her debut middle grade novel, Pesky Roots/Raíces fastidiosas, publishes in October 2026.
Theresa Maria Villarreal
Theresa is a Houston-based author, producer and co-host of the podcast. A Catholic Christian author and homeschooling mom, she writes the Adventures in Oculus series, picture books, and devotionals for children and families.
A writing app from The Storytellers Foundation
Your next chapter starts here.
Plan scenes, organize characters and ideas, and write and revise your book in the free studio. Try Storyrise Cloud free for 14 days to work with an editor, collect private reader feedback, and send updates to your audience. After the trial, Cloud is an optional $5-a-month membership. The writing studio stays free.
No account needed to start writing.
Everything your story needs
Keep your ideas and draft together as you work toward publishing.
- Plan scenes and organize ideas
- Draft your manuscript
- Build toward publishing
Writing romance? Explore LOVE AT FIRST WRITE, our 2026 romance first chapter contest, part of NovembeRISE. Prepare an opening of up to 5,000 words. View entry details, prizes, and the November 30 deadline.
Our 2026 Voices
Catherine Laudone
Tyiana Combs
Esther Hernandez
Carl Lennertz
Jason Low
Meg Medina
Kate Fletcher
Philip C. Stead
Pat Zietlow Miller
Megan McDonald
Tom Angleberger
Rachael Welsh
Derek Amarillas
Our Mission
Good stories deserve a chance.
We began with children’s books and writers’ questions about publishing. Today, we’re opening those conversations to more genres.
The Storytellers Foundation brings together our podcast, Educational Library, Storyrise writing app, and Big Bang Notable Book List. We connect writers with people who know the work: authors, illustrators, editors, agents, and book coaches.
Come to listen, work on your manuscript, or meet the people who help books reach readers.
Get to know usSummit Series
The Storytellers Summit Series, established in January 2026, brings authors and illustrators together to hear from experts to broaden their success toolkits as creatives.
Educational Library
Our publishing education is created from the generous guest speakers at our summits, providing concrete resources for authors to replay on demand.
Podcast
The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, ranked in the top 100 kidlit podcasts, features conversations with publishing professionals and creatives to demystify publishing.
Book Awards
The Big Bang Notable Book List highlights remarkable books created for young audiences and celebrates the creators whose work helps shape the future of children’s literature.
Testimonials
“If you’re on the path to publishing or marketing a book, I highly recommend tuning in – each episode is packed with valuable insights to help guide you along the way.”
LINDA RADKE, Publisher & CEO of Story Monsters, LLC
“I felt as if we could talk for another hour! Their love for middle-grade shines through — and also their love for bringing dynamic, rich stories to young readers.”
DONNA GALANTI, Middle Grade Author & Publisher at Wild Trail Press
“Jackie and Theresa are thoughtful, well-prepared hosts who create a welcoming space that makes it easy to open up about the realities of publishing. Their passion for stories and commitment to empowering creators is clear, and if you’re an aspiring author or industry professional, the Storyteller Shelf Podcast belongs in your rotation!”
ELIZABETH COPPS, Co-Founder of Confluence Literary Agency
“They’ve built a beautiful platform for sharing meaningful stories and celebrating a vibrant, diverse world of children’s literature, along with the unique backgrounds of its authors and artists.”
