The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast
Demystifying publishing, one conversation at a time.
Authors, editors, and illustrators join us to talk about writing, publishing, and the work behind their books. Hosted by 
Jackie Garcia-Morales and 
Theresa Maria Villarreal.
Latest podcast episode · Meg Medina & Kate Fletcher
How do children’s books get published?
Newbery Medalist Meg Medina and her longtime editor, Kate Fletcher, share the trust, revision, and collaboration behind their books.
OUR NEXT CONVERSATION
Pat Zietlow Miller joins us November 12
Join Pat, Jackie, and Theresa on The Storyteller’s Shelf.
Thursday, November 12 · 9 a.m. Central
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
Co-Directors & Hosts
Jackie Garcia-Morales
Jackie Garcia-Morales came to publishing after studying environmental science and leaving medical school. She is now an author, associate literary agent and foreign rights agent at Storm Literary Agency, and co-director of The Storytellers Foundation. As co-host of The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, she draws on her work in marketing, publicity, and book reviewing. Her debut middle-grade novel is Pesky Roots/Raíces fastidiosas.
Theresa Maria Villarreal
Theresa Maria Villarreal is an award-winning Christian author of the Adventures in Oculus series and a homeschooling mom in Houston, where her children sometimes serve as beta readers. She produces and co-hosts The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, co-directs The Storytellers Foundation, and is a co-creator of Storyrise. She also writes picture books and devotionals for children and families.
FROM THE STORYTELLERS FOUNDATION
Write your book in Storyrise.
We built Storyrise to keep your notes, scenes, and draft in one place. The writing studio is free. Optional Cloud costs $5/month or $50/year and adds editor collaboration, private reader feedback, and audience updates.
Work with authors? Explore professional options. Directory listings and narrator project access are free; other workspace plans are separate.
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 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.
Jackie Garcia-Morales and Theresa Maria Villarreal co-direct The Storytellers Foundation. On The Storyteller’s Shelf Podcast, we ask authors, illustrators, editors, and agents about the work behind their books. Storyrise gives writers a place to plan, draft, revise, and collect feedback on their own manuscripts. Our Educational Library offers publishing sessions to watch at your own pace, and the Big Bang Notable Book List celebrates books for young readers.
Come to listen, work on your manuscript, or meet the people who help books reach readers.
Get to know usMore from The Storytellers Foundation
- Educational LibraryPublishing workshops to watch at your own pace.
- Summit SeriesConversations and workshops for authors and illustrators.
- 2026 Big Bang Notable Book ListMeet this year’s selected books and creators.
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
New interviews, writing opportunities, and upcoming events, sent to your inbox. Here’s what you can expect:
- 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.
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.”
