Latest Writing for kids Podcast Episodes

What is WonderFest?

WonderPod - November 15, 2021 00:00 - 50 minutes
Join us for the last episode of WonderPod, where our host Conor Bredin chats to Sarah Webb and Ashwin Chacko on the WonderFest committee! In this episode, Conor asks about how WonderFest came to be, how Ashwin and Sarah got started in children's books, chats about some of their favourite childre...

Conas a deirtear "WonderFest" as Gaeilge?

WonderPod - November 08, 2021 07:00 - 59 minutes
This week we have a very special episode with author Patricia Forde and Laureate na nÓg Áine Ní Ghlinn. This episode is spoken in a mix of English and in Irish. Patricia and Áine speak about their experiences writing children’s books in Irish, and the importance of encouraging children to read b...

What's It Like Debuting As An Author?

WonderPod - November 01, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes
There’s nothing like having your first book out in the world! Debut authors Robert Grant and Caitriona Sweeney reveal the thrills and spills of their journeys, and how their ‘real life’ passions permeate their work, in this upbeat, engaging interview. If you enjoyed this week's episode, you mi...

How do Publishers choose Authors?

WonderPod - October 25, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes
In this episode Conor gets talking to Matthew Parkinson-Bennett, editor at Little Island Books, one of Irelands many wonderful children's publishers. Matthew kindly peels back the curtain a bit and explains everything about publishing. How books are worked on, how to get noticed by publishers, w...

How do I get an Agent?

WonderPod - October 25, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour
Conor gets the amazing chance to speak with Polly Nolan, founder of PaperCuts Ltd, a literary agency. Polly tells all in this interview, how she became an agent, how to stand out from the crowd, and the most common mistakes that aspiring authors often make! A must listen! If you're interested i...

What Are Middle Grade Books About?

WonderPod - October 18, 2021 07:00 - 55 minutes
Listen in on two hugely different writers for the hugely diverse, discerning, demanding Middle Grade audience. Ann Murtagh and Padraig Kenny (yes, really!) discuss their obsessions with history, family and community, their approaches to writing, the power of narrative, the importance of characte...

What are Chapter Books?

WonderPod - October 11, 2021 07:00 - 54 minutes
The wild, witty, warm world of Chapter Books, explored with three classy proponents of the genre - Swapna Haddow, Sheena Dempsey and Shane Hegarty. You’re welcome! Check out Sheena's events at WonderFest 2021: Amazing Animal Draw-Along with Ashwin Chacko and Sheena Dempsey (Nov 17th @ 10am for ...

How do you make a Picture Book?

WonderPod - October 04, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour
Three cracking picture book makers - Paddy Donnelly, Úna Woods and Tarsila Kruse - have been making big waves in the picture book world, and now they reveal all to Conor about their route to publishing, with lots of behind-the-scenes hints on the way! Make a cuppa, sit back and listen in... You...

What is Creative Non-Fiction? With Oisín McGann

WonderPod - September 27, 2021 07:00 - 44 minutes
Conor gets to talk to children's author, illustrator, and climate activist Oisín McGann about his new book "A Short Hopeful Guide to Climate Change." In the episode they discuss what a non-fiction book for children really is, Oisín's journey to becoming an author/illustrator, and why he decided...

Welcome to WonderPod!

WonderPod - September 19, 2021 10:00 - 1 minute
Welcome to WonderPod! WonderPod is the official podcast for WonderFest, Ireland's first online children's book festival. Host Conor Bredin will be interviewing children's authors, agents, publishers and more about writing for children, how the industry works, and more. WonderFest has three br...