Linda Urban talks about the importance of ditching “have-tos,” and embracing specificity and small moments.

Want to win a signed copy of one of Linda’s heartwarming books? Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Please complete one of these actions by Friday, November 25th. The winner will be announced on Friday, December 2nd, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

Speaking of December 2nd, It’s homework time. Before our next episode, please read one of Torrey Maldonado’s fantastic novels. Secret Saturdays, published in 2010, is markedly different from his most recent releases Tight and What Lane?, which pubbed in 2018 and 2020 respectively. Torrey talks about the cause for the shift and how it stemmed from observing readers in his classroom.

Want to support the podcast? It’s easy. Go to buymeacoffee.com/chalkandink and with one single click you can buy me a latte-no subscription necessary.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. If you haven’t read Sarah’s book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, check it out. It’s on the ALA 2021 Rainbow List and Bank Street's Best Children's Books 2021.