Author Ruth Mitchell joined me for this episode to discuss some of the influential books in her life. We talk about growing up in a children's book, how channeling Pippi Longstocking got her into mischief, and the perils of loaning books to middle school crushes. We also discuss the books that made her want to become a writer and chat a bit about her own book Deleted.

You can find Ruth online and learn more about her book Deleted on her website www.literallyruth.com, and you can follow her on Instagram @literally.ruth.mitchell. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com.

Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

This episode I chat with children's book editor Alex Messina-Schultheis about some of the books that are most important to her. We cover the sweetest birthday books ever, a myriad of literary crushes, and pulling her first reading all nighter.

You can follow Alex on Instagram @commasandcarbs. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com.

If you’re subscribed to the podcast, you may have noticed a lengthy hiatus — putting together a podcast takes a lot of time and with 2020 being what it was, I needed that break. But I’m excited to be back with a new episode and hope to keep new episodes coming in 2021. However, I’m taking a relaxed approach to producing and publishing the podcast, so staying subscribed in your podcast app of choice is the best way to know when a new episode is out!

Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq

While I have long been familiar with The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, I had never heard of Ende’s book Momo until my guest Tabby Pawlitzki brought it to my attention. Tabby first encountered the book as a child growing up in Germany, and it has been a favorite ever since. We discuss becoming a kid detective, reading in translation, and the many life lessons to be learned from a tortoise.

You can follow Tabby on Instagram @tabbypawlitzki and keep up with her podcast at https://www.modernlifepodcast.com. You can follow both me and the podcast on Instagram @shapedbystoriesdiane. Show notes and links to subscribe and download the podcast can be found on the show's website www.shapedbystories.com. Music by Kevin MacLeod: https://bit.ly/2HFHGJq