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88 Cups of Tea

Love all things upbeat, warm, and uplifting? Welcome to 88 Cups of Tea, an online platform and podcast for creative writers who look for guidance in their storytelling journey and connection to a community, fostering year-round conversations around the personal and professional life of a writer. Our podcast episodes and online essays and articles explore and unpack conversations that touch on topics like overcoming rejections and challenges, querying tips and crafting advice, lifestyle habits that support the heart and the soul, what it means to be Human while navigating a creative path, and more. We pride ourselves in nurturing a supportive environment that aims to encourage, inspire, and entertain. Check out our website 88cupsoftea.com for essays, articles, and access to nearly 200 podcast episodes!
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Now displaying: February, 2016
Feb 25, 2016

Hey Storytellers, we have Lindsay Mattick, author of FINDING WINNIE, on the show today. I’m very excited to finally share her story with you!

We all can agree that Winnie-the-Pooh is, more than likely, the most recognized bear. But did you know that Winnie was inspired by a REAL bear? Most of us grew up loving Winnie, holding A.A. Milne’s creation to heart.

Wait till you hear Lindsay’s incredible true story about how she is directly connected to the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh!

Xo,

Yin

Ps. Tell me what you thought about Lindsay's episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!

“You need to be willing to re-do, to let go of certain things, to get to what is the final core of the story.”
Tweet: “You need to be willing to re-do, to let go of certain things, to get to what is the final core of the story.” -@lindsaymattick #88cupsoftea

 

“Allow yourself to explore and not feel handcuffed to the text you first write.”
Tweet: “Allow yourself to explore and not feel handcuffed to the text you first write.” -@lindsaymattick #writingtips via #88cupsoftea

 

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

  • Lindsay’s phenomenal true story about her direct ties to Winnie-the-Pooh

  • Digging deep into your family history to find stories that universally resonate with readers
  • How reading out loud can develop a strong sense of rhythm for children’s books
  • How Lindsay chose which perspective to write her story in 

  • How owning and running her full-time PR agency heightens her creativity for her stories

 

Learn More About Lindsay Mattick

Lindsay Mattick is the author of Finding Winnie, a new picture book which explores her family’s unique connection to the world’s most famous bear,Winnie-the-Pooh. Born in Winnipeg, Lindsay spent her summer days collecting lucky stones on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, finding adventures in her red wagon. As the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn, Lindsay grew up thinking of Winnie as her own ‘great-grandbear’. She has shared her family’s story as a radio documentary, spearheaded an original exhibition, and participated in Canada’s National Arts Council UK tour to commemorate WWI. After working in public relations for over a decade crafting other peoples stories, Lindsay is very excited to share one of her own.  Today, she is likely still found with sand between her toes on the beaches of Toronto, her son Cole in tow, in his own Radio Flyer.  Finding Winnie is Lindsay’s latest adventure and proof that dreams come true.

 

Lindsay’s Recommended Books & Resources:

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne 

Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler

Say ‘Hi!’ to Kendall

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Feb 18, 2016

Hey Storytellers, we have Young Adult fiction writer Kendall Kulper on the show today! Kendall is the author of the super popular books SALT & STORM and DRIFT & DAGGER.

Writers with a focus on writing young adult, you’ll learn so much from Kendall’s episode. We talk a lot about magic, witches, and history. And we talk even more about how Kendall effortlessly weaves it all together while making it believable. Writing processes, writing schedules, literary representation, and writer’s block- you don’t want to miss this!

“The things that make me different are the things that I love about myself.”

“Easy does not necessarily translate to good, and difficult does not necessarily translate to bad.”

“You have to know the rules before you break the rules.”

“I always love books that don’t hide magic.”

“If you want to write, you need to read.”

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

  • How pinpointing the story’s themes is the most important step in writing a book
  • How Kendall overcomes writer’s block by seeing it as part of the writing process
  • Why it’s important to create personal connections before approaching potential literary reps
  • How Twitter can work to your advantage when seeking literary representation 
  • How to weave in historical facts without boring your audience
  • The inspiration behind Kendall’s popular novels

Learn More About Kendall Kulper

Kendall Kulper writes historical fiction with a fantasy twist for teen readers and knows more about nineteenth century whaling than she ever imagined. Her debut YA novel, SALT & STORM was published by Little, Brown in 2014. Her second novel, DRIFT & DAGGER was published in September, 2015, also by Little, Brown.  She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in history and literature in 2008 and spent several years as a journalist before deciding to write full-time. She grew up in the wilds of New Jersey and now lives in Cambridge, MA with her husband, daughter, and much-tweeted-about dog, Abby.

 

Kendall’s Recommended Books & Resources:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 

The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher 

The Poisoner’s Handbook by Deborah Blum 

 

Say ‘Hi!’ to Kendall

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Feb 11, 2016

I’m pumped for you to meet Mindee Arnett in today’s episode! Mindee is a popular Young Adult author who has written two very successful YA series: The Arkwell Academy Series and the Avalon Series.

Mindee walks us through the process of creating lively characters, the realities ofbalancing finances and our creative pursuits, the pressures of the publishing world, and so much more.

Writers with a focus on writing young adult, this one’s for you!

 

Feb 4, 2016

Special Giveaway Announcement!

Want to win a signed, advanced copy of Kody’s newest book “RUN”? All you have to do is:

  1. Listen to Kody’s podcast episode.
  2. Tweet your favorite quote from Kody’s interview and tag @88cupsoftea and include #88cupsoftea so we can find you!
  3. Lucky winner will receive the prize!

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Storytellers! We have author KODY KEPLINGER of “The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)” on the show today! The book was made into a major motion picture starring rising young actors.  Kody’s take on teen drama is refreshingly original and hilarious.

I’m so excited to share her interview with you today!  Kody is just as bubbly, outgoing, warm, and funny as I had hoped. We chat a ton about mentors and how they can help shape your career, and how having one shaped Kody into the person and the writer she is today. Lots of workshop talk, crucial writing tips (the same lessons she teachers her writing students), personal triumphs and heartbreaks in the writing industry, and so much more!

Writers with a focus on writing young adult or middle grade books, this one’s for you!

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“Be okay with hearing the word ‘no’ and don’t let that stop you.”

“I knew that there was absolutely zero chance of me doing anything outside of the creative sphere.”

“If you want to do this, then do this.”

“Your back up plan shouldn’t be your first plan.”

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What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

  • The importance of having a mentor that has the courage to be truthful and how that can inspire you and your work

  • Inspiration behind “The Duff”
  • How to avoid miscommunication with your editor and remain on the same page about your writing project
  • Kody’s outlining process

  • How to decide which ideas are worth exploring for your next writing project

  • Why every aspiring writer needs to attend a book signing

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Learn More About Kody Keplinger

Kody Keplinger is the author of several books for kids and teens, including The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) which was adapted for film in 2015.  She’s the co-founder of Disability In Kidlit, a writing teacher in NYC, and an all-around nerd. Her next novel, Run, will be released in June 2016.   

Kody’s Recommended Books & Resources:

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Gotham Writers

 

“The Duff” (movie adaptation of Kody’s book)

Inuyasha” (anime)

Peach Girl” (anime)

“She’s All That”

“Clueless”

“10 Things I Hate About You”

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