Most writers face rejection, doubt, and the overwhelming odds of success, but Brandon Mull’s relentless determination turned a childhood dream into a successful career. His journey from struggling beginner to bestselling author proves that perseverance, a love for storytelling, and embracing failure are the secret ingredients to breaking through.

Guest Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven and numerous series, with over 31 books sold worldwide. Known for his inventive ideas and tenacious spirit, Brandon continues to push the boundaries of fantasy storytelling.

Jennifer A. Nielsen shares the backstory how this writer became a beloved bestselling author.

NYT bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen interviews Aaron N. Hall. He is the author of The Legend of Uh, the Wevlian Chronicles, the Hammerfist series, and multiple collections of stories and poems. When he’s not writing (which isn’t often), he’s doing nonprofit work, lifting heavy things, reading a book, or sipping a cup of tea. Listen along as they break down his indie author journey and the ins and outs of social media marketing for authors.

Welcome to season 5! Join Jennifer A. Nielsen as she outlines this author's journey from struggling indie author to internet success.

Join us on the Backstory Podcast as we delve into the inspiring journey of Amber McBride, an award-winning author and poet. From her early days of writing poignant poetry in a predominantly white school to her acclaimed novels, Amber shares her experiences of overcoming rejection, embracing her unique voice, and the profound influence of her cultural heritage. Discover how Amber's passion for storytelling and her commitment to authenticity have shaped her career and continue to inspire readers of all ages.

Listen to author Jennifer A. Nielsen share the backstory of an award-winning poet. Featuring sneak peaks at the poet's first writings and most recent writings.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Soman Chainani, the creative mind behind "The School for Good and Evil" series. In this interview, Soman shares his journey from writing bestselling novels to seeing them adapted into a Netflix film. Discover his thoughts on storytelling, the challenges of adapting books for the screen, and the impact of his work on young readers. Soman also discusses the future of literature in the age of AI and offers advice for aspiring writers. Don't miss this engaging discussion with one of today's most innovative authors.

Jennifer Nielsen tells the story of how our author's bestselling novels transitioned from the page to a Netflix film, captivating audiences worldwide. She shares the challenges of adapting his work for the screen.