Chalk + Ink: Episode 84; Reaching for the Sweet Spot with Sarah Aronson

"I have a new relationship with failure because of play."-Sarah Aronson

Sarah's statement really struck this morning as I was editing this episode's transcript. One of the ways Sarah plays while writing is to side-write. In fact, she starts her writing process each morning with side-writing. After I finished editing the transcript, cooking breakfast and cleaning up, a voice came to me and I began to side-write. It was so much fun, and I for one, need more fun in my life.

Besides playing and side-writing, Sarah also talks about the importance of embracing conversations, challenges, and community.

Sarah recommends the following books:

Young Adult: For Lamb by Lesa-Cline Ransome Sarah said she doesn't know why this book didn't win every award out there because it's one of the best books she's ever read and it made her cry so many times.

Middle Grade: Erin Entrada Kelly's The First State of Being is a book about a girl, a young boy, and time travel. Sarah wouldn't say anymore because she hates spoilers.

Picture Books: Joyful Song: A Naming Story written by Lesléa Newman and illustrated by Susan Gal because the writing and artwork are gorgeous. 

Touch the Sky written by Stephanie Lucianovic and illustrated by Chris Park because this statement glimmers, "It feels hard until you get it, and then it's not."

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken because mistakes happen.

What Do You Do with a Voice Like That? written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes because it's fabulous and it was the mentor text for Sarah's latest biography, Abzuglutely! Battling, Bellowing Bella Abzug.

​Have fun listening to the episode!