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Hey there word nerds!

Today I am thrilled to have Tami Charles on the show!

Tami is a former teacher and current full-time author of picture books, middle grade and young adult novels, as well as nonfiction. As a teacher, she made it her mission to introduce her students to all types of literature, but especially diverse books.

While it was refreshing to see a better selection than what she was accustomed to as a child, Tami felt there weren\\u2019t nearly as many diverse books as she\\u2019d hoped for. It was then that she decided to reignite her passion for writing, and put those books she longed to see on the shelves herself.

Tami is the author of several current and upcoming children\\u2019s books, but she is here with us today to share an inside look at her beautiful middle grade novel Like Vanessa.

So listen in as Tami and I chat about this awesome book, and the importance for all writers to write what they want in an authentic way.

In this episode Tami and I discuss:

• Pouring your own experiences into your character.
• The concept of colorism.
• Crafting a novel in the no man\\u2019s land between MG and YA.
• How to use poetry to pull readers into your character\\u2019s emotions.
• Writing in your authentic voice without being pigeonholed.

Plus, Tami\\u2019s #1 tip for writers.

For more info and show notes: DIYMFA.com/210