Episode 55: Difficult Characters with Tough Dilemmas with Guest Claudia Mills

In this episode, Host Sharon Skinner sits down with acclaimed children’s author Claudia Mills, who has penned over 60 books for young readers across all age categories. Together, they dive deep into the art of crafting difficult characters with tough dilemmas, drawing from Claudia Mills’s latest middle grade novel, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom.

Discover how Claudia Mills’s background in philosophy enriches her stories, why asking big questions matters in middle grade fiction, and actionable tips for making characters leap off the page.

Whether you’re a writer looking to bring more authenticity to your work or a reader fascinated by the challenges faced by unforgettable kid lit protagonists, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and heartfelt advice.