298: Character-Driven YA and Middle Grade — Interview with Brandy Colbert

DIY MFA Radio

Hey there word nerds! Today, I have the pleasure of interviewing Brandy Colbert, the critically acclaimed author of several YA and Middle Grade novels. Her books include Pointe, Stonewall Award winner Little & Lion, Finding Yvonne, The Revolution of Birdie Randolph, and her 2020 releases, The Only Black Girls in Town, and The Voting Booth. Her short fiction and essays have also been published in several critically acclaimed anthologies for young people.

Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Brandy spent a few years living in Chicago before relocating permanently to Los Angeles. She is very active on social media and also works as a copy editor for magazines and books. She is also on faculty at Hamline University’s MFA program in writing for children.

In this episode Brandy and I discuss:

• The inspiration behind The Revolution of Birdie Randolph
• Exploring black friendships and experience in The Only Black Girls in Town
• How books can functions as both mirrors and windows
• Exploring the theme of family over multiple books
• Grappling with race in the context of a contemporary story
• Moving into middle grade after writing YA

Plus, her #1 tip for writers.

For more info and shownotes: www.diymfa.com/298