In this episode of A LITERAL JOURNEY, I sit down with Mary Averling, the award-winning author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog, The Ghosts of Bitterfly Bay, and the The Burn Beast, for a conversation about scary stories, childhood memories, and the hope and heart in middle grade horror.

During the interview, Mary shares part of her own literal journey—from living in England and Canada, to learning that writers didn't have to be "old, crusty, and dead." (😂) We talk about Mary’s love for middle grade horror, the long road to publication, and how her books use scary elements to explore feelings of loneliness, grief, anger, friendship, and belonging.

Whether you’re a reader, writer, parent, teacher, or someone who enjoys a spooky story filled with meaning, I hope this episode encourages you to "find your weirdos," open a book (or pick up a pen) and embark on your *own* literal journey.

About MARY AVERLING:

Mary Averling is the author of The Curse of Eelgrass Bog and other strange stories for middle grade readers. She grew up across England and Canada and has degrees from the University of Victoria and Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge. Since she can’t stay away from libraries for very long, she is currently working toward her PhD in Ontario, where she lives surrounded by all the magical, creepy, heartfelt books she can find.

📖 ORDER "The Burn Beast" by Mary Averling: https://amzn.to/4duR68F

📚 READ other Books by Mary Averling: https://amzn.to/4wvEiHF

🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1CvEfBcK1xALUswAkOwlNf?si=98cea0829ca145e6

🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-literal-journey/id1839517342

🎥 WATCH more episodes of A LITERAL JOURNEY: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRTQ34vyf-9NkrTcSH0KEwXPOhdVqZRVZ

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#MaryAverling #reading #middlegradebooks #kidlit #authorinterview #booksforkids #childrensbooks #writingjourney #bookrecommendations #penguinbooks

My name is Seth Adam Smith. I’m a husband, father, and author who believes in the power of stories to inspire people forward.

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🌐 Website: http://www.SethAdamSmith.com

Thank you for watching—and for being part of this journey!