Ella McLeod
The Novelry writing coach. Her debut YA novel, Rapunzella, Or, Don’t Touch My Hair, was nominated for the prestigious Branford Boase Award and received rave reviews.
Best podcasts with Ella McLeod
Ranked by the Snipd community
Mar 4, 2025 • 28min
How to Avoid the Ick When Writing YA Books
Alice Kuipers and Ella McLeod, both accomplished YA authors and coaches, dive into the intricacies of writing for a teen audience. They share essential tips to avoid disconnecting from readers, like engaging directly with teenagers and using authentic dialogue. The duo emphasizes the importance of relatable characters, raising emotional stakes, and crafting settings that resonate with contemporary teen experiences. Their insights provide invaluable guidance for writers aiming to connect deeply with young adult readers.
Nov 12, 2024 • 25min
How to Turn Up the Heat in Romantasy
In this engaging discussion, bestselling YA authors Bea Fitzgerald and Ella McLeod dive into the sizzling world of romantasy. They emphasize raising stakes to deepen character yearning and tension, while cleverly navigating tropes to captivate readers. Bea breaks down romance beats within fantasy plots, urging writers to push conflicts to the extreme for maximum emotional impact. The duo highlights the importance of blending fantastical elements with profound emotional stakes, ensuring that love feels both earned and consequential.
