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Teen author Shanti Hershenson joins us as our new co-host and takes us through her remarkable journey of becoming an author during the pandemic. We explore how her novel, "You Won't Know Her Name," based on personal experiences with bullying, carved a significant path in her writing career, attracting nearly 40,000 readers. Shanti and I share the highs and lows of navigating the world of young adult authorship and reflect on how these shared experiences have deepened our friendship. As we celebrate her incredible milestone, we also discuss unexpected ways to mark such achievements—cue the escape room adventure!

Our conversation shifts to the pressures young women face, particularly in male-dominated genres like science fiction. The episode offers advice on staying authentic amidst societal judgments, especially concerning personal style and family values. We talk about overcoming bullying by seeking supportive communities and emphasize the importance of finding trusted allies in school settings. Shanti and I also dive into the creative process of self-publishing, balancing quality with quantity, and our aspirations for expanding into traditional publishing. As we look ahead, there's excitement for future projects, fashion inspirations, and birthday celebrations, making this episode a rich tapestry of creativity and camaraderie.

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