Good Kids, Bold Stories: Inside Shanti Hershenson’s YA World-Building and Advocacy (Ep. 238)
The Joe Rooz Show · Joe Russiello
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Show Notes
Shanti opens up about vulnerability in her work, anti-bullying advocacy, and crafting stories that weave social commentary with genre fiction, from sci-fi dystopian epics to contemporary novels-in-verse. We spotlight her latest release, Good Kids, Bad Choices, and revisit You Won’t Know Her Name, exploring how personal experiences can power honest storytelling that helps readers feel less alone.
We also cover her creative process (first drafts, stepping away, and editing cycles), genre flexibility, handling criticism (including age-related doubts and AI questions), and the authors and inspirations fueling her next projects—from medieval portal fantasy with a talking cat to survival-centered contemporary fiction. Stick around for practical advice for aspiring young writers, how to build momentum, and Shanti’s hopes for a legacy that connects readers the way great fandoms do.
Check out Shanti's socials
https://www.instagram.com/shantihershenson/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@shantiwhowrites?
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Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Marisa Lee
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Want to be a guest on The Joe Rooz Show? Send Joe a message on #PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/joe
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Music: https://youtube.com/@pogo
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(00:03:51) Opening monologue, show updates, and platform talk
(00:06:42) Rumble vs. YouTube and live show schedule
(00:08:32) Housekeeping and tools for podcasters
(00:12:02) Introducing guest author Shanti Hershenson
(00:13:17) Icebreakers: cats, pizza opinions, and sparkling water
(00:16:15) Early calling to write and first publishing steps
(00:19:16) Debut works, Biomlock, and the surreal first publications
(00:20:00) Family support and the introverted writer’s outlet
(00:22:33) Balancing school, vulnerability, and putting work out there
(00:25:25) Staying motivated through the dragging middle
(00:26:30) Daily routine: 1,000 words and the drafting-to-editing pipeline
(00:28:51) Juggling multiple projects and timelines
(00:29:32) 22 books published and managing time as a teen
(00:33:38) Choosing genre and audience first
(00:35:06) The realities of self-publishing and marketing
(00:37:22) TikTok as a direct line to YA readers
(00:38:48) Most meaningful reader feedback and impact
(00:40:19) New release: Good Kids, Bad Choices
(00:41:25) You Won’t Know Her Name: poetry and nameless characters
(00:43:48) Keeping stories fresh: commentary and genre shifts
(00:46:30) Favorite genres and influential authors
(00:48:41) What’s next: medieval portal fantasy and YA survival
(00:50:06) On collaboration and creative partnerships
(00:50:54) Anti-bullying advocacy and empathy in schools
(00:52:47) Portraying bullying across her books
(00:53:40) Advice to young writers: just write and build habits
(00:55:36) Handling age-based criticism and staying gracious
(00:57:00) Stance on AI in writing and supporting human creators
(00:59:17) Legacy goals, fandom, and dreaming of Star Wars
(01:00:43) Who inspires her: musicians and advocacy
(01:02:52) Closing praise, where to find Shanti, and sign-off setup
(01:06:44) Producer shout-outs and tomorrow’s guest teaser
(01:07:51) Final calls to action and show sign-off
- Wayne Rankin
- Rosanna Rankin
- Carolina Jimenez