Author: Jordan Gripenwaldt

Aside from having a last name that is difficult for telemarketers to correctly pronounce, Jordan Gripenwaldt is a degree-wielding Anthropology major and aspiring novelist who has swapped research paper deadlines for article deadlines. In addition to having a deep and abiding love for musical theatre, 80′s power ballads, social justice, television, and grandpa sweaters, she is also the proud and very excited Executive Editor of Germ Magazine and can be reached at [email protected]

TEEN READ WEEK: Interview with Author Kendare Blake

Posted on Oct 11, 2017Oct 11, 2017 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

Teen Read Week is here, and I had the pleasure of interviewing Kendare Blake, author of the Three Dark Crowns series. Kendare Blake has authored several book series, and she generously shared her expertise and knowledge of the inner workings of writing as well as the journey her writing has taken her on. Make sure to […]

Interview with Colleen Oakes — Author of the Wendy Darling Series

Posted on Sep 9, 2017Oct 9, 2017 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

I recently had the opportunity to interview Colleen Oakes, author of the Wendy Darling and Queen of Hearts series, and pick her brain about all things writing, fairytales, and Peter Pan. Both series are wildly imaginative re-tellings of beloved, classic stories, and her writing centers around strong female characters — even when that strength is demonstrated in wildly different […]

‘Making Me Happen’ Author Taayoo A. Murray Teaches Us What It Takes to Succeed

Posted on Jun 2, 2017Jun 5, 2017 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

From JKS Communications’ press release for Taayoo A. Murray’s new book, Making Me Happen: . Troubled by the lack of drive she has seen in teenagers and young adults, Taayoo A. Murray is setting out to teach the next generation the benefits of goal-setting, a skill that she strongly believes is necessary for a successful future. […]

Stephanie Elliot: Writing, Eating Disorders, and the Meaning Behind Sad Perfect

Posted on Mar 15, 2017Apr 10, 2017 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

Stephanie Elliot is the author of the new YA novel Sad Perfect, which centers around a little-known eating disorder called ARFID (Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder). Pea is the 16-year-old protagonist who struggles with ARFID and undergoes a beautifully told and achingly felt struggle toward recovery. Grab your copy today and follow along with Pea as she falls in […]

Celebrating MLK Day!

Posted on Jan 16, 2017Jan 14, 2017 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

Today, we as an American nation celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor the tireless efforts of one man on behalf of Civil Rights. Although I’m sure you’re all familiar with the work of Martin Luther King Jr. by now, this is why we celebrate him, in his widow Coretta Scott King’s own words: […]

Melina Marchetta Is Back at It with ‘Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil’

Posted on Jan 10, 2017Feb 6, 2017 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

Well, guys, she did it again. I don’t know why I’m surprised by this, but Melina Marchetta, authoress extraordinaire, did it again with her thriller Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil. Now, this isn’t so much a comprehensive review as it is a ringing, clanging, raucous endorsement. Yes, Melina Marchetta is my favorite author, bar none, and […]

Vote! Vote! Vote!

Posted on Nov 8, 2016Nov 7, 2016 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

Today, I (like many of my fellow Americans) will be heading to the polls to cast my vote for the next president of the United States. However, that’s not all I will be casting my vote for. As many of you know, this election has been unbelievably contentious and divisive. Its ripples have been felt […]

Here’s the Thing About Stranger Things

Posted on Oct 10, 2016Nov 1, 2016 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

It’s October, which means the season of Halloween is upon us! For those of you who are craving some ’80s throwback, Steven Spielberg-esque, kid-starring, monster-movie fare, then Netflix’s smash hit Stranger Things is the show for you! Starring a handful of mostly unknown but unbelievably talented young actors, Stranger Things centers around a town called Hawkins, Indiana, where […]

Kesha Teases “True Colors” Collab with Zed, and We Are Here for It

Posted on Apr 30, 2016Apr 30, 2016 by Jordan Gripenwaldt

As you may know, Kesha has been going through a lot lately, but her recent Coachella performance with Zedd has seemingly breathed new life into the beleaguered singer’s career, and we are so excited for her. You can already purchase the “True Colors” cover, and this video seems to indicate that something bigger is to […]