Maya Gabrielle, better known to millions of young readers as bestselling children's author M.G Leonard, takes us on an exhilarating journey through her remarkably unconventional career. From managing The Divine Comedy band in the 90s to pioneering digital content at Shakespeare's Globe, Royal Opera House, and National Theatre, Maya reveals how being a self-described "renegade" helped her navigate male-dominated industries with creativity and audacity.

Her storytelling captivates as she recalls the moment she committed to becoming a children's author while working full-time as a single mother. With raw honesty, Maya shares the emotional roller coaster of rejections before her debut novel Beetle Boy became an international sensation. Now approaching the milestone of one million books sold in the UK alone, she offers a fascinating glimpse into the modern author's life - creating promotional videos, managing social media, and connecting with young readers through energetic school visits.

The conversation delves into compelling territory as Maya discusses AI's impact on publishing, the evolving expectations placed on authors, and her passionate call for greater class diversity in arts organisations. With characteristic boldness, she articulates how her background gave her unique advantages: "I'm not afraid of learning something new... I love learning stuff, and the greatest thing about writing books for children is I have to do so much research for every subject."

Whether you're an aspiring creative, a digital innovator, or simply curious about the person behind beloved children's books, Maya's story reminds us of the power in breaking rules, following passion, and embracing what she calls our "inner New Yorker" - that spirit that says "I can do that" regardless of obstacles. Listen now and discover what happens before the applause.

www.mgleonard.com

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