Writing Worlds Where Readers Find Friends with Claribel A. Ortega

What happens when a reader's first friends are characters in a book?

Author Claribel A. Ortega joins Tricia to talk about the Witchlings series and the connections readers build through stories. She shares how gaming shaped her worldbuilding, why fantasy gives us room to explore frightening questions, and what young readers have taught her about loneliness, anger, and belonging.

The conversation also explores the creative work that happens away from the page: making playlists, walking the dog, spending time in nature, and giving an idea space to grow. Claribel reflects on crediting illustrators, designing playful online spaces for readers, and practicing the kindness and community she writes about.

In this episode:

• How The Sims helped Claribel develop as a storyteller.

• Why stories need room for difficult feelings and darker questions.

• How Witchlings readers find friendship and see their experiences reflected.

• What educators can notice about creativity, play, and reader communities.

• Why artists and illustrators deserve recognition.

• How Steven, Claribel's puppy and unofficial manager, keeps her writing life on schedule.

Books discussed include Witchlings, Ghost Squad, and Frizzy, plus a preview of Claribel's forthcoming graphic novel, Thirty Ways to Kill Your Avatar.

Learn more:

https://www.claribelortega.com/

Learn more about the Shifting Schools cohort:

https://www.shiftingschools.com/ai-for-curriculum-instruction-cohort