Animal Writes: Crafting Authentic Animal Narratives with John Yunker and Midge Raymond

This episode explores how writers can authentically represent animals in literature with authors and publishers John Yunker and Midge Raymond, who discuss their new book Animal Writes and their Writing for Animals workshop. They share techniques for portraying animals as individuals rather than stereotypes, and offer guidance for writers who want to advocate for animals through their work.

This episode explores:

• How to write about animals authentically, portraying them as individuals rather than stereotypes
• The challenges of publishing animal-centered literature and reaching mainstream audiences
• Using pronouns properly when writing about animals to avoid objectification
• Examples of successful books that effectively portray animals in literature
• The upcoming January 2026 submission period for Ashland Creek Press, which specializes in animal and environmental literature

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Midge Raymond is the author of the novels Floreana and My Last Continent, the short-story collection Forgetting English, and, with coauthor John Yunker, the mystery novel Devils Island and the nonfiction book Animal Writes. Find Midge online at MidgeRaymond.com.

John Yunker writes short stories, plays and novels focused on the complex and often conflicted relationships between humans and animals. He is co-author, with Midge Raymond, of the mystery Devils Island and the nonfiction book Animal Writes, and author of The Tourist Trail and Where Oceans Hide Their Dead. Find John online at JohnYunker.com.

Midge and John are co-founders of Ashland Creek Press, a vegan publisher devoted to animal and environmental literature.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode’s interview.

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