Writers With Wrinkles
Authors Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid iron out the wrinkles in writing, publishing, and everything in between . . . One podcast at a time.
Writers With Wrinkles is the go-to podcast for aspiring authors, and those in the trenches, who want to successfully publish a novel...or ten! Join us each week as we dive deep into writing and the publishing industry, providing expert interviews, insightful discussions, and practical tips. With our engaging and informative format, you'll get the guidance you need to navigate the complex world of publishing. Start your journey today!
Visit www.WritersWithWrinkles.net for more info.
Episodes
138 episodes
Inside Publishing’s High-Stakes Reality: What Writers Need to Know
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, Beth and Lisa discuss one of the most active conversations happening among writers: the growing concern about how the publishing industry treats debut and midlist authors. They share personal experiences, ha...
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Season 4
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Episode 25
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35:48
BONUS: How to Write Funny Books With Heart: Adam Rosenbaum on Middle Grade Craft
In this bonus episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Adam Rosenbaum about how he blends laugh-out-loud comedy with emotionally meaningful storytelling. Writers will learn how humor lowers a reader’s defenses, ...
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Season 4
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45:42
What Editors Really Look For, with Alison Romig: First Pages, Comps, and Connecting with Readers
Episode Summary In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with Alison Romig, Associate Editor at Delacorte Press, about middle grade and YA fiction. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what edit...
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Season 4
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Episode 24
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41:23
Nail Your First Page: Real Critiques from Publishing Pros
Want to watch the video? Click here.Episode Summary In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa dive into first-page crit...
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Season 4
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Episode 23
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34:08
How to Build a Lasting Author-Agent Relationship, with Agent Leslie Zampetti
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent Leslie Zampetti for an honest and insightful conversation about what makes a successful author-agent relationship. From red flags to communication tips, asp...
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44:51
Trademark Trouble? Copyright Pitfalls? Ask Beth & Lisa!
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share updates on their current writing projects and dive into hot publishing topics: copyright oversight, AI-related lawsuits, and the rules of...
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Season 4
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Episode 21
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32:40
Finding the Right Fit: Agent-Author Relationships with Sheyla Knigge
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid sit down with literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary Collective to talk about the art of building strong author-agent relationships. Sheyla shares...
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34:37
The One About Taylor Swift (and some other stuff, too)
Beth and Lisa react in real-time to Taylor Swift’s engagement, connecting it to creativity, storytelling, and the writing life. They also dive into lessons on “first pages,” share a cautionary tale from a tough SCBWI conference, and tease detai...
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34:10
Self-Publishing Success: Lessons, Creative Freedom & Midlife Magic with Barb Hopkins & Kelly Garcia
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, we dive into the world of self-publishing adult fiction. Authors Barb Hopkins and Kelly Garcia share how they turned frustration with traditional publishing into indie success, building their p...
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Season 4
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Episode 18
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49:14
Ask B&L: Book Coaching? What even is that?
Episode Summary: In this Ask B&L episode, Lisa interviews Beth about her work as a book coach and what aspiring authors need to know before querying. Beth shares how she supports writers through revisions, builds their confidence...
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Season 4
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Episode 17
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35:45
Navigating KidLit and Publishing Realities with Agent Joyce Sweeney
Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, literary agent and author Joyce Sweeney joins Beth and Lisa to explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s publishing landscape. With decades of experience, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 16
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35:03
BONUS: How to Write Action That Kids Can’t Put Down (an interview with author & book coach Beth McMullen)
🎙️ Episode Summary: In this bonus episode, Beth McMullen switches roles from co-host to guest to explore how to write compelling action and adventure for middle grade readers. Originally recorded for
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21:47
Is AI a Useful Tool? (An Ask B&L Episode)
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts dive into the complex topic of using artificial intelligence as a writing tool. They share personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and ethical considerations for writers navigating AI in the crea...
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33:28
From Rough Draft to Ready: Editor Joel Brigham on Revisions That Sell
In this information-packed episode, editor Joel Brigham returns to dive deep into the art of revision, breaking down the essential steps writers must take to polish their manuscripts. From identifying critical story beats to understanding chara...
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58:19
Drafting Without Fear: Writing Momentum and Mistakes to Avoid, with editor Joel Brigham
Beth and Lisa are joined by editor and author Joel Brigham to discuss the messy, magical process of drafting. Joel shares practical advice to help writers overcome perfectionism and keep their momentum through the challenging early stages of a ...
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Season 4
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Episode 13
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54:20
To Edit or Not to Edit? (An Ask B&L Episode)
Episode Summary: In this engaging Ask B&L episode, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle two of the most commonly asked questions from aspiring authors: what is voice in writing and how do you navigate the editorial process? With ...
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Season 4
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Episode 12
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33:58
ENCORE: Editor Ivan Taurisano talks kidlit and IP
In this encore edition, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisit...
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Season 4
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Episode 11
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37:27
Love, Art & Storytelling in Rome: Brian Selznick on his new novel Run Away With Me
Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Beth and Lisa welcome bestselling author and illustrator Brian Selznick to discuss his latest YA novel Run Away With Me. Brian shares how personal history, queer identity, and the ...
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Season 4
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Episode 10
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50:51
Writing Scary, Querying Smart: Insider Tips with Agent & Author Carey Blankenship-Kramer
Beth and Lisa sit down with Carey Blankenship-Kramer, literary agent and author of Ghost Scout's Honor, to talk all things publishing—from crafting irresistible query letters to the harsh realities of publishing economics. Carey shares...
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Season 4
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Episode 9
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35:57
Writing Origin Stories! Do you have one?
🎙️ Episode Summary: In this special "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid explore the emotional challenges of the current creative climate and share their personal writing orig...
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Season 4
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Episode 8
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39:51
If It Feels Not Normal, It’s Probably Not: Ask Beth & Lisa
Episode Summary: In this candid "Ask B&L" episode, Beth and Lisa answer a listener question about agent transparency, diving into the red flags of a rocky publishing relationship. They also unpack book coaching, revising habits, ...
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Season 4
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Episode 7
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26:00
Breaking Barriers in Publishing: Michele McAvoy on Small Press Success & Writing Realities
PLEASE NOTE: this episode was orignally meant to drop on March 31st but we moved it up so listeners can take advantage of The Little Press's upcoming pitch party. Listen to the full episode for details.Episode SummaryIn thi...
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Season 4
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Episode 6
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34:33
Cracking the Code: Middle Grade & YA Publishing Secrets with managing editor Meg Gaertner
In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Meg Gaertner, managing editor of fiction at North Star Editions. Meg shares insights into middle grade and young adult publishing, the acquisitions proce...
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34:58
Breaking Out of the Writing Rut: Micro Goals, Fresh Eyes & Creative Hacks
In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts tackle a common writer struggle: getting out of a creative rut. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and insights from working with critique partners and beta readers to reignite...
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Season 4
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Episode 4
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27:31
From Query to Publication: Agent Adria Goetz on Perfecting Your Pitch and Navigating the Industry
In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, we welcome Adria Goetz, a Senior Literary Agent at KT Literary, to discuss the dos and don’ts of querying, how to stand out in a crowded submission pile, and navigating industry challenges like...
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Season 4
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Episode 3
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40:57