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Writers With Wrinkles
Latest Episode

Finding the Right Fit: Agent-Author Relationships with Sheyla Knigge

Send us a text 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 her journey into publishing, her approach to championing authors, and the key questions every writer should ask before signing with an agent. Guest Bio: Sheyla Knigge is a literary agent at Highline Literary Collective with nearly two years of e...

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Recent Episodes

Sept. 8, 2025

Finding the Right Fit: Agent-Author Relationships with Sheyla Knigge

Send us a text 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 her journey into publishing, her approach to cha…

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Sept. 1, 2025

The One About Taylor Swift (and some other stuff, too)

Send us a text 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 details of their upcoming Writers With Wrinkl…

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Aug. 18, 2025

Self-Publishing Success: Lessons, Creative Freedom & Midlife Magic wi…

Send us a text 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 paranormal mystery series Chronicles of a Cursed M…

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Aug. 4, 2025

Ask B&L: Book Coaching? What even is that?

Send us a text 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, and helps them reach submission-ready status. Guest B…

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July 21, 2025

Navigating KidLit and Publishing Realities with Agent Joyce Sweeney

Send us a text 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, Joyce shares invaluable advice for writers on market trends,…

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July 14, 2025

BONUS: How to Write Action That Kids Can’t Put Down (an interview wit…

Send us a text 🎙️ 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 Sara Gentry's KidLit Summer Camp, this conversation is packed with practical tips an…

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Recent Blog Posts

Sept. 8, 2025

Finding the Right Agent: Building Lasting Author-Agent Relationships …

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid chat with literary agent Sheyla Knigge of Highline Literary Collective about what makes a strong, lasting author-agent partnership. Sheyla shares her personal path into publishi…

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Sept. 1, 2025

The One About Taylor Swift (and some other stuff, too)

Episode Summary Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid react to Taylor Swift’s engagement and explore how love, upheaval, and emotion shape creativity. They also unpack the power of “first pages,” share stories from SCBWI, and reveal detai…

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Aug. 18, 2025

Self-Publishing Success: Lessons, Creative Freedom & Midlife Magic wi…

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 paranormal myst…

Read the Blog Post

About the Hosts

Beth McMullen Profile Photo

Beth McMullen

Author

Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).

She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).

Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.

Lisa Schmid Profile Photo

Lisa Schmid

Author

Lisa is the author of OLLIE OXLEY AND THE GHOST and HART & SOULS.

When not scaring up ghostly adventures, she visits schools and libraries to discuss writing and books. She lives in Northern California with her husband, son, two dogs, and one very sneaky hamster.

Reviews

Funny, Entertaining & Accurate

"I love listening to Lisa & Beth! Not only do they have great guests but they tackle real issues in the publishing industry and really look to help querying authors. Keep going ladies!"

Jocelyn Watkinson | Jan. 15, 2024

Like getting incredible children’s publishing advice from friends!

"Listening to Beth and Lisa is like getting insight into the children’s publishing industry from good friends. As seasoned authors who are still submitting and selling their work, their perspective br…"

Jill Terlep | Feb. 18, 2024

Such generous and knowledgeable hosts

"Two highly successful authors of both adult and children’s books share their deep knowledge of the industry from an idea to the sell. And they are in your corner each step of the way. If you are thin…"

Country Girl | Feb. 27, 2024

Love these ladies!

"I stumbled upon Writers With Wrinkles purely by accident, and I’m so glad I did. As a writer I love listening to them chat and laugh about this crazy career, and the author interviews are fantastic.…"

lvanweel | March 22, 2024

Top notch podcast on all things Kidlit

"Beth and Lisa are the real deal - and genuine in every way. In the know on craft, on top of trends, interviews and more, both writers share their insights, inform and engage listeners who leave feeli…"

Deb S. | Sept. 25, 2024