Wine, Spite & Shelf Wars? YES!

📝 Blog Post:

🎧 Title: “Wine, Spite & Shelf Wars: A Writer’s Origin Story”

Episode Summary:
In this lively "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share their writing origin stories, touching on personal burnout, bookstore antics, and the surprising emotional spark behind their careers. Through laughter, wine, and raw honesty, they remind fellow writers why reconnecting with your “why” matters—especially in tough times.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Facing the Darkness with Humor
Beth and Lisa open the episode by acknowledging the heavy emotional toll many writers are feeling lately. They offer a candid, relatable look into how stress and uncertainty are impacting the writing process—and why it’s important to talk about it openly.

2. Barnes & Noble Missions & Author Shenanigans
Lisa hilariously describes her covert mission to rearrange bookstore shelves, showcasing her book Learned Souls. Her stealth operation—moving books from unreachable top shelves to eye-level—is met with Beth’s equally sneaky tactics and mutual laughter over bookstore “shelf wars.”

3. Wine Wisdom & the Great Chardonnay Chase
In an episode highlight, Lisa recounts discovering Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Light Chardonnay (just 80 calories per glass!), ordering a case, and waiting for delivery like a golden retriever. Her unboxing joy rivals those viral book reveals—but with wine instead of words.

4. Origin Stories with Unexpected Twists
Lisa reveals her shift from running a successful nonprofit to writing children’s books—sparked by emotional burnout and a desire to keep making a difference. Beth’s journey is fueled by creative spite after a peer’s book deal lit a fire under her. The message? No matter how unconventional your path, your origin story holds power.

5. Why Origin Stories Matter Now
In a world that feels uncertain, Lisa and Beth encourage writers to reflect on their personal origin stories—the moment they first felt called to write. Revisiting those early sparks can reignite creativity, purpose, and motivation in difficult times.

6. A Safe Space for Writers
They invite listeners to join The Waiting Room: Therapy for Writers, their private Facebook group designed as a judgment-free zone for sharing, venting, and supporting one another. From practical tips to existential rants, the community is a resource for all writers, from picture books to adult fiction.

Conclusion & Takeaways:
This episode is a reminder that even when the world feels heavy, your voice as a writer matters. Beth and Lisa’s stories—funny, vulnerable, and empowering—reveal the unpredictable paths that lead to creative purpose. Whether your writing was born of burnout, competition, heartbreak, or hope, now is the time to tap back into that energy. Writing is hard, publishing is harder, but you’re not alone—and your origin story is your secret weapon.

🔗 Mentioned Links:

• Join the community: The Waiting Room: Therapy for Writers

• More podcast episodes and resources: writerswithwrinkles.net

• Try Lisa’s new obsession: Chateau Ste. Michelle Light Chardonnay