Episodes

In the latest episode of Writers With Wrinkles, join hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they talk with Kaitlyn Sanchez, a figure who has rapidly become a beacon in the world of children's literature. Kaitlyn, a literary agent at Bradford Literary, shares her unique story that transitions from a passion for mathematics to a growing influence in children's book publishing. Listeners will be treated to an in-depth conversation that delves into the competitive landscape of picture book publishi...

How to write an effective synopsis for your novel.

In this episode, Beth and Lisa welcome Ben Fox, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Shepherd.com, an innovative platform aiming to revolutionize online book discoverability. As avid readers and critics of Goodreads, the hosts delve into Shepherd.com's unique approach to connecting readers with books through curated lists and positive recommendations. Key Topics Discussed: 1. Introduction to Shepherd.com: Ben explains how Shepherd.com introduces curiosity and serendipity into the onlin...

In Season 3, Episode 3, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, the co-hosts of Writers with Wrinkles, continue their Big Picture series. They delve into the process of writing and trying to sell a picture book, sharing their journey in real-time with listeners. The episode covers a variety of topics, including the challenges of the book publishing process, the importance of organization in querying, and practical advice on pitch preparation and manuscript submission. Key Highlights: 1. Revise. Revise....

Season 3 launches with Kathleen Schmidt, an accomplished vet in the book publishing world. This episode, rich with insights from Kathleen's extensive background as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter, is a must-listen for authors navigating the complexities of publishing. Our discussion, full of practical advice and industry secrets, is perfect for those searching for content on authorship, publishing success, and marketing strategies. Key Discussions: Kathleen ...

Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of Young Adult (YA) publishing with literary agent and author, Eric Smith. In this must-listen for aspiring authors and YA enthusiasts, Eric sheds light on why horror is making a big comeback and what genres are currently dominating the YA scene. Whether you're grappling with how to make your manuscript stand out or seeking insights into the latest market trends, this episode is a treasure trove of advice. Dive into topics like crafting compelling YA r...

In this encore episode of "Writers with Wrinkles," hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk to Leslie Zampetti, a seasoned literary agent and founder of Open Book Literary. Leslie shares her unique perspectives on the publishing industry, emphasizing underrepresented voices and providing invaluable tips for aspiring authors. Dive into an discussion on querying, submission strategies, and the post-COVID publishing landscape. Key Takeaways: - Importance of professionalism and research in querying...

In our season finale, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid take a stroll down memory lane, sharing laughs, insights, and valuable lessons from the year 2023. Join us for a quick journey through our favorite episodes, guest highlights, and the wisdom we've gathered along the way. Perfect for aspiring authors, seasoned writers, and literary enthusiasts alike, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice. Mentioned in This Episode: - "Writing Spooky Middle Grade Fiction" episode -...

NYT Bestselling Author Jason June joins us to talk about an early career pivot that led to great success, how to successfully think about and write across different genres, and what he wishes he'd known when he started out. About Jason June Jason June is a best-selling author of young adult novels that celebrate queer love and lust and chaotically gay shenanigans. His works include Jay’s Gay Agenda, Riley Weaver Needs a Date to the Gaybutante Ball, The Spells We Cast, and the instant New York T...

With episode 57, we kick off "The Big Picture," a new segment where we walk you through the process of preparing and submitting a picture book for publication. Today we talk about receiving, digesting, and implementing feedback. Our special highlight is an exclusive insight into the valuable critiques provided by Lynn Marie, the founder of "Rate Your Story." Her expert feedback is instrumental in refining our picture book project, offering a unique perspective on the manuscript's development. ...

Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of children's literature with Heather Macht and Lynne Marie, the creative minds behind the hit platform, 'Seasons of Kidlit'. Discover how their shared passion for festive holidays, especially the allure of Halloween, transformed into a thriving platform promoting children's books. This episode offers a deep dive into their collaborative journey, highlighting key strategies in author marketing and community building. Learn how they've made a mark in ...

Can you use AI to augment and amplify your creative endeavors? Can you use it to do stuff you don’t want to? Yes!! Tune in to hear about an experiment in creating a mini-marketing effort around holiday sales of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls trilogy using AI to create content and produce a list of independent bookstores. (to go deeper, visit the You CAN Write a Book! Substack) Also, GoodReads sucks and you’ll want to know why. :) Join us for episode 55! Support the showTwitter: @BethandL...

Erika Lewis has written novels, comics and graphic novels. She has deep experience collaborating with other creators. What we talked about: how her childhood riding dirt bikes and roller skates shape the adventurous world of Kelcie Murphy how her books like "Game of Shadows" and "The Color of Dragons" compare to the Kelcie Murphy series the nuts and bolts of collaboration with outer authors and how she makes sure it works! the challenges of working across multiple mediums and what keeps her ...

Welcome to another Top Five Deep Dive episode! Today, we dive deep into creating a strong opening for your novel. Key takeaways: Start with Action or Intrigue Introduce a Relatable Character Pose Questions or Create Conflict Use Vivid Description and Sensory Detail Craft an Engaging First Line (listen for our examples) Listen for all the important details! Whether you're just starting your writing journey or are a seasoned author, there's something here for everyone. Remember to subscri...

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book with a friend or an author you admire? How do you make it work? What are the most important elements of the relationship? Today we peek inside a successful collaborative writing partnership of acclaimed authors E.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller. We'll take you through their extraordinary partnership, from their initial meeting, to their joint ventures, including the Lupe Lopez series and A Girl Can Build Anything books. Pat and E.E. share thei...

Ready to unlock the full potential of Substack? We're here to answer WHAT, WHY and HOW of this platform, where independent publishing meets community building. Discover the features offered, including content creation and promotion, subscription models, monetization, and more. We're going to help you answer a critical question – is Substack the right fit for you? Remember, there's no wrong answer here, only exciting opportunities! Next, we get into the HOW of building and promoting a successfu...

Ever wondered how an idea evolves into a complete picture book? Tune into our conversation with the New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman as she pulls back the curtain on the magical world of picture book writing. Ame shares her process and offers priceless tips on story development, the art of collaboration and the importance of knowing the marketplace. Ame also underscores the vital role of genuine emotions in picture books for them to resonate with young readers. If you're a seasone...

Welcome to another Top Five Deep Dive episode! (who doesn't love a top five list?!?!) Today, we delve deep into the captivating world of writing voice. Key takeaways will help you refine your writing voice and elevate your storytelling to new heights. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or are a seasoned author, there's something here for everyone. Remember to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest episodes. Be sure to co...

Join us on a captivating adventure with renowned author Elizabeth Eulberg, whose latest middle grade book Scared Silly #2: Zombie Wedding Crashers, is out NOW! Elizabeth generously shares her journey, from securing her Global Talent Visa, to the deep inspiration she draws from the city in her work. We do a deep dive into what makes a series work and how to handle reviews. Whether it's a glowing editorial review or a dreaded one-star rating on Goodreads, Eulberg preaches balance - cherishing h...

Do the words 'book marketing' make you cry? Yeah, we get that. On today's episode, we start to navigate that terrifying world, but we're doing it together and it's going to be fun! Once a month, we'll go deep into a marketing topic and figure out the ways you can implement it into your overall strategy without becoming overwhelmed and paralyzed. Join us for the premier of Marketing Monday! Support the showTwitter: @BethandLisaPod Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles Blues...

Prepare to be enchanted as we chat with Eric Geron, a masterful storyteller and New York Times bestselling author. In this candid conversation, Eric takes you on his journey of becoming an author, while shedding light on the often mysterious process of creating a graphic novel. Even if you're not an illustrator, Eric's insights on the genre and crafting his debut graphic novel, Fry Guys, will inspire you to pen your own visual story - mad drawing skills or not! Join us for this memorable chat a...

Want to hear the secret sauce for writing compelling dialogue? We've got the recipe! This episode is your golden ticket to mastering the art of authentic and engaging dialogue that rings true for your characters. We delve into how written dialogue differs from everyday conversation, and how to ensure that each line uttered by your characters enhances your narrative. We talk about regional language, slang and dialects and how to use them best, as well as how eavesdropping might be good after all...

Are you wondering how to navigate the tricky waters of querying agents with your fabulous new manuscript? Imagine the insight you could gain from picking the brain of a senior agent from a top literary agency. That's exactly what we've done in this episode. Jennifer March-Soloway from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, answers questions like: when is your manuscript ready for querying? Do you run the risk of querying too early? What is the best way to start your story to be sure the agent will tu...

Books on Botox is back! This week we take a look at Yours Truly, a contemporary romance by Abby Jimenez as an example of how to succeed with dual Points Of View. And why Jake Burt's novel The Tornado is a dazzling example of how to write authentically about bullying in middle school. Don't miss it! Support the showTwitter: @BethandLisaPod Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles Bluesky: @bethandlisapod.bsky.social Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber Email: B...