Feels Weird? It Probably IS

Season 3

Nov. 11, 2024

You're an 'Orphaned' Author. Now What?

In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle the harsh realities of getting "orphaned" in publishing and offer practical tips for authors to navigate setbacks when their editors leave mid-project. They discuss proactive steps authors can take to protect their work,…

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Nov. 4, 2024

Empowering Young Readers: A Conversation with Literacy Advocate E-Tra…

n this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa chat with teenage literacy advocate and podcast host, E-Train, who founded E-Train Talks Inc. to combat "book deserts" and promote literacy among underrepresented communities. E-Train discusses his journey into reading advocacy, the books that …

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Oct. 28, 2024

Query like a Pro: Agent Amy Nielsen Tells Us How

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles , Beth and Lisa chat with Amy Nielsen, a literary agent at Purcell Agency and a published author, about her experiences with both. Amy shares invaluable...

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Oct. 14, 2024

Beta Readers, Book Comps and Barley's Cupcake Crisis

In episode 37 of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer listener questions about writing, with a focus on the differences between beta readers and critique partners, how to find critique partners, and advice on book comps for queries. Lisa also offers a PSA on dogs eat…

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Sept. 20, 2024

What is going ON in the Middle Grade Market??

n this episode, Beth and Lisa take a look at the challenges facing middle-grade publishing, from declining sales to changes in bookstore stocking strategies, that seem to be all anyone can talk about! They share insights on how aspiring authors can adapt to the shifting landscape and stand out in a…

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Sept. 16, 2024

Ask Beth & Lisa: How to Juggle Multiple Writing Projects...Or Not?

Send us a text In this listener Q&A episode of Writers with Wrinkles , co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer a question about juggling multiple writing projects and staying focused. They share personal approaches to m...

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July 22, 2024

Marketing Magic: Authentic Strategies for Children's Book Success wit…

Send us a Text Message. (PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Alonzo's own.) In this episode, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmidt interview Alonzo Fuller, a marketing specialist for children...

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July 8, 2024

Behind the Book: Insider Tips from Editor Hannah Kimber on Crafting S…

Send us a Text Message. Episode Summary: Hannah Kimber, associate editor at Andrews McMeel Publishing, shares insights on making book submissions stand out and the detailed acquisitions process. She emphasizes the importance ...

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July 1, 2024

ENCORE EPISODE: Library Joy and Inclusivity: Mychal Threets on the Tr…

Send us a Text Message. Mychal Threets is a librarian currently collaborating with PBS Kids. He's known for his viral videos highlighting library joy. At the time of this recording he was the Supervising Librarian for Solano ...

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June 24, 2024

ENCORE EPISODE: Queen of the Beach Read, Author Hannah McKinnon

Send us a Text Message. Hannah McKinnon is an award-winning author of eight women's fiction and beach read novels with Simon & Schuster. Her notable titles include The Summer Club , (July 23rd), Message in the Sand , The View...

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June 17, 2024

ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with …

Send us a Text Message. ENCORE EDITION! (One of our favs from season 2!) Erinn Pascal is the Senior Editor for Kids Books and Licensing at Andrews McMeel Universal. She has previously held editorial positions at Scholastic, D...

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June 10, 2024

ENCORE: Insider Insights with Editor Sarah Schonfeld

Send us a Text Message. ENCORE EDITION! (PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Sara's own.) In the latest episode of Writers with Wrinkles, we're thrilled to host Sara Schonfeld , an editor at H...

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June 3, 2024

The 31 Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge is NOW!

Send us a Text Message. Key Discussion Points: 1. Summer Slump in Writing: Beth and Lisa discuss how summer activities can lead to a writing slump and share personal experiences and tips for overcoming it. 2. Character Develo...

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May 6, 2024

The 31-Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge! (We swear it will be…

Hosts : Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid Theme : The 31-Day Platform Challenge For : Aspiring authors looking for practical advice on building and enhancing their author platform. Key Discussion Points : Overview of the 31-Day C...

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April 29, 2024

Perseverance and Possibilities with author Bitsy Kemper

In this episode, we interview Bitsy Kemper, a prolific author of children's books and a passionate advocate for authors navigating the publishing industry. The theme of this episode revolves around the resilience required in ...

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April 22, 2024

Respect Your Secondary Characters! Here's why and how.

Hosts: - Beth McMullen - Lisa Schmid Theme: The importance of secondary characters in storytelling. Key Discussion Points: - Secondary characters add depth, complexity, and enrich the narrative. - They contribute to the world...

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April 8, 2024

The Write Mindset: Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb!

Coping with imposter syndrome as a writer. Key Discussion Points: - We delve into the concept of imposter syndrome, defined as doubting one's abilities and feeling like a fraud despite success. - Discussion of the commonality...

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April 1, 2024

Words Matter. Just ask picture book author Lisa Riddiough

Hosts: Beth McMullen Lisa Schmid Themes: Exploring the nuances of writing rhyming picture books with guest Lisa Riddiough , a Northern California based writer and author of the newly released picture book, Pie-rats . Key Disc...

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March 25, 2024

The 17-minute pep talk you NEED right now!

Season 3, Episode 13 - Embracing Rejection and Failure in Your Writing Journey Hosts: Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid Episode Theme: Navigating Failure and Rejection in Writing Key Discussion Points: 1. Personal Experience with...

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March 18, 2024

Editing Unveiled: Sara Schonfeld Tells You What You NEED To Know

(PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Sara's own.) In the latest episode of Writers with Wrinkles, we're thrilled to host Sara Schonfeld , an editor at HarperCollins, specializing in middle gra...

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March 11, 2024

The Secret Weapon of Bestsellers: Level Up Your Pacing

What is Pacing? More about rhythm than speed Reader engagement is key - avoid sections that feel like a slog Different genres have different pacing expectations (e.g., thrillers vs. literary fiction) Crafting Pacing Sentence ...

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March 4, 2024

Mastering Happily Ever After: The Art of Writing Romance with Patienc…

Writers With Wrinkles: Patience Bloom on Romance Writing Patience Bloom , a freelance book editor with 26 years of experience in romance publishing, joins Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid on the podcast Writers With Wrinkles. Ke...

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Feb. 19, 2024

Level Up with Author and Video Game Creator Andrew Auseon

Join Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they welcome Andrew Auseon, a talented author and video game writer. Dive into Andrew's journey across the realms of video games and kids books, exploring the creative synergy between t...

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Feb. 11, 2024

Navigating the Picture Book Publishing Maze: Tips, Resources, and Enc…

This week we dived deep into the picture book publishing process. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey, stuck in the middle, or just looking for that extra nudge, we've covered everything you need to know to naviga...

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