Writers With Wrinkles
Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid
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.
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Top 10 Writers With Wrinkles Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Writers With Wrinkles episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Writers With Wrinkles for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Writers With Wrinkles episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Platform building, book covers, author freak outs and school visits: an interview with Lindsay Currie
Writers With Wrinkles
08/07/23 • 43 min
Are book covers important for an author? How about platform building? Are school visits a viable author side hustle? How do you make that a success?
On Episode 40, we dig into these questions, and so many more, with award winning author Lindsay Currie. Don't miss it!
Visit Lindsay (and see the cover for It Found Us!) at www.lindsaycurrie.com
Pre-order a signed copy of Lindsay's forthcoming book - It Found Us.
About Lindsay Currie
Lindsay is the award winning author of 4 spooky middle grade novels including THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET, SCRITCH SCRATCH, WHAT LIVES IN THE WOODS and THE GIRL IN WHITE. While she's never experienced anything truly paranormal, Lindsay enjoys researching her city's forgotten history and learning about the events that shaped the many ghost legends in Chicago.
When she's not reading or writing a mystery novel of her own, Lindsay can be found taking long walks with her family, chilling with her dog, or searching the graveyard for her next antagonist.
Visit Lindsay at Lindsaycurrie.com
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Break All the Rules! Insights from Acclaimed Author Erika Lewis
Writers With Wrinkles
11/13/23 • 39 min
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 hooked
- how to break the rules for success!
About Erika
Erika Lewis grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, where she spent most of her childhood speeding through the neighborhood on her dirt bike, roller skates or anything they could build with wheels. After graduating from Vanderbilt University, she went on to earn a master’s degree from Georgia State University and an advanced certificate in creative writing from Stony Brook University. In addition to the Kelcie Murphy series she is the author of Game of Shadows, The Color of Dragons, Firebrand, and more. Her latest release, Kelcie Murphy and the Hunt for the Heart of Danu came out in July, and the final book in the series will be released in 2024.
Find Erika
website: https://www.erikalewis.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikaelylewis/
tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@erikalewisauthor?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheErikaLewis
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Breaking Out of the Writing Rut: Micro Goals, Fresh Eyes & Creative Hacks
Writers With Wrinkles
02/17/25 • 27 min
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 motivation and improve writing.
Key Discussion Points
- Recognizing a Writing Rut: How to identify when you’re stuck in autopilot and losing creative energy.
- Micro Goals for Progress: Beth shares her strategy of setting small, achievable goals like 500-word daily targets to push through blocks.
- Shaking Up Routine: The benefits of changing writing environments, traveling, or even dictating chapters while walking to boost creativity.
- The Power of Beta Readers & New Critique Partners: Lisa explains how fresh eyes on her manuscript helped her identify repetitive writing habits and refine her storytelling.
- Finding the Right Critique Group: The importance of choosing partners whose work aligns with your writing style and elevates your craft.
- Using The Waiting Room for Writers: How their private Facebook group helps authors connect, find critique partners, and navigate publishing challenges.
Conclusion
Breaking out of a writing rut requires intentional shifts—whether through setting small goals, changing routines, or seeking new perspectives. The key is to stay engaged, experiment with different methods, and remember that creative slumps are temporary.
Mentioned Links
- Join The Waiting Room (Private Facebook Group for Writers)
- Writers With Wrinkles Website: writerswithwrinkles.net
Beth & Lisa return on March 3rd with guest Meg Gaertner, Managing Editor at Flux and Jollyfish Press, to discuss editorial insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share the podcast!
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Writers With Wrinkles chats with middle grade authors Lisa and Matt McMann
Writers With Wrinkles
05/15/23 • 45 min
Join us as we talk to middle grade writers Lisa and Matt McMann! Matt talks about the driving idea behind his new middle grade mystery series Monsterious, how he plotted multiple stories creating a unique pitch for publishers and how is debut year has gone. Lisa offers some practical marketing advice that you won't want to miss.
About Matt
As a professional musician, Matt McMann played an NFL stadium, a cruise ship, and the International Twins Convention. Now he writes the kind of spooky mystery-adventure books he loved as a kid. He’s hiked the Pacific Northwest, cruised Loch Ness, and chased a ghost on a mountain. While he missed Bigfoot and Nessie, he caught the ghost. He enjoys brainstorming new books with his wife, New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann; viewing his son Kilian McMann’s artwork; and watching his daughter, actor Kennedy McMann, on television. Visit him online at mattmcmann.com, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @matt_mcmann. Matt’s newest series Monsterious hit shelves on May 9th and is available everywhere you buy books.
About Lisa
New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann splits her time between Tempe, AZ, Sacramento, CA, and Vancouver, BC. She is married to fellow children's author, Matt McMann.
In her spare time, Lisa likes to take walks along Tempe Town Lake and on the Arizona State University campus, shop at local stores, and cook. She also enjoys watching TV and movies, and loves to read fantasy, realistic fiction, memoirs, and books about cooking.
Lisa is the author of over two dozen books for young adults and children. Some of her most well-known books are The Unwanteds series for middle grade readers and the Wake trilogy for young adults. She hopes to keep writing books for a long time.
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The Big Picture Part 3—Navigating the Picture Book Publishing Maze: Tips, Resources & Encouragement
Writers With Wrinkles
02/11/24 • 29 min
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 navigate this challenging yet rewarding path.
Our Picture Book Journey: We share the latest on Cat's Rule and the unagented submission process. Despite the silence from publishers, we're just at the beginning!
Dealing with Submissions: We talked about the frustration of unresponsive publishers. Yet, there's hope in platforms like Entangled Publishing's Little Lark, which allows authors to track their submission's progress. It's a game-changer in maintaining sanity during the waiting game.
Joining SCBWI: If you haven't already, joining the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is a must. It's been a beacon of support, resources, and community for both of us. From critique partners to craft agents, SCBWI offers everything you need to grow in the kid lit world.
Craft Development Resources: We also highlighted invaluable resources for honing your craft, such as the Highlights Foundation, the Writing Barn, and the Children's Book Academy. These platforms offer workshops, classes, and webinars that are accessible virtually, making them perfect for any schedule and budget.
Feedback is Gold: Embrace feedback on your work. It's the cornerstone of growth. Sharing your work, even when it's scary, opens the door to invaluable insights that can transform your writing.
Contests and Pitch Parties: Don't overlook contests and Twitter pitch parties like #PBPitch. They're fantastic opportunities to gain visibility, feedback, and even catch the eye of agents and publishers. Plus, winning or being shortlisted in contests can be a significant boost to your author bio.
Querying Resources: When you're ready to query, resources like Sylvia Liu's Advanced Tips for Querying Agents and the monster list of picture book agents by Heather Ayris Burnell are indispensable.
Final Thoughts: Putting yourself out there is essential. Whether it's joining SCBWI, submitting to contests, or querying agents, each step you take brings you closer to your dream of publishing a picture book.
Remember, we're in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way. So, dive into the resources we've shared, embrace the journey, and keep writing. Your story deserves to be told, and the world is waiting to hear it.
Blog version
Video summary
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Middle Grade Magic! Co Host Lisa Schmid Goes Deep with new novel Hart & Souls
Writers With Wrinkles
05/20/24 • 35 min
This episode features co-host Lisa Schmid discussing her upcoming middle-grade novel "Hart & Souls." The focus is on the challenges of writing a second novel, known as the sophomore slump, and the unique pressures and expectations that come with it.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Introduction to "Hart & Souls"
- Lisa introduces her novel about Stix Hart, a sixth-grader dealing with anxiety from past bullying. He meets three ghosts with unresolved issues and helps them move on.
2. The Sophomore Slump
- Beth and Lisa discuss the difficulties of writing a second novel and the pressures that come with following up a debut success.
3. Inspiration Behind the Story
- Lisa shares a personal story about her son’s middle school experience and how an encounter with a troubled bully inspired "Hart & Souls."
4. Middle-Grade Writing
- The importance of making books accessible, fun, and educational without being preachy. Lisa balances serious issues with an engaging narrative.
5. Lessons from the First Novel
- Lisa reflects on the lessons learned from her debut, "Olly Oxley and the Ghost," and how they influenced her approach to her second novel.
6. Real-Life Issues in Fiction
- Addressing topics like bullying, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, parental abuse, and racism in middle-grade fiction. Lisa highlights the importance of reflecting real-life struggles in a relatable way.
7. Writing Process and Craft
- The challenges of creating multiple story arcs and weaving them together. Lisa emphasizes the importance of reading across genres to improve writing craft.
8. Advice for Aspiring Authors
- Tips for those starting their second novel, including changing the point of view to ensure distinct characters and stories.
This episode provides a deep dive into the creative process behind "Hart & Souls," highlighting the challenges and triumphs of writing a second novel. Lisa Schmid's insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors and middle-grade enthusiasts.
Listeners are encouraged to pre-order 'Hart & Souls' and attend Lisa's book launch on July 27th at Ruby's Books in Folsom, where she will be in conversation with Beth McMullen. Additionally, Lisa will be at the ALA conference in San Diego on June 29th and 30th, signing books and participating in a panel discussion.
Links Mentioned:
- Pre Order Hart & Souls
- Ruby's Books
- ALA Conference
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ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with editor Erinn Pascal
Writers With Wrinkles
06/17/24 • 33 min
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, Disney, and Simon & Schuster. Erinn grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and holds a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College. When she's not editing, Erinn enjoys veganizing family recipes, taking her mini Bernedoodle, Obi, to the dog park, practicing Pilates, and shopping at local farmer's markets. She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Key Discussion Points
1. Making Submissions Stand Out: Erinn emphasizes the importance of thorough research into the recipient of a submission, knowing their preferences, and understanding their existing catalog. She highlights the necessity of clear communication regarding an author’s goals and vision for their book.
2. Trends in Publishing: Erinn discusses the current trends, including the popularity of manga, anime-inspired art, horror, and graphic novels. She also notes the value of niche markets and creative stories.
3. The Acquisition Process: Erinn outlines the detailed acquisition process at Andrews McMeel Universal, from initial submission reviews to final decisions, including the role of sales and marketing teams.
4. Author Platforms: The discussion touches on the importance of an author's platform, noting that while a large following can influence print runs, it is not the sole factor in acquisition decisions. The content of an author’s social media is also considered, especially for children's book authors.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Erinn expresses her interest in acquiring books that normalize different neurodivergences and religious minorities without making them the central theme of the story.
Conclusion
Erinn Pascal offers valuable insights into the publishing industry, from crafting standout submissions to navigating current trends and understanding the acquisition process. Her emphasis on meaningful partnerships between authors and editors, along with her commitment to diversity and inclusion, provides a comprehensive view of what it takes to succeed in today's publishing landscape.
Mentioned Links
- Visit Andrews McMeel Universal
- Follow Erinn Pascal on Twitter for updated manuscript wishlists
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The 31-Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge! (We swear it will be fun!)
Writers With Wrinkles
05/06/24 • 21 min
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 Challenge: Aimed at building author platforms through daily, manageable tasks starting June 1st. Hosted in partnership with Bitsy Kemper. Details can be found on their blog at Writers with Wrinkles.
- Importance of Author Platforms: Both hosts emphasized the necessity of having a platform as a modern author, whether you're self-published or traditionally published. Platforms provide visibility and connectivity with potential readers.
- Practical Tasks: The challenge includes varied tasks such as defining your brand, considering starting a blog or newsletter, and possibly updating or creating a website. Examples like setting up a basic site on Wix were discussed to demystify technology for users.
- Engagement Tips: Tips on social media engagement strategies were shared, such as choosing platforms that align with your target audience, content consistency, and the use of polls and follower engagement to increase interaction.
- Getting Ready: Preparation for the challenge involves thinking critically about one's brand and the specific audience they intend to reach. Defining these elements early can significantly enhance platform effectiveness.
Conclusion:
The episode wraps up with encouragement to participate in the upcoming 31-Day Platform Challenge. It stresses the importance of having a clear strategy for online presence. Visit the Writers With Wrinkles Blog for more details or the Writers With Wrinkles Linktree
Challenge hashtag: #wwwplatformchallenge
Sample Challenge Calendar
Challenge Prep - what to think about before you start!
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The Big Picture, part 2: where we edit and submit a picture book for publication
Writers With Wrinkles
01/15/24 • 31 min
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. Revise: Lisa shares what work they’ve done to get the manuscript to where it’s as good as they can make it.
2. Querying Experience: Lisa shares her experiences with querying, emphasizing the need for organization and how untracked submissions can lead to awkward situations.
3. Emotional Aspects of Publishing: Beth talks about the emotional side of waiting for feedback and the strategy of distancing oneself from the process.
4. The Pitch for Cat's Rule: The hosts reveal the summary of their picture book, Cat's Rule, focusing on themes of friendship, acceptance, humor, and its appeal to both children and parents.
5. Crafting a Pitch Email: Beth outlines the structure of a pitch email, including author backgrounds, market positioning, and adherence to submission guidelines.
6. Research and Preparation: The episode stresses the importance of researching publishers, choosing appropriate comps (comparative titles), and understanding the market. Bitsy Kemper’s wonderful publishers list is discussed.
7. Role of Illustrations in Picture Books: Lisa and Beth discuss how illustrations complement the text in picture books and the balance between text and art notes, and provide a trick for how to see the balance.
8. Advice on Pitching and Querying: The co-hosts provide practical tips on preparing pitches and understanding the nuances of the query process.
9. Collaboration and Motivation: The episode concludes with a lighthearted discussion about their collaborative dynamics and upcoming projects, including a website launch.
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Writers With Wrinkles ep. 26 - Erinn Pascal, senior editor Andrews McMeel Universal
Writers With Wrinkles
05/01/23 • 33 min
Erinn Pascal joins us to talk about how authors can make a submission stand out, the acquisition process, the importance (or not) of an author platform and what's currently on her manuscript wishlist. Oh, and we get into dogs and cats, too.
Don't miss it!
About Erinn Pascal
Erinn is the senior editor for kids’ books and licensing at Andrews McMeel Universal. Prior to AMU, she held editorial positions at Scholastic, Disney, and Simon & Schuster. Erinn grew up in Pembroke Pines, FL and graduated with a BFA in Writing, Literature & Publishing from Emerson College in Boston, MA. When not editing, Erinn can be found “vegan”-izing family Colombian and Jewish recipes; taking her mini Bernedoodle, Obi, to the dog park; doing Pilates; or browsing the local farmer’s market for fresh veggies. She currently lives in Los Angeles and welcomes any suggestions for laser tag in Southern California, but fair warning: she is competitive.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Writers With Wrinkles have?
Writers With Wrinkles currently has 119 episodes available.
What topics does Writers With Wrinkles cover?
The podcast is about Fiction, Publishing, Art, Writing, Writers, Author, Podcasts, Books, Arts, Authors and Interviews.
What is the most popular episode on Writers With Wrinkles?
The episode title 'BONUS: Critique Groups 101' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Writers With Wrinkles?
The average episode length on Writers With Wrinkles is 31 minutes.
How often are episodes of Writers With Wrinkles released?
Episodes of Writers With Wrinkles are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Writers With Wrinkles?
The first episode of Writers With Wrinkles was released on Aug 12, 2022.
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