Send us a text Want to watch the video? Click here. Episode Summary In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa dive into first-page critiques, offering real-time feedback on listener-submitted rom-com and middle grade openings. Aspiring authors will gain insight into what makes a first page hook an editor—and what doesn’t. Guest Bio No guest this week—just your favorite co-hosts offering expert feedback, writerly wisdom, and a behind-the-scenes look at their...

Send us a text In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent Leslie Zampetti for an honest and insightful conversation about what makes a successful author-agent relationship. From red flags to communication tips, aspiring authors will gain clarity on how to choose the right agent and navigate the business side of publishing. Guest Bio Leslie Zampetti is a literary agent with Open Book Literary, representing fiction and select nonfiction for children and adult...

Send us a text In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share updates on their current writing projects and dive into hot publishing topics: copyright oversight, AI-related lawsuits, and the rules of using brand names in fiction. They also unveil details for their new First Page Feedback segment and tease an upcoming Writers With Wrinkles retreat. Guest Bio No guest this week—just cohosts and authors Beth McMullen (Mrs. Smith’s Spy School fo...

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...

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 Wrinkles retreat. Guest Bio No guest this week—this is an Ask Beth & Lisa episode featuring co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid. Key Discussion Points Taylor Swift’s Engagement: Beth and Lisa disc...

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 Midlife from the ground up while navigating the challenges of co-authoring and marketing. Guest Bios: Barb Hopkins – A former marketing director and freelance writer turned hybrid author, Barb writes...

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 Bio: Beth McMullen is the author of multiple middle grade novels and a seasoned book coach who works primarily with middle grade writers. Drawing from her own experience in traditional publishi...

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, querying, agent relationships, and staying resilient in a tough industry. Guest Bio: Joyce Sweeney is the Director of KidLit at The Seymour Agency, where they’ve worked as a literary agent for fi...

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 and emotional insight for writers crafting page-turning stories for kids. 👩‍💼 Guest Bio: Beth McMullen is the author of ten traditionally published novels, including the Mrs. Smith's Spy School for ...

Send us a text In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts dive into the complex topic of using artificial intelligence as a writing tool. They share personal anecdotes, practical strategies, and ethical considerations for writers navigating AI in the creative process. Key Discussion Points: Recent Highlights: Beth and Lisa reference two previous episodes with editor Joel Brigham and encourage listeners to grab the accompanying cheat sheets at writerswithwrinkles.net by signing up for the ...

Send us a text In this information-packed episode, editor Joel Brigham returns to dive deep into the art of revision, breaking down the essential steps writers must take to polish their manuscripts. From identifying critical story beats to understanding character agency and narrative pacing, Joel offers a masterclass in transforming a draft into a submission-ready novel. Guest Bio: Joel Brigham is a professional editor, former NBA journalist, and passionate advocate for emerging authors. Wit...

Send us a text Beth and Lisa are joined by editor and author Joel Brigham to discuss the messy, magical process of drafting. Joel shares practical advice to help writers overcome perfectionism and keep their momentum through the challenging early stages of a manuscript. Guest Bio: Joel Brigham is a seasoned developmental editor and founder of Brigham Editorial. With over 21 years of experience as an English teacher, Joel also mentors authors through RevPit, an online writing community focuse...

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this engaging Ask B&L episode, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle two of the most commonly asked questions from aspiring authors: what is voice in writing and how do you navigate the editorial process? With personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a whole lot of writerly camaraderie, Beth and Lisa break down complex concepts with clarity and humor. Key Discussion Points: Catching Up: Beth shares travel stories from Copenhagen and Amsterdam, including...

Send us a text In this encore edition, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisition process, and the evolving trends in middle-grade publishing. Guest Bio Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in children's licenses and intellectual property. His work includes novelty books, board books, graph...

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode, Beth and Lisa welcome bestselling author and illustrator Brian Selznick to discuss his latest YA novel Run Away With Me. Brian shares how personal history, queer identity, and the haunting beauty of an empty Rome during the pandemic shaped this deeply moving love story. Guest Bio: Brian Selznick is the Caldecott Medal-winning author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which became Martin Scorsese's Oscar-winning film Hugo. His innovati...

Send us a text Beth and Lisa sit down with Carey Blankenship-Kramer, literary agent and author of Ghost Scout's Honor, to talk all things publishing—from crafting irresistible query letters to the harsh realities of publishing economics. Carey shares heartfelt insights on the future of middle grade, the evolving horror genre, and what truly makes her heart sing when reading submissions. Guest Bio: Carey Blankenship-Kramer is a literary agent and author whose debut novel Ghost Scout's Honor (...

Send us a text 🎙️ Episode Summary: In this special "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid explore the emotional challenges of the current creative climate and share their personal writing origin stories to inspire struggling writers. With humor, heart, and a dash of wine, they offer a candid look at what first ignited their passion to write and how to reconnect with that spark during tough times. 🔑 Key Discussion Points: Mental health in writing...

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this candid "Ask B&L" episode, Beth and Lisa answer a listener question about agent transparency, diving into the red flags of a rocky publishing relationship. They also unpack book coaching, revising habits, and finding sanity as a writer in uncertain times. Guest Bio: No guest this episode – just your favorite duo, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, authors and co-hosts of Writers With Wrinkles. Key Discussion Points: The value of disconnecting: Beth sha...

Send us a text PLEASE NOTE: this episode was orignally meant to drop on March 31st but we moved it up so listeners can take advantage of The Little Press's upcoming pitch party. Listen to the full episode for details. Episode Summary In this episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Michele McAvoy, award-winning children’s book author, publisher, and founder of The Little Press. Michele shares her journey from self-published author to small press publisher, offering insight into the publishing industr...

Send us a text In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Meg Gaertner, managing editor of fiction at North Star Editions. Meg shares insights into middle grade and young adult publishing, the acquisitions process, and trends shaping the industry. Guest Bio Meg Gaertner is the managing editor of fiction at North Star Editions, acquiring titles for the Jolly Fish Press and Flux imprints. She is passionate about publishing books that expand perspectives, i...