Writers With Wrinkles Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid

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-building, provide subplots, conflicts, and challenges.
- Effective secondary characters are distinct from main characters and have their own development arc.
- They can reflect, challenge, and highlight aspects of the protagonist, aiding in their growth.
- Secondary characters should impact the plot, offering information and altering the course of the narrative.
- Every character introduced must serve a purpose to the plot or character development.
- It’s important to avoid filler characters and “kill your darlings” if they don't contribute to the story.
- Distinctive traits or quirks should serve the story and make characters memorable.
- Complex relationships between main and secondary characters enrich the narrative and drive character growth.
- Secondary characters can embody themes or contribute symbolically to the story’s message.

Conclusion: 
Secondary characters are pivotal to storytelling success. They must be multi-dimensional, engaging, and crucial to the plot and theme. For aspiring and working writers, respecting the craft of creating secondary characters can lead to richer narratives and more compelling storytelling,  engaging readers who seek depth and authenticity in the stories they read. Listeners are encouraged to develop their secondary characters with care and intention.




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Hosts: Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid
Theme: Writer Resilience, Success
Key Discussion Points:
Matt Eicheldinger's Background:Transition from childhood interests to writing.Teaching career and its role in storytelling.Path to self-publishing and eventual traditional publishing success.Celebrating Recent Successes:Matt's book, "Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes," hits bestseller lists.Discussion on dealing with imposter syndrome and the overwhelming nature of success.The Realities of Publishing:The challenges of gaining visibility and the perseverance required in the face of rejection.The impact of social media presence and pre-sale records on publishing opportunities.Understanding the nature of book deals and the industry's unpredictability.Self-Publishing Insights:Matt's experiences and learnings from self-publishing, including Kickstarter funding and distribution struggles.The importance of pivoting strategies and learning from rejection to enhance one’s writing and querying process.Social Media Strategy:Matt’s approach to building an authentic social media presence without overtly promoting his books.The significance of being genuine, consistent, and engaging in storytelling on social media platforms.Lessons learned from viral content and maintaining a focus on genuine engagement over chasing trends.Conclusion:
The episode encapsulates the highs and lows of a writer's life, emphasizing hard work, resilience, and adaptability. Matt's journey from an unknown teacher and writer to a celebrated author exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the publishing world and the importance of staying true to one's craft and vision.

Find Matt here.

Support the Show.
Website: https://www.writerswithwrinkles.net/
Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles
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Twitter: @BethandLisaPod
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Email: Beth@BethMcMullenBooks.com
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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 of imposter syndrome among writers, with anecdotes of even well-known authors feeling it.
- The role of social media in amplifying feelings of inadequacy and strategies for writers to manage this influence.
- The importance of a supportive community and constructive critique partners in navigating the publishing industry.
- Recommendations for overcoming imposter syndrome, such as setting achievable goals, seeking therapy or book coaching, and maintaining a focus on writing for its own sake.

Conclusion: 
Imposter syndrome is pervasive among writers, but it can be managed with strategies that include focusing on small, achievable goals, fostering a supportive community, and understanding that social media is a curated presentation of success. Therapy or coaching may also be beneficial. We encourage listeners to find their own strategies to silence self-doubt and continue pursuing their passion for writing.



Support the Show.
Website: https://www.writerswithwrinkles.net/
Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles
Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles
Twitter: @BethandLisaPod
Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber
Email: Beth@BethMcMullenBooks.com
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

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 Discussion Points:
1. The Art of Rhyme in Picture Books: Discussion on the industry's view on rhyming picture books and the common misconceptions that surround them.
   
2. Natural Rhymers vs. Learned Technique: Insight into the natural ability of rhyming versus the learned skill, emphasizing that while anyone can learn to rhyme, an inherent sense of rhythm enhances the writing process.

3. Crafting Quality Rhymes: Riddiough highlights the importance of using interesting words that align with the story's theme and avoiding "bad" rhymes or forced cadences.

4. Perfect Rhyme vs. Slant Rhyme: Delineation between perfect and slant rhymes, illustrating how each serves the narrative differently and the importance of consistency in rhyme schemes throughout a book.

5. Reader Engagement through Rhyme: The educational aspect of rhyming for young readers, fostering confidence, and participation in the reading process.

6. Lisa Riddiough's Writing Process: An in-depth look into Riddiough's creative process, including the use of word banks, title generation, and the foundational elements of crafting a story.

7. Upcoming Works: A sneak peek into Riddiough's forthcoming books, Embarrassed Ferret and Furious Turtle, which are set in a school environment with rhyming adventures.

Conclusion:
Rhyming picture books hold a significant place in children's literature, captivating young readers with rhythm and sound. Lisa Riddiough's experiences illustrate the dedication and creativity required to master this art form.

For writers and readers alike, understanding the intricacies of rhyme can enrich the storytelling experience. Listeners are encouraged to visit the Writers with Wrinkles website for additional resources and upcoming episodes.

Support the Show.
Website: https://www.writerswithwrinkles.net/
Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles
Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles
Twitter: @BethandLisaPod
Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber
Email: Beth@BethMcMullenBooks.com
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

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 Rejection:
   - Shared a recent rejection of their Cat’s Rule picture book.
   - Importance of closure in rejections, even without feedback.
2. Interpreting Rejection:
   - Sometimes, rejections hide internal conflicts within publishing companies.
   - Creating narratives around rejections can be a coping mechanism.
3. Detaching Emotion from Rejection:
   - Lisa's approach: Rejection is not personal; it's part of the writer's journey.
   - The literary world's competitiveness requires resilience.
 4. Strategies for Handling Rejection:
   - Reframe Rejection: It's not a measure of your worth as a writer or person.
   - Feedback is Gold: Use any feedback from rejections to improve.
   - Query in Batches: Small batches of queries can help identify and fix issues faster.
   - Celebrate Small Wins: Finishing a manuscript is a significant achievement.
5. Learning from Rejection:
   - Every rejection is an opportunity to grow and refine your craft.
   - Success stories are often built on numerous rejections.
6. Building a Support Network:
   - Importance of having a community that understands and supports you.
   - Sharing rejections and victories helps build resilience.
7. Staying in the Game:
   - Writing is an endurance game; persistence is key.
   - The journey is as important as the destination.
Conclusion:
- Embrace rejection as a step towards growth.
- Keep writing, submitting, and believing in your journey.
Next Episode Teaser:
- Discussion with Lisa Riddiough on rhyming picture books.
 Call to Action:
- Support the show by subscribing, following, and recommending.

Support the Show.
Website: https://www.writerswithwrinkles.net/
Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles
Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles
Twitter: @BethandLisaPod
Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber
Email: Beth@BethMcMullenBooks.com
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!

(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 grade and YA literature.

Our discussion spans the joys and challenges of editing, insights into the acquisitions process, and invaluable advice for writers on submissions, social media presence, and the evolving landscape of genre blending in literature. Sara's passion for nurturing authors and her editorial expertise shine through, offering a treasure trove of wisdom for both aspiring and seasoned writers.

In This Episode:
1. Sara's Entry into Publishing: Discover Sara's intriguing start in the publishing industry through a serendipitous project with Dr. Seuss's The Grinch Mad Libs.
2. Editorial Philosophy: Gain insight into Sara's approach to editing, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the author's vision while keeping the reader in mind.
3. Juggling Editorial Projects: Understand the complexity and organization behind managing multiple books at various stages of publication.
4. The Submission Standouts: Learn what makes a manuscript shine in the crowded publishing landscape, including the significance of genre knowledge and the infusion of personal voice.
5. Behind the Acquisitions Veil: Get a rare peek into the acquisitions process, demystifying what happens behind the scenes and how decisions are made.
6. Editing Process Explained: Delve into the detailed and iterative process of editing, from big-picture feedback to line edits, and the collaborative nature of bringing a book to fruition.
7. Social Media for Writers: Hear Sara's thoughts on the role of social media in a writer's career and the importance of authenticity.
8. Genre Blending and Wishlist: Discover Sara's enthusiasm for genre-blended manuscripts, especially those that merge speculative elements with rom-com vibes.

Highlights:
- Advice for Aspiring Authors: Practical tips on standing out in submissions, including the critical role of competitive titles and authentic storytelling.
- Acquisitions Deep Dive: An insider's view on how books are selected for publication and the collective excitement that drives editorial meetings.
- The Future of Genres: Sara's anticipation for innovative genre blends and her call for submissions that push creative boundaries.

Website: https://www.saraschonfeldbooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraSchon

See you next week!



Support the Show.
Website: https://www.writerswithwrinkles.net/
Threads: @WritersWithWrinkles
Insta: @WritersWithWrinkles
Twitter: @BethandLisaPod
Support Writers With Wrinkles - become a subscriber
Email: Beth@BethMcMullenBooks.com
Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for more!