Writers With Wrinkles

Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid
  • 4.9 (48)
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Writers with Wrinkles is the premier writing craft, book marketing, and publishing industry business podcast for aspiring authors, indie publishers, and career writers. Hosted by authors Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, we iron out the wrinkles of the business—from mastering novel writing and story structure to navigating literary agents, query letters, and KDP self-publishing. Each week, we provide expert interviews with editors, publishers, and bestselling authors to help you build a professional author platform and successfully market your book. Whether you are drafting a manuscript or navigating a book launch, join us for the practical guidance you need to succeed in today’s competitive market. Visit www.WritersWithWrinkles.net for resources. Follow us on TikTok: @writerswithwrinkles

  1. 3D AGO

    We Read Your First Pages So You Don't Have To Guess

    Send us Fan Mail First Page Feedback: Charlotte's Hunt for Glory Beth and Lisa critique the opening page of a middle grade fantasy submission and pull out craft lessons for any writer working on those critical first pages. The Submission Charlotte's Hunt for Glory follows 12-year-old Charlotte through a morning routine steeped in grief for her late grandmother and sibling envy — anchored by a rich exploration of hair as identity. What's Working A strong, warm first-person voice with real overall potentialEfficient emotional layering: grief, envy, and identity all on page oneSmall character moments (sticking her tongue out at the mirror) that do big workWhat to Work On No fantasy signal. MG fantasy readers expect an early hint of the fantastical — even one small touch. It needs to appear quickly.The "why now" test. Nothing distinguishes this morning from any other. Signal that this day changes everything (or something).Too much telling. The sister and family dynamics can be revealed through action and dialogue rather than description.Watch the clichés. Cascading down her back and stab of envy undercut an otherwise fresh voice. Craft Takeaways Every sentence in your opening must earn its place — if it's not doing work, cut it.Most writers warm up in their first chapter. In revision, the real story usually starts later than you think.Don't delete cut material — save it. It may fit somewhere else (and if it doesn't, that's okay too).Next episode: Ask Beth and Lisa — send in your questions! Writers with Wrinkles is hosted by Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid. Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    23 min

  2. APR 22

    Rolling With It (And Then Not)

    Send us Fan Mail The One Where Nobody Ordered the Books  |  Beth McMullen & Lisa Schmid Lisa Schmid shares a cautionary tale from the Sacramento Book Festival, where a series of logistical failures turned what should have been an exciting milestone — her first book festival — into a comedy of errors. A week before the event she discovered the bookseller had never ordered any books, resulting in last-minute scrambling, one copy secured, and Lisa packing 20 of her own into her son’s little blue racing-sticker suitcase. She then had to park seven blocks away and roll it through the crowds just to get in the door. The takeaway from both hosts: never assume logistics are handled — confirm book orders, ask who’s responsible for what, and follow up all the way through. Beth admitted she’s largely stopped accepting event invitations after too many similar experiences. On a positive note, Lisa previews an upcoming signing at Old Haunts Bookshop in Granite Bay — a model of how it should be done. Next week: guest Kolby Sharp, booked as a “palate cleanse” and described as a breath of fresh air for book lovers. Key Takeaways Confirm your books have been ordered — don’t assumeAsk who’s handling logistics and follow up close to the eventBring your own copies as backup if you canCheck the organizer’s track record before you commitOne person’s decision can have a major ripple effect on authors, organizers, and readersYouTube video version Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    32 min

  3. APR 13

    Publishing Is Changing Fast! Literary Agent Vicki Weber on What's Working Now

    Send us Fan Mail Imprint closures, layoffs, and reorganizations are rattling the publishing world. Literary agent and At-Home Author founder Vicki Weber joins Beth and Lisa for a candid conversation about what’s driving these changes—and what writers can do about it. From the surprising role Harry Potter played in the decline of middle grade to building an audience before you have a book deal, Vicki delivers practical strategies for navigating today’s shifting landscape. About Our Guest Vicki Weber is a literary agent, bestselling children’s book author, and founder of At-Home Author. She helps writers craft, publish, and market books across traditional and self-publishing, and shares industry analysis on her popular Substack. What We Cover •       The wave of imprint closures (Roaring Brook, Dial) and editorial cuts at Simon & Schuster •       How Harry Potter’s escalating length contributed to middle grade’s long-term decline •       Why acquisitions are harder than ever—and why an editor loving your book is just the beginning •       The industry push toward commercial fiction and what that means for querying writers •       Vicki’s #1 querying tip: write another book and build a portfolio •       Reading between the lines of agent wishlists to craft standout queries •       Self-publishing vs. traditional: rising standards and honest pros/cons •       Overcoming bad sales track with pen names, pivots, and reframing your story •       Building an email list pre-publication with free stories, newsletter swaps, and cheap ads •       Vicki’s wishlist: adult psychological horror, horror-tinged thrillers, genre mashups with social commentary Loved this episode? Subscribe wherever you listen, visit writerswithwrinkles.net, and send your questions for the next Ask Beth & Lisa episode. Until next time—happy reading, writing, and listening! Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    44 min

  4. MAR 31

    What The Heck Is Going On With Publishing?

    Send us Fan Mail Beth and Lisa discuss the 2026 publishing landscape. From the end of prestige imprints like Dial Books to the flood of AI content, they explore why the industry feels increasingly "disposable" and "noisy." Key Discussion Points The Shift to Content Management: Private equity firms are replacing veteran editors with "content managers" to prioritize franchises over literary prestige.The AI Explosion: Of the 4 million books published in 2025, approximately 3.5 million were AI-generated, burying human authors in the Amazon ecosystem.The "Trope" Trap: Acquisitions often require specific TikTok hashtags—like "Enemies to Lovers"—to ensure easier, data-driven marketing.Indie Press Opportunities: Smaller houses are thriving by focusing on niche audiences, such as middle-aged readers, that the "Big Five" often overlook.No More Developmental Edits: Overworked editors no longer have time to "fix" books; manuscripts must be 100% publication-ready before querying.Tips for Authors Build Early: Identify and connect with your audience directly rather than relying on a publishing house to do it for you.Polish Fully: Use your community or coaches to ensure your work is flawless before submission, as agents and editors are spread too thin to provide heavy revisions.Next Guest: Author and 5th-grade teacher Colby Sharp joins the show on April 27th. Connect with Us Submit your "First Pages" for an on-air critique!Follow Writers with Wrinkles on Threads (our new crystal ball) and TikTok. Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    42 min

  5. MAR 23

    Life After the Breakup: Navigating the Publishing World After Parting Ways with Your Agent, with Amy Trueblood

    Send us Fan Mail Hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome award-winning author Amy Trueblood to discuss a transition many writers face but few discuss: life after parting ways with a literary agent. Amy shares her journey of being on her fourth agent, offering a refreshing look at why changing representation is a natural part of a long-term career. About the Guest Amy Trueblood is the author of the acclaimed YA historical novels Nothing But Sky and Across a Broken Shore. Writing as Amy True, she also authored the speculative romance series Clearly Charmed. Key Discussion Points Normalizing Transitions: Agent changes due to retirement, agency closures, or genre shifts are standard industry "ebbs and flows."Re-Querying Strategy: Authors returning to the "trenches" should lead with their published credits to signal professional experience to new agents.Market Realities: The trio discusses the current high volume of submissions and why authors must exercise increased patience in today’s slower market.Overcoming "Baggage": Professionalism and a solid reputation are the best ways to counter fears that changing agents looks negative.Creative Evolution: Amy discusses her shift into romance and the experience of working with UK-based publishers.Actionable Advice Be Transparent: Sharing industry struggles helps the wider writing community.Leverage Credentials: Use your history to establish immediate credibility.Stay Professional: Agents value reliable partners who understand the business.Links Amy Trueblood website Amy Trueblood Insta Amy Trueblood Threads Amy Trueblood Bluesky Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    32 min

  6. MAR 16

    Why Indie Authors Are Winning the Business Game (and new First Pages!)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk about a recent publishing controversy sparked on Threads regarding the "legitimacy" of indie authors. They break down the evolving landscape of self-publishing, comparing the financial and creative realities of "indie" versus traditional publishing. Later, they critique the opening pages of a middle-grade mystery titled The Ravenspur Mystery, offering actionable advice on voice, world-building, and establishing character motivation. Key Discussion Points The hosts react to a social media thread where an agent reportedly claimed indie writers are not "legit" authors. Financial Realities: While the top 10% of traditional authors make significant money, the hosts argue that for most authors, indie publishing offers a better return on value.Royalty Gaps: The difference in what an author pockets can be $5 per book.The Direct Pipeline: Indie authors have built powerful direct-to-reader relationships through email lists that traditional publishers often struggle to replicate.Speed to Market: The traditional pipeline takes about two years, but indie authors are able to release new books every 4 to 6 months to keep their pipeline full.Business Savvy: Successful indie authors often earn between $50,000 as a midlist author.Creative Control & Traditional Pitfalls Losing Your Champion: In traditional publishing, an author's original editor may leave, leaving the book in the hands of someone less invested in the project.Full Autonomy: Self-publishing allows the author to retain creative control over everything from the editing process to cover design and formatting.The "Vanity" Myth: The hosts argue that the old idea of self-publishing as mere "vanity publishing" is dead; it is now a highly viable and sophisticated business route.First Pages Critique: The Ravenspur Mystery The hosts review the opening of a middle-grade mystery, praising its "old-school Nancy Drew" feel. Strengths: They highlight the strong opening hook that drops readers into the action and a voice that is observational, competent, and slightly wry.Critique on Filtering: Beth suggests that descriptive language should be filtered through the protagonist's specific perspective rather than sounding like neutral stage directions.Defining the "Want": A key recommendation is to establish the protagonist's internal "want" early on to ensure the reader is fully invested in her journey.Mentions & Resources Books: Going Ghost (Cozy Mystery Series); Behind the Bookcase by Mark SteenslandBookstores: Bloodstone Books in Sacramento.Upcoming Guest: Award-winning author Amy Trueblood will join the next episode to discuss querying.Lisa's New Website! Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    34 min

  7. MAR 2

    The Nuts and Bolts of Writing MG & YA Mysteries, with Fleur Bradley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid welcome back author and literacy advocate Fleur Bradley. The discussion centers on the importance of mysteries in keeping kids reading, the structural "nuts and bolts" of writing for middle grade (MG) versus young adult (YA) audiences, and the release of Bradley’s new craft book designed to help writers navigate the genre.  Get A Clue is available for preorder right now! Releases April 7th. Key Discussion Points Addressing the Literacy "Drop-off" Statistics show a significant decline in reading for pleasure as children move from 3rd grade into middle school.Middle grade and YA mysteries act as a "hook" to keep reluctant readers engaged because of their high stakes and interactive nature.Mysteries foster critical thinking and deductive reasoning, making the reader an active participant in the story.Crafting the MG and YA Mystery The "Fair Play" Rule: In a successful mystery, the reader must be given all the clues necessary to solve the crime alongside the protagonist.Pacing and Momentum: Unlike contemporary fiction, which may focus heavily on internal character arcs, mysteries require constant external momentum and "beats" to keep the reader turning pages.Revision Strategies: Using a structural approach during the revision process can help identify "sagging middles" and ensure clues are properly planted.Defining the Crime by Age Category Middle Grade (MG): * The focus is on the puzzle and the "how."While murder can be a plot point, it should be handled with a "cozy" sensibility—minimal gore and focused on the intellectual challenge.Young Adult (YA): * Allows for more "grit," darkness, and emotional complexity.Authors have more flexibility regarding the types of crimes and the level of peril involved.Practical Advice for Aspiring Authors Writers are encouraged to focus on the "nuts and bolts" of plotting early on.Implementing "Your Turn" exercises—taking a specific craft lesson and immediately applying it to a current manuscript—is the most effective way to learn the genre.Character voice is paramount; testing a character’s voice through short scenes can determine if they are strong enough to carry a full-length mystery.Key Takeaways Mysteries are essential tools for literacy because they turn reading into a game or puzzle.Structure is the backbone of the genre; without a solid plot and well-timed clues, a mystery will lose its audience.Understanding the specific expectations of the MG vs. YA market is crucial for publication success. Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    35 min

  8. FEB 26

    Book People are the Best People! (and other truths)

    Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this Season 5 bonus episode, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid clear out their "insanely long" laundry list of burning topics. The duo discusses the restorative power of community, starting with Lisa’s wildly successful brewery book swap on Reading Street. They dive into how simple, low-lift events can be the perfect antidote to a dark news cycle and offer tips on how you can start your own. The conversation moves into the digital space, covering the shift from Twitter to Threads and Blue Sky for monthly Kidlit chats. Finally, Beth and Lisa get serious about industry safety, offering a "buyer beware" guide to writing conferences and professional classes. They share advice on how to vet organizers, protect your investment, and ensure the event aligns with your specific writing goals. Key Topics Covered The Magic of the Book Swap: Why gathering "book people" in a local brewery proved to be exactly what the community needed.Low-Lift Event Planning: How to foster connection without the stress of high-stakes organizing.The New Digital Frontier: Navigating the monthly Kidlit community chats on Threads and Blue Sky.Conference Due Diligence: How to research writing events, check their track records, and avoid losing money on canceled "dream" conferences.Defining Your Purpose: Why knowing why you are attending an event (networking vs. craft vs. pitching) is the key to a successful investment.Resources & Links Threads Kidlit Chat: Join the conversation every first Wednesday of the month.Blue Sky Kidlit Chat: Join the conversation every first Tuesday of the month.Writers With Wrinkles Facebook Group: Join our private community for publishing news and "well-rounded" writing advice. (Note: Please answer the entry questions to join!)Coming Up Next Week Don’t miss our conversation with author Fleur Bradley, who returns to the show to discuss her brand-new writing craft book focused on the art of Middle Grade mystery! Support the show  Visit the Website Find Full Episodes on YouTube! Writers with Wrinkles Link Tree for socials and more!

    33 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Writers with Wrinkles is the premier writing craft, book marketing, and publishing industry business podcast for aspiring authors, indie publishers, and career writers. Hosted by authors Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, we iron out the wrinkles of the business—from mastering novel writing and story structure to navigating literary agents, query letters, and KDP self-publishing. Each week, we provide expert interviews with editors, publishers, and bestselling authors to help you build a professional author platform and successfully market your book. Whether you are drafting a manuscript or navigating a book launch, join us for the practical guidance you need to succeed in today’s competitive market. Visit www.WritersWithWrinkles.net for resources. Follow us on TikTok: @writerswithwrinkles

Information

  • Creator
    Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    156
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Writers With Wrinkles
  • Show Website
    Writers With Wrinkles

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