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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 innovative storytelling style blends narrative and illustration, captivating readers of all ages. Selznick’s books have sold millions of copies, been translated into over 35 languages, and include the bestsellers Wonderstruck and The Marvels. He lives in Brooklyn and La Jolla with his husband, Dr. David Serlin.

Key Discussion Points:

• Origins of Run Away With Me: Inspired by time spent in a deserted Rome during the pandemic and Brian’s husband's Rome Prize fellowship.
• Setting the Story in 1986: Chosen for its pre-digital intimacy, connection to Fellini's Intervista, and poignant resonance with the emerging AIDS crisis.
• YA Shift: This novel marks a shift to older characters and more intimate, emotional themes, including first love and sexual awakening.
• Illustration vs. Text: Originally intended as a text-only novel, illustrations were later added to immerse readers in Rome and enhance storytelling rhythmically.
• Building Empathy: Through vulnerability and layered character flaws, Brian explores how readers connect with characters even through their mistakes.
• Worldbuilding & Pacing: Brian discusses how his illustrations function as visual memory aids, reducing exposition and preserving narrative flow.
• Film Adaptation Insight: Brian details how Hugo was faithfully adapted by Martin Scorsese, who honored the visual storytelling of the book.

Conclusion:
Brian Selznick offers a masterclass in layered storytelling, blending history, personal experience, and imaginative worldbuilding. Run Away With Me is a love letter to young queer love, art, and the haunting beauty of solitude and discovery. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring authors and fans of emotionally resonant fiction.

Mentioned Links:

• Run Away With Me by Brian Selznick: Publisher's Page
• Brian Selznick's website

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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 (Scholastic, April 2025) is a queer, neurodiverse middle grade horror adventure set in ghost-filled Savannah. Since becoming an agent in 2023, Carey has championed authors across genres, prioritizing marginalized voices. When not agenting or writing, she enjoys tennis, video games, candy, and time with her "small zoo" of pets.

Key Discussion Points:

• About Ghost Scout's Honor: A spooky, empowering middle grade debut featuring determined protagonist Evie and her ghostly adventures. Carey combines horror, Southern charm, and inclusivity.
• Query Letter Insights: Carey emphasizes the importance of a pitch that hooks instantly. Personal stakes, clear comps, and authentic vibes matter most to her.
• The State of Middle Grade Publishing: Attention spans are down, publishers aren't effectively reaching younger audiences, and shorter, snappier stories are performing better.
• Industry Challenges: The impact of tariffs, the collapse of Albert Whitman, and the increasing corporatization of publishing are creating financial and emotional challenges for authors.
• Trends to Watch: Horror and dystopian genres are rising. Carey sees these as reflections of readers processing real-world fears in safe, fictional environments.
• What Makes Carey’s Heart Sing: Emotional depth layered within horror or fantasy. She seeks stories that offer both escapism and human connection.

Conclusion:
This candid conversation offers aspiring authors vital knowledge straight from someone who’s both querying and reading slush piles. Carey’s advice is invaluable for writers like Luna—aspiring novelists navigating today’s unpredictable publishing world. From query do’s and don’ts to genre shifts and emotional resilience, this episode is a must-listen.

Mentioned Links:

• Carey's Debut: Ghost Scout's Honor (Scholastic, April 2025)
• Writers With Wrinkles blog

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🎙️ 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: Beth and Lisa acknowledge the current collective sense of despair among creatives and share strategies for managing anxiety and rediscovering joy in the craft.
• Funny bookstore tales: Lisa recounts stealthily rearranging books at Barnes & Noble and longing for the perfect shelf placement. Beth shares her “book flipping” technique and the invisible sensor that alerts staff to authors in the wild.
• Wine and writing therapy: Lisa hilariously shares her obsession with Chateau Ste. Michelle Light Chardonnay and the great unboxing event of her case delivery.
• Unboxing video spoofing: The duo dives into the unspoken pressure behind book unboxings and how performative moments can feel inauthentic.
• Their origin stories:
  • Lisa’s journey began after closing down a beloved but overwhelming nonprofit. Her pivot to writing children’s books was rooted in wanting to continue making a difference for kids.
  • Beth’s motivation came from pure spite—a competitive spark after seeing a peer publish a book drove her to finish her first manuscript.
• Message to writers: Return to the emotional core that first pushed you to write. That original spark can reignite your current writing practice.

🔚 Conclusion:
In a time when many writers feel stalled or discouraged, Beth and Lisa remind us that reconnecting with your personal "why" can reignite purpose and momentum. Join the community in their private Facebook group, The Waiting Room: Therapy for Writers, for support and solidarity.

🔗 Mentioned Links:

• Join the Facebook group: The Waiting Room: Therapy for Writers
• Visit: writerswithwrinkles.net

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