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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.

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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!

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In this session, Beth and Lisa critique the opening of "Beyond the Moon," a middle-grade contemporary manuscript. The discussion focuses on refining the "hook," establishing a consistent tone, and leveraging character relationships to engage readers immediately.

Key Critique Points

• Establishing Tone and Mood: The opening combines a "creepy" atmosphere with a protagonist who is "giggling." The hosts recommend aligning these elements so the reader knows exactly what kind of story they are entering—whether it is a mystery, a comedy, or a ghost story.
• The Power of Specificity: Using general adjectives like "spooky" or "cool" tells the reader how to feel rather than showing them. The hosts suggest using specific sensory details—like the smell of old paper or the look of a cracked glass eye on a mannequin—to build a more immersive world.
• Strengthening the "Hook": Modern middle-grade fiction requires a fast start. To capture a young reader's attention, the manuscript needs to move the central conflict and the emotional "hook" to the very first page.
• Show, Don't Tell with Characters: Instead of describing the protagonist as a "second-class citizen" in her family, the hosts suggest showing this through a "snub" from a relative or a specific interaction with her "golden" sister.
• Utilizing Interiority: The character’s internal monologue is a powerful tool for middle-grade authors. Using the protagonist’s private thoughts can help establish a unique voice and build an immediate bond with the reader.

Writing Takeaways

• Read the Current Market: Writers should read 20–25 books published in their genre within the last year to understand modern pacing and descriptive styles.
• Front-Load the Conflict: Don't wait for Chapter Two to introduce the primary tension.
• Focus on Voice: The hosts noted that while structural changes are needed, the author has already cleared the biggest hurdle: creating a character with a clear, relatable voice.

The Waiting Room - private writers Facebook group

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Is your inbox is bursting with slop from bots and scammers? In this "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode, we tackle the explosion of predatory emails—from fake "Silent Book Clubs" to fraudulent Amazon publishing offers—aimed at unsuspecting writers. We discuss why these emails are a weird sign of visibility, how we use the "48-hour rule" to vet opportunities, and why staying connected to the writing community is your best defense. We also go behind the scenes of our high-octane Threads Kidlit Chat and share a sneak peek into why secondary characters often steal the spotlight from your protagonist.

• [00:09:12] Welcome to Season 5: We introduce today's "Ask Beth & Lisa" session and dive straight into why we’re currently losing our faith in humanity.
• [00:10:45] The Threads "Stock Exchange": We recap the chaotic, high-energy success of our first monthly Threads Kidlit Chat and why it felt like being on a trading floor.
• [00:14:48] Secondary Character Magic: We preview our next big craft topic—developing secondary characters that have their own "secret goals" and distinct voices.
• [00:19:20] Spotting the Scams: We break down the specific red flags of current publishing scams and why we view getting these emails as a "badge of honor."
• [00:26:30] The 48-Hour Rule: Our practical advice for authors on how to pause, research, and avoid the high-pressure sales tactics of predatory services.
• [00:30:05] The Writers with Wrinkles Awards: We announce our upcoming year-end awards and how you can get involved.
• [00:33:38] Reflecting on Advice: We look back at our interview with agent Alia Hanna Habib and the importance of a professional author-agent partnership.

Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid are authors and co-hosts of the Writers with Wrinkles podcast. With years of experience in the kidlit world and the broader publishing industry, they created this show to pull back the curtain on the writing life—wrinkles and all. When they aren't recording, you can find them hosting live community chats on Threads or mentoring writers in their private Facebook group.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Writer Beware: The industry watchdog we recommend for checking any suspicious "offers."
• Facebook Group: The Waiting Room (Our private community for writer support).
• Threads Kidlit Chat: Join us the first Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM PST.
• Website: Writers with Wrinkles Official Site

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Episode Summary

What does it actually take to get a non-fiction book published in today's market? In this episode, literary agent and author Alia Hanna Habib pulls back the curtain on the publishing industry. Alia shares insights from her new book, Take It From Me, a practical guide for writers looking to navigate the complex journey from idea to bookshelf. Whether you are a debut author or a seasoned writer, this conversation explores the essential elements of a successful non-fiction proposal, the evolving role of a literary agent, and how to stay resilient in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways & Timestamps

• [00:00] Introduction: Meet Alia Hanna Habib, literary agent at The Gernert Company for acclaimed writers like Nicole Hannah-Jones and Clint Smith.
• [02:15] The "Why" Behind the Book: Alia discusses what inspired her to write Take It From Me and why transparency in the publishing process is more important than ever.
• [07:40] Crafting a Winning Proposal: The non-negotiable elements every non-fiction writer needs to include to catch an agent's eye.
• [15:20] Delivery & Acceptance: Insight into Alia’s Substack newsletter and how she uses it to share candid, behind-the-scenes industry advice.
• [22:10] The Author-Agent Partnership: How the relationship works and what authors should realistically expect during the publishing cycle.
• [30:05] Closing Thoughts: Practical steps for writers who are just starting their non-fiction journey.

About the Guest: Alia Hanna Habib

Alia Hanna Habib is a veteran literary agent and the author of Take It From Me: A Practical, Behind-the-Scenes Guide to Getting a Non-Fiction Book Published. Named one of New York Magazine's "most powerful New Yorkers you’ve never heard of," she represents leading voices in journalism, history, and literature. She also writes the popular Substack newsletter, Delivery and Acceptance.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode

• Book: Take It From Me by Alia Hanna Habib (Available January 28th)
• Newsletter: Delivery and Acceptance Substack
• Website: Writers with Wrinkles Official Site

Connect with Us

• Follow the Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite platform so you never miss an episode!
• Ask a Question: Have a question for Beth and Lisa? Send it our way for a future "Ask Beth and Lisa" episode.
• Visit the Blog: Find more show notes and author resources at writerswithwrinkles.net.

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Note: For the most up-to-date information on Erin’s submission status, interests, and availability, visit https://erincaseywestin.com.

Episode Summary

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk with Erin Casey Westin, associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, about the current kidlit market and how agents evaluate queries and manuscripts. Aspiring authors will gain insight into writing stronger query letters, understanding agent decision-making, and knowing when a manuscript is truly ready to submit.

Guest Bio

Erin Casey Westin is an associate agent at Galt & Zacker Literary Agency, where she represents children’s literature. She is especially drawn to projects with strong voice, vivid worldbuilding, and authentic, thoughtful representation. Erin is passionate about stories that allow every child to see themselves reflected on the page. She is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Key Discussion Points

• The state of the kidlit market
  Erin shares what she’s hearing from editors, including cautious optimism around middle grade and continued demand for humorous, character-driven picture books.
• How sales track records affect authors
  Why prior sales aren’t everything, how agents strategize around them, and when switching publishing houses can make sense.
• What makes a query letter stand out
  Clear, specific stakes; strong voice; and careful attention to submission guidelines—plus why vague, high-level stakes often fall flat.
• Common query mistakes to avoid
  Writing queries in first person as the character, misquoting agents, careless personalization, and over-reliance on AI-generated text.
• How Erin evaluates manuscripts
  The step-by-step mental checklist: polish, voice, character connection, plot and pacing, and whether the story sustains momentum beyond the opening pages.
• When a manuscript isn’t ready yet
  Why rushing to query out of frustration can hurt your chances, and when putting a book away for a few months can actually help.
• What Erin wants to see more of
  Middle grade and YA survival stories—especially fresh, modern takes featuring underrepresented protagonists.

Conclusion

This episode reminds writers that strong queries and manuscripts are built on clarity, specificity, and patience. Erin Casey Westin offers a transparent look at how agents read, evaluate, and decide—helping authors approach querying with more confidence and intention.

Links & Resources

• Erin Casey Westin: https://erincaseywestin.com
• Galt & Zacker Literary Agency: https://www.galltzacker.com/
• QueryTracker: https://querytracker.net

🎧 Subscribe & Connect

Don’t miss future episodes! Subscribe, rate, and review Writers With Wrinkles wherever you listen. Submit questions for “Ask Beth and Lisa” at writerswithwrinkles.net, or connect with us on Instagram @writerswithwrinkles.

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In this bonus season-finale episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid reflect on the end of the season, share a behind-the-scenes podcasting mishap, and dive into a First Pages critique of a cozy fantasy submission, The Village Mage. Along the way, they discuss why first pages are so hard to get right, how too much backstory can stall momentum, and what cozy fantasy readers expect from the very first paragraph.

What We Cover in This Episode

A Season Wrap-Up

• Why this season felt especially long (emotionally and creatively)
• The surprising reach of the podcast, including international listeners
• Why listener messages matter more than download numbers

Behind the Scenes of Podcasting

• A funny (and harmless) upload glitch
• Why multitasking and podcast production don’t always mix
• A reminder that mistakes happen—and they’re fixable

First Pages Critique: The Village Mage

• Why the tea shop setting immediately signals “cozy”
• What works well in the opening voice and atmosphere
• Where the opening leans too heavily on setting and backstory
• Why character emotion needs to come before worldbuilding
• How early signals of magic shape reader expectations
• The importance of “showing” magic instead of naming it outright

First Page Takeaways for Writers

• Less is more on page one
• Avoid stacking backstory and description in large blocks
• Establish genre expectations immediately
• Use specific, character-centered details instead of generic atmosphere
• Trust the reader—don’t explain everything up front
• Consider whether your story actually starts later than you think

A Common Revision Reality

• Why first chapters are often written as “thinking-through” pages
• How hard it is to cut beloved early material
• Why cutting doesn’t mean deleting—just relocating

Key Writing Advice from Beth & Lisa

• Your first page should hook, not explain
• Genre cues matter—especially in fantasy
• Pacing is created through balance: dialogue, action, and selective detail
• If readers don’t know why they should care about the character yet, they won’t care about the world

What’s Coming Next

• A brand-new season with exciting guest interviews
• More First Pages bonus episodes
• Kicking off the new season with literary agent Erin Casey Westin

Have first pages you’d like feedback on?

Visit the Writers With Wrinkles website and submit your opening pages for a chance to be featured in a future episode.

Thank you for listening, sharing, and sticking with us this season. We’ll see you in the new year—until then, happy reading, writing, and listening.

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Query letters make even experienced writers panic—and for good reason. In this special Ask Beth & Lisa episode, we’re joined by author and educator Deborah Crossland for a deep, practical conversation about how to write a strong, effective query letter as we head into the 2026 querying season. Deborah breaks down what query letters are actually for, what agents want to see (and don’t), and how writers can avoid the most common—and most damaging—mistakes.

This episode is packed with actionable advice, mindset shifts, and real-world examples from the querying trenches.

About Our Guest

Deborah Crossland teaches English and mythology at a community college and writes myth-based contemporary YA novels with a feminist lens. Her novel The Quiet Part Out Loud was published in 2023, with the paperback released in 2024. She lives in Northern California and is passionate about making education accessible to all.

Key Topics & Takeaways

What a Query Letter Is (and Isn’t)

• The sole purpose of a query letter is to get an agent to request pages—not to sell the book or explain the entire plot.
• Think invitation, not explanation.

The Anatomy of a Strong Query

• A compelling hook (often 1–2 sentences)
• A focused pitch centered on external stakes
• Brief book details (genre, word count, comps)
• A short, professional author bio

External Stakes Matter More Than You Think

• Writers often lean too hard on internal stakes; agents need to see what’s happening.
• External conflict is what differentiates your book in a crowded field.
• If an agent can’t picture the story visually, the query isn’t doing its job.

Pitch vs. Synopsis

• The query pitch should not include spoilers or the ending.
• The synopsis is where you explain the full story, including how it ends.
• Mixing these up is one of the most common querying mistakes.

How to Personalize Without Being Cringey

• Reference an agent’s manuscript wish list, not their personal life.
• Keep personalization professional, brief, and relevant.
• Treat it like a business introduction—not a social interaction.

Query Etiquette (and Red Flags)

• Always submit queries exactly how the agent requests.
• Never DM agents or email around Query Manager.
• Don’t announce querying rounds or submissions on social media.
• Avoid pitching your unpublished book publicly on Instagram, TikTok, or X.

Author Bios for Debut Writers

• It’s perfectly acceptable to say, “This is my first novel.”
• Writing credentials are optional; strong pages matter more.
• Publishing loves debuts—lack of experience is not a liability.

Series Talk: Less Is More

• Don’t pitch a multi-book series as a debut.
• “Standalone with series potential” is sufficient.

Length & Clarity

• Queries should be concise and tightly written.
• Every word must earn its place.
• If you can’t summarize your story clearly, you may not be ready to query.

Hooks, Loglines, and Netflix Thinking

• Think in terms of loglines or streaming-style descriptions.
• If you can’t explain your story in one sharp sentence, that’s a sign to step back.

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