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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

Submit questions for future episodes via Writers With Wrinkles social media, through the 'send us a text' link above or through the podcast 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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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 shares her experience of mentally unplugging and how it relates to mindfulness and creativity.
• Book coaching launch: Beth introduces her new professional book coaching services and website BethMcMullenBooks.com, highlighting offerings like manuscript feedback and query letter Quick Wins.
• Listener Q&A: A writer asks if it's normal for an agent to never share a submission list—spoiler: it's not. Beth and Lisa stress the importance of communication, red flag awareness, and using organizations like SCBWI and Authors Guild for support.
• Agent dynamics: The hosts discuss how writers can (and should) advocate for themselves and treat agent relationships as business partnerships.
• Writing advice: The age-old “edit-as-you-go” dilemma resurfaces, with encouragement to push through messy first drafts instead of polishing prematurely.
• Podcast behind-the-scenes: From sunglasses in their logo to sound editing quirks, Beth and Lisa reflect on their origin story and podcast process.
• Podcast love: Lisa shouts out her appearance on Middle Grade Matters with Shannon Ballam—praised for her smooth delivery and sharp interviews. Listen here: Middle Grade Matters (link to be added in show notes).

Conclusion:
From industry tips to emotional honesty, this episode is a warm, funny, and information-packed check-in with Beth and Lisa. Writers like Luna—aspiring, overwhelmed, and determined—will find comfort and guidance in their down-to-earth advice and hard-won experience. Don’t forget to visit WritersWithWrinkles.net to support the show, explore past episodes, and join the writing community.

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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 industry, small press advantages, and advice for aspiring authors navigating the competitive world of children's books.

Guest Bio

Michele McAvoy is an attorney-turned-author and the founder of The Little Press, an independent publisher dedicated to discovering new voices in children's literature. She has written multiple award-winning books, including Willow the Werewolf, Cookie and Milk, and The Gorilla Picked Me. Michele is also an editor and hosts the podcast My Messy Muse, where she discusses the realities of the publishing world.

Key Discussion Points

• Starting The Little Press: Michele launched her publishing company in 2020 during the pandemic, focusing on debut and early-career authors.
• Challenges of Running a Small Press: From financial margins to educating authors about industry realities, Michele shares the behind-the-scenes struggles and rewards of publishing.
• Breaking into Publishing: Advice for writers on overcoming industry gatekeepers and why small presses can be a great path to publication.
• The Writing Process: Michele’s unconventional approach, including writing books on her phone at the beach, and why first drafts should never be "precious."
• Upcoming Opportunities: The Little Press is hosting a Twitter pitch event (#TLPpitch on March 20th), offering authors a chance to submit their work.

Conclusion

Michele McAvoy’s success story highlights the resilience and creativity required in the publishing industry. Whether you're an aspiring author or considering a small press for your work, this episode is full of valuable insights on making publishing dreams a reality.

Mentioned Links

🔗 Michele McAvoy’s website: michelemcavoy.com
🔗 The Little Press: littlepresspublishing.com
🔗 Writers With Wrinkles: writerswithwrinkles.net

📢 Don’t miss Beth and Lisa’s next Ask Us Anything episode on March 31st! Submit your questions via social media or through the podcast notes.

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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, increase representation, and tackle complex topics with nuance. Her authors have received starred reviews, won awards, and made a lasting impact on young readers.

Key Discussion Points

• Middle Grade Market Trends: The growing demand for books targeting 13- to 15-year-old readers, the dominance of graphic novels, and the push for shorter middle grade books to compete with screen time.
• YA Market Trends: The continued popularity of "romantasy," the possible resurgence of dystopian fiction, and the enduring appeal of thrillers.
• The Acquisition Process: A deep dive into how North Star Editions evaluates and selects books, from submission to final approval.
• The Importance of Query Letters: Meg emphasizes the value of a well-structured query and how it signals an author's professionalism and commitment.
• Marketing & Author Collaboration: Why North Star Editions treats every book as a lead title and how an author's engagement can impact promotional support.
• Advice for Writers: “Less is more”—Meg encourages authors to streamline their writing to enhance pacing and emotional impact.

Conclusion

Meg Gaertner provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the publishing process, offering invaluable advice for aspiring and experienced authors. From market trends to acquisition strategies, her insights help demystify the path to publication.

Mentioned Links

• Learn more about North Star Editions: northstareditions.com
• Connect with Writers with Wrinkles: writerswithwrinkles.net
• Follow Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid on social media for updates and Q&A opportunities.

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In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode, the hosts tackle a common writer struggle: getting out of a creative rut. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and insights from working with critique partners and beta readers to reignite motivation and improve writing.

Key Discussion Points

• Recognizing a Writing Rut: How to identify when you’re stuck in autopilot and losing creative energy.
• Micro Goals for Progress: Beth shares her strategy of setting small, achievable goals like 500-word daily targets to push through blocks.
• Shaking Up Routine: The benefits of changing writing environments, traveling, or even dictating chapters while walking to boost creativity.
• The Power of Beta Readers & New Critique Partners: Lisa explains how fresh eyes on her manuscript helped her identify repetitive writing habits and refine her storytelling.
• Finding the Right Critique Group: The importance of choosing partners whose work aligns with your writing style and elevates your craft.
• Using The Waiting Room for Writers: How their private Facebook group helps authors connect, find critique partners, and navigate publishing challenges.

Conclusion

Breaking out of a writing rut requires intentional shifts—whether through setting small goals, changing routines, or seeking new perspectives. The key is to stay engaged, experiment with different methods, and remember that creative slumps are temporary.

Mentioned Links

• Join The Waiting Room (Private Facebook Group for Writers)
• Writers With Wrinkles Website: writerswithwrinkles.net

Beth & Lisa return on March 3rd with guest Meg Gaertner, Managing Editor at Flux and Jollyfish Press, to discuss editorial insights. Don’t forget to subscribe, follow, and share the podcast!

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In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, we welcome Adria Goetz, a Senior Literary Agent at KT Literary, to discuss the dos and don’ts of querying, how to stand out in a crowded submission pile, and navigating industry challenges like editor transitions. Aspiring authors will gain valuable insights into crafting compelling pitches, building resilience, and staying attuned to market trends.

Guest Bio

Adria Goetz is a Senior Literary Agent and Illustration Coordinator at KT Literary, specializing in picture books, middle grade, graphic novels, and adult fiction. She has represented numerous bestsellers, including Millie Fleur's Poison Garden and The Crescent Moon Tea Room. A fan of whimsy and heartfelt storytelling, Adria enjoys re-watching Gilmore Girls and dreaming of life in a mossy stone cottage.

Key Discussion Points

• The Querying Process: Adria shares tips on crafting warm, professional, and specific query letters, emphasizing how to make an immediate impression on literary agents.
• Navigating Rejections: Advice on interpreting agent feedback and why “near misses” are a good sign of progress for aspiring writers.
• Industry Insights: Adria discusses the realities of agent submissions, the competitiveness of the market, and strategies for writers facing challenges like editor transitions or poor past book sales.
• Market Trends for 2025: The rise of genre mashups, cozy fantasy, romanticcy, and magical speculative stories, as well as opportunities in neglected spaces like stories featuring 14–15-year-old protagonists.
• Building Resilience: Why persistence, adaptability, and proactive marketing are essential for long-term success in publishing.

Conclusion

Adria offers encouraging and practical advice for writers striving to break into publishing. From perfecting the query letter to navigating industry challenges, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help writers stay motivated and informed on their journey to publication.

Mentioned Links

• Learn more about Adria Goetz: KT Literary
• The Mixed-Up Files of Middle-Grade Authors (Cover reveal for The Library of Curiosities)
• Podcast blog and notes: Writers With Wrinkles

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