Best Beth McMullen Podcasts (2024)

1
Respect Your Secondary Characters! Here's why and how. 22:48

44m ago22:48

22:48

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 an…

1
From Teacher to Bestselling Author, Matt Eicheldinger is telling the stories kids want to read 46:45

7d ago46:45

46:45

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 …

1
The Write Mindset: Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb! 23:51

11d ago23:51

23:51

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 ampl…

1
Words Matter. Just ask picture book author Lisa Riddiough 28:43

22d ago28:43

28:43

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 …

1
The 17-minute pep talk you NEED right now! 18:37

25d ago18:37

18:37

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…

1
Editing Unveiled: Sara Schonfeld Tells You What You NEED To Know 42:12

1M ago42:12

42:12

(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 inva…

1
The Secret Weapon of Bestsellers: Level Up Your Pacing 21:13

1M ago21:13

21:13

What is Pacing? More about rhythm than speed Reader engagement is key - avoid sections that feel like a slog Different genres have different pacing expectations (e.g., thrillers vs. literary fiction) Crafting Pacing Sentence Length: Short = fast, Long = slow Active Voice & Description: "Show, don't tell" keeps things moving Paragraph Length: Vary l…

1
Mastering Happily Ever After: The Art of Writing Romance with Patience Bloom 29:32

2M ago29:32

29:32

Writers With Wrinkles: Patience Bloom on Romance Writing Patience Bloom, a freelance book editor with 26 years of experience in romance publishing, joins Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid on the podcast Writers With Wrinkles. Key points: Elements of a captivating romance protagonist: Likable, even if flawed. Human and relatable. Vulnerable but strong. …

1
How To Write Flashbacks That Don't Suck 19:53

2M ago19:53

19:53

Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle the art of writing flashbacks, offering insight into integrating them effectively into your narrative. The episode focuses on making flashbacks seamless and impactful, avoiding common pitfalls that can distract or confuse readers. Flashbacks: A Double-Edged Sword - Flashbacks can enrich your story by providing b…

1
Level Up with Author and Video Game Creator Andrew Auseon 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

Join Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they welcome Andrew Auseon, a talented author and video game writer. Dive into Andrew's journey across the realms of video games and kids books, exploring the creative synergy between these two worlds. Spellbinders Series: Discover the magic behind Andrew Auseon's middle-grade series, starting with Spellbinders…

1
The Big Picture Part 3—Navigating the Picture Book Publishing Maze: Tips, Resources & Encouragement 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

This week we dived deep into the picture book publishing process. Whether you're at the beginning of your journey, stuck in the middle, or just looking for that extra nudge, we've covered everything you need to know to navigate this challenging yet rewarding path. Our Picture Book Journey: We share the latest on Cat's Rule and the unagented submiss…

1
Agent Kaitlyn Sanchez Tells You What You Need to Know 33:41

3M ago33:41

33:41

In the latest episode of Writers With Wrinkles, join hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid as they talk with Kaitlyn Sanchez, a figure who has rapidly become a beacon in the world of children's literature. Kaitlyn, a literary agent at Bradford Literary, shares her unique story that transitions from a passion for mathematics to a growing influence in …

1
Mastering the Art of Writing a Synopsis 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

Mastering the Art of the Synopsis Season 3, Episode 5 Hello, aspiring authors! It's Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, your trusty navigators on the sea of publishing. In our latest episode,we dive deep into a territory that even the bravest writers often fear to tread—the dreaded synopsis. Crafting a compelling synopsis is no less than an art. It's of…

1
Revolutionizing Book Discoverability with Ben Fox of Shepherd.com 30:01

3M ago30:01

30:01

In this episode, Beth and Lisa welcome Ben Fox, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Shepherd.com, an innovative platform aiming to revolutionize online book discoverability. As avid readers and critics of Goodreads, the hosts delve into Shepherd.com's unique approach to connecting readers with books through curated lists and positive recommend…

1
The Big Picture, part 2: where we edit and submit a picture book for publication 32:25

3M ago32:25

32:25

In Season 3, Episode 3, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid, the co-hosts of Writers with Wrinkles, continue their Big Picture series. They delve into the process of writing and trying to sell a picture book, sharing their journey in real-time with listeners. The episode covers a variety of topics, including the challenges of the book publishing process,…

1
Empowering Authors: Insights from Book Publishing and Marketing Expert Kathleen Schmidt 37:58

4M ago37:58

37:58

Season 3 launches with Kathleen Schmidt, an accomplished vet in the book publishing world. This episode, rich with insights from Kathleen's extensive background as a publicist, literary agent, acquisitions editor, and ghostwriter, is a must-listen for authors navigating the complexities of publishing. Our discussion, full of practical advice and in…

1
Encore episode! Literary agent and author Eric Smith on why horror is having a moment, what is selling in YA right now and how to get noticed in a crowded field 30:25

4M ago30:25

30:25

Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of Young Adult (YA) publishing with literary agent and author, Eric Smith. In this must-listen for aspiring authors and YA enthusiasts, Eric sheds light on why horror is making a big comeback and what genres are currently dominating the YA scene. Whether you're grappling with how to make your manuscript st…

1
Navigating the Literary Agent Landscape with Leslie Zampetti of Open Book Literary (encore addition!) 32:53

4M ago32:53

32:53

In this encore episode of "Writers with Wrinkles," hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid talk to Leslie Zampetti, a seasoned literary agent and founder of Open Book Literary. Leslie shares her unique perspectives on the publishing industry, emphasizing underrepresented voices and providing invaluable tips for aspiring authors. Dive into an discussion…

1
Writers with Wrinkles - Season 2 Finale: Reflections, Laughs, and Lessons Learned 21:19

4M ago21:19

21:19

In our season finale, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid take a stroll down memory lane, sharing laughs, insights, and valuable lessons from the year 2023. Join us for a quick journey through our favorite episodes, guest highlights, and the wisdom we've gathered along the way. Perfect for aspiring authors, seasoned writers, and literary enthusiasts alik…

1
Author Jason June is having so much fun and wants you to have fun, too. 39:06

4M ago39:06

39:06

NYT Bestselling Author Jason June joins us to talk about an early career pivot that led to great success, how to successfully think about and write across different genres, and what he wishes he'd known when he started out. About Jason June Jason June is a best-selling author of young adult novels that celebrate queer love and lust and chaotically …

1
The Big Picture: writing, editing and submitting a cats and dogs picture book! 21:45

5M ago21:45

21:45

With episode 57, we kick off "The Big Picture," a new segment where we walk you through the process of preparing and submitting a picture book for publication. Today we talk about receiving, digesting, and implementing feedback. Our special highlight is an exclusive insight into the valuable critiques provided by Lynn Marie, the founder of "Rate Yo…

1
From a Shared Love of Holidays to a Successful Business: a convo with authors Heather Macht and Lynne Marie 34:56

5M ago34:56

34:56

Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of children's literature with Heather Macht and Lynne Marie, the creative minds behind the hit platform, 'Seasons of Kidlit'. Discover how their shared passion for festive holidays, especially the allure of Halloween, transformed into a thriving platform promoting children's books. This episode offers a d…

1
Marketing Monday: Make AI useful, and RIP Goodreads (and Mr. Fishy!) 23:15

5M ago23:15

23:15

Can you use AI to augment and amplify your creative endeavors? Can you use it to do stuff you don’t want to? Yes!! Tune in to hear about an experiment in creating a mini-marketing effort around holiday sales of Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls trilogy using AI to create content and produce a list of independent bookstores. (to go deeper, visit the…

1
Break All the Rules! Insights from Acclaimed Author Erika Lewis 39:52

5M ago39:52

39:52

Erika Lewis has written novels, comics and graphic novels. She has deep experience collaborating with other creators. What we talked about: how her childhood riding dirt bikes and roller skates shape the adventurous world of Kelcie Murphy how her books like "Game of Shadows" and "The Color of Dragons" compare to the Kelcie Murphy series the nuts an…

1
Top Five Deep Dive: The Power of an Irresistible Start (crafting a compelling opening for your novel) 20:26

6M ago20:26

20:26

Welcome to another Top Five Deep Dive episode! Today, we dive deep into creating a strong opening for your novel. Key takeaways: Start with Action or Intrigue Introduce a Relatable Character Pose Questions or Create Conflict Use Vivid Description and Sensory Detail Craft an Engaging First Line (listen for our examples) Listen for all the important …

1
The Co-Author Partnership: the most important element for making it WORK 34:36

6M ago34:36

34:36

Have you ever dreamed of writing a book with a friend or an author you admire? How do you make it work? What are the most important elements of the relationship? Today we peek inside a successful collaborative writing partnership of acclaimed authors E.E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller. We'll take you through their extraordinary partnersh…

1
Marketing Monday: Become a Substack Superstar! (Don't Be Afraid. We Got You) 21:12

6M ago21:12

21:12

Ready to unlock the full potential of Substack? We're here to answer WHAT, WHY and HOW of this platform, where independent publishing meets community building. Discover the features offered, including content creation and promotion, subscription models, monetization, and more. We're going to help you answer a critical question – is Substack the rig…

1
The BEST advice you will ever get on writing picture books, with bestselling author Ame Dyckman 37:43

6M ago37:43

37:43

Ever wondered how an idea evolves into a complete picture book? Tune into our conversation with the New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman as she pulls back the curtain on the magical world of picture book writing. Ame shares her process and offers priceless tips on story development, the art of collaboration and the importance of knowing th…

1
Top Five Deep Dive: How to Write Compelling Voice 23:46

7M ago23:46

23:46

Welcome to another Top Five Deep Dive episode! (who doesn't love a top five list?!?!) Today, we delve deep into the captivating world of writing voice. Key takeaways will help you refine your writing voice and elevate your storytelling to new heights. Whether you're just starting your writing journey or are a seasoned author, there's something here…

1
Living a Writer's Dream in London: Author Elizabeth Eulberg on inspiration, series writing and handling reviews 37:52

7M ago37:52

37:52

Join us on a captivating adventure with renowned author Elizabeth Eulberg, whose latest middle grade book Scared Silly #2: Zombie Wedding Crashers, is out NOW! Elizabeth generously shares her journey, from securing her Global Talent Visa, to the deep inspiration she draws from the city in her work. We do a deep dive into what makes a series work an…

1
Conquering the World of Book Marketing (one baby step at a time!) 23:20

7M ago23:20

23:20

Do the words 'book marketing' make you cry? Yeah, we get that. On today's episode, we start to navigate that terrifying world, but we're doing it together and it's going to be fun! Once a month, we'll go deep into a marketing topic and figure out the ways you can implement it into your overall strategy without becoming overwhelmed and paralyzed. Jo…

1
Writing a Graphic Novel: Insights from New York Times bestselling author Eric Geron 31:21

7M ago31:21

31:21

Prepare to be enchanted as we chat with Eric Geron, a masterful storyteller and New York Times bestselling author. In this candid conversation, Eric takes you on his journey of becoming an author, while shedding light on the often mysterious process of creating a graphic novel. Even if you're not an illustrator, Eric's insights on the genre and cra…

1
Top Five Deep Dive: Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Art of Compelling Dialogue 22:01

8M ago22:01

22:01

Want to hear the secret sauce for writing compelling dialogue? We've got the recipe! This episode is your golden ticket to mastering the art of authentic and engaging dialogue that rings true for your characters. We delve into how written dialogue differs from everyday conversation, and how to ensure that each line uttered by your characters enhanc…

1
What Agent Jennifer March Soloway wants you to know 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

Are you wondering how to navigate the tricky waters of querying agents with your fabulous new manuscript? Imagine the insight you could gain from picking the brain of a senior agent from a top literary agency. That's exactly what we've done in this episode. Jennifer March-Soloway from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency, answers questions like: when i…

1
Books on Botox: What you can learn from this contemporary romance and a middle grade novel with a nasty bully 20:27

8M ago20:27

20:27

Books on Botox is back! This week we take a look at Yours Truly, a contemporary romance by Abby Jimenez as an example of how to succeed with dual Points Of View. And why Jake Burt's novel The Tornado is a dazzling example of how to write authentically about bullying in middle school. Don't miss it! Support the show Website: https://www.writerswithw…

1
Navigating the Difference between Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction, with editor Sangeeta Mehta 22:45

8M ago22:45

22:45

Are you stuck trying to figure out whether your work in progress is middle grade or young adult fiction? Are you stressed out that you don't know where your book fits on the shelf? This episode with industry-savvy editor Sangeeta Mehta, tackles the rules to follow about where a book fits, from character ages and topics discussed, to book length and…

1
TOP FIVE Deep Dive: 5 critical considerations when writing a series 17:01

8M ago17:01

17:01

Writing a series is no joke! It's hard enough to write one novel, but 2 or 4 or 8? You're going to want to listen to this list of tips critical to creating a sustainable series. 1. Pick your genre carefully 2. Consider type 3. Setting is crucial. 4. Have a plan 5. Use secondary characters Bonus: Know when to say peace out and move on! Make sure to …

1
Platform building, book covers, author freak outs and school visits: an interview with Lindsay Currie 44:06

9M ago44:06

44:06

Are book covers important for an author? How about platform building? Are school visits a viable author side hustle? How do you make that a success? On Episode 40, we dig into these questions, and so many more, with award winning author Lindsay Currie. Don't miss it! Visit Lindsay (and see the cover for It Found Us!) at www.lindsaycurrie.com Pre-or…

1
Writing a series? Or trying humor? This is a MUST listen! 26:46

9M ago26:46

26:46

This week on Writers With Wrinkles Books on Botox we look at the critical ingredient to making a series succeed. And how humor in the first person can keep a reader turning pages. Don't miss it! Books discussed: The Bullet That Missed, by Richard Osman The Polter-Ghost Problem, by Betsy Uhrig PS: we are moving most of our activity to Instagram, so …

1
Insider Tips from Agent & Author Eric Smith: why horror is having a moment, what is selling in YA right now and how to get noticed in a crowded field 30:10

9M ago30:10

30:10

Have you been wondering why horror is so popular right now? Do you want to know what is selling in YA and why? How about ways to make your story stand out to acquiring editors in a crowded field? Or maybe you want insight into why an agent passed on your manuscript? On episode 38, we get into the details with agent and author Eric Smith and answer …

1
TOP FIVE Deep Dive - 5 things to do when writing spooky middle grade fiction! 19:05

9M ago19:05

19:05

Join us as we test drive a new format! Our NEW Top Five Deep Dive is a list of writing tips you will want to keep handy as you journey through your manuscript (believe us, it IS a journey!) This week, we talk about spooky middle grade, a very hot segment of book sales right now. Tips include: 1. Start with a great hook - attention spans are limited…

1
How to write about neurodivergent characters with author Sally J. Pla 30:27

10M ago30:27

30:27

What we are talking about: how to write authentically about neurodivergent characters and foster understanding among readers; how to tackle difficult subjects in your writing how a setting inspired The Fire, The Water and Maudi McGinn, (out 7/11!!) About Sally J. Pla Sally’s books have been translated into many languages, garnered starred reviews, …

1
Story inspiration in your own backyard? Yes! Yes! Yes! 25:09

10M ago25:09

25:09

Books on Botox is BACK!! This week we look at ways to find writing inspiration and killer plots right in your own backyard. And how flipping the script on a conventional plot can give you a new perspective, and possibly a best selling novel. Books reviewed: Killers of a Certain Age, by Deanna Raybourn The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street, by Linds…

1
How to write heart pounding, thrilling action/adventure for kids with Misa Sugiura 24:00

10M ago24:00

24:00

What we are talking about: what to do and how to practice if you are switching genres as an author foolproof ways to make your pace lightning fast and, do you still need to do your homework if your idea is super original?? (hint: yes) About Misa Sugiura Misa's ancestors include a poet, a priestess, a samurai, and a stowaway. Momo Arashima Steals th…

1
The Unreliable Narrator: how to nail it! 23:52

10M ago23:52

23:52

A head’s up that we are changing the show format by splitting Books on Botox and the Hot Writing Tips into separate episodes. This lets us spend more time on both without ending up with a show that is just too freaking long. We hope it works for you and please share your feedback with us because that helps a lot. Today we are talking about unreliab…

1
Creating Captivating Nonfiction for Kids: A Conversation with author Rebecca Barone 34:10

11M ago34:10

34:10

Join us for a conversation with nonfiction author Rebecca Barone (Race to the Bottom of the Earth: Surviving Antarctica; Unbreakable: The Spies Who Cracked the Nazis' Secret Code; Mountain of Fire (coming Spring 2024). Approximately 3.5 million non fiction books are published each year, a full 88percent of all books published. So how do you write n…

1
Books On Botox: Venturing into the Made Up Worlds of The School for Good Mothers & I Am Smoke 23:51

11M ago23:51

23:51

What does it take to be a "good" mother? Join us as we dive into the dystopian world of Jessamine Chan's The School for Good Mothers, and talk about her take on the destructive nature of the idea of perfect motherhood. This novel illustrates how an everyday, normal thing like motherhood can be pushed to the limits of imagination and become somethin…

1
Writers With Wrinkles talks to award winning author, Hannah McKinnon 32:06

11M ago32:06

32:06

Join us as we talk to Hannah McKinnon, author of the recently released The Darlings. Hannah discusses the importance of reinvention and why you need to do your homework before querying agents and publishers. There is such great advice in this episode. Don't miss it! About Hannah Hannah Roberts McKinnon is the award winning author of 8 women's ficti…

1
Writers With Wrinkles - Books on Botox & a Hot Writing Tip: Remarkably Bright Creatures & The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn 27:45

11M ago27:45

27:45

Episode 29 Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn, by Sally J. Pla Visit our Bookshop.org site for all our featured books! For today's Hot Writing Tip, we discuss the questions you should ask your current agent or an agent you are considering working with. Important stuff, people!! 1v1MeDM The board i…

1
Writers With Wrinkles chats with middle grade authors Lisa and Matt McMann 46:01

11M ago46:01

46:01

Join us as we talk to middle grade writers Lisa and Matt McMann! Matt talks about the driving idea behind his new middle grade mystery series Monsterious, how he plotted multiple stories creating a unique pitch for publishers and how is debut year has gone. Lisa offers some practical marketing advice that you won't want to miss. About Matt As a pro…

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Beth McMullen Podcasts

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