Best Iron Advocate Podcasts (2024)

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You're an 'Orphaned' Author. Now What? 37:26

3d ago37:26

37:26

Send us a text In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid tackle the harsh realities of getting "orphaned" in publishing and offer practical tips for authors to navigate setbacks when their editors leave mid-project. They discuss proactive steps authors can take to protect their work, advocate for themselves, and manage…

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What Can the Mississippi’s Past Tell Us About Its Future? A Conversation with Historian John Anfinson 1:11:02

8d ago1:11:02

1:11:02

Send us a text Historian John Anfinson has spent much of his adult life working in jobs that keep him close to the Mississippi River, first with the US Army Corps of Engineers, then later with the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a part of the National Park Service. In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion about his career …

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Empowering Young Readers: A Conversation with Literacy Advocate E-Train 21:14

10d ago21:14

21:14

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa chat with teenage literacy advocate and podcast host, E-Train, who founded E-Train Talks Inc. to combat "book deserts" and promote literacy among underrepresented communities. E-Train discusses his journey into reading advocacy, the books that inspire young read…

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Query like a Pro: Agent Amy Nielsen Tells Us How 36:39

17d ago36:39

36:39

Send us a text Episode Summary: In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa chat with Amy Nielsen, a literary agent at Purcell Agency and a published author, about her experiences with both. Amy shares invaluable tips for querying, editing, and how to handle the ups and downs of the publishing industry. Guest Bio: Amy Nielsen is a liter…

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Traveling the Mississippi One Week at a Time: Anne Sherve-Ose's 13-Year Journey Down the River 50:29

22d ago50:29

50:29

Send us a text Every year, dozens of people load up their canoes or kayaks and set out to travel the length of the Mississippi River. Anne Sherve-Ose and two friends took a different approach. Over the course of 13 years, they paddled the Mississippi River one week at a time. In this episode, I talk with Anne Sherve-Ose about those trips. She descr…

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Beta Readers, Book Comps and Barley's Cupcake Crisis 23:24

1M ago23:24

23:24

Send us a text In episode 37 of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer listener questions about writing, with a focus on the differences between beta readers and critique partners, how to find critique partners, and advice on book comps for queries. Lisa also offers a PSA on dogs eating too many cupcakes. Key Discussio…

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The Dark Side of Steamboat Travel: The Disasters that Claimed Thousands of Lives on the Mississippi River 43:07

1M ago43:07

43:07

Send us a text Steamboats revolutionized travel, dramatically shortening the time it took to get from place to place. When we think of the peak period of steamboat travel, we often picture images of tall boats with lacy trim and passengers dressed in finery relaxing in elegant lounges. But those steamboats were also prone to catastrophic failure th…

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Behind the Scenes with Literary Agent Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

Send us a text In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid chat with Cathie Hedrick-Armstrong, literary agent at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Cathie discusses her journey in the publishing world, offering insightful tips on querying, writing from the heart, and maintaining professionalism on social media. Guest Bio…

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Much More than Snakes: The Unexpected Beauty and Unique Ecology of Snake Road 1:13:07

2M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

Send us a text In this episode, I talk with wildlife biologist Mark Vukovich about the unique area known as Snake Road. Located about 40 miles south of Chester, Illinois, Snake Road passes through the LaRue-Pine Hills and Otter Pond Research Natural Areas. It’s an area full of surprises any time of year, but it’s best known for a few weeks in sprin…

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What is going ON in the Middle Grade Market?? 26:41

2M ago26:41

26:41

Send us a text In this episode, Beth and Lisa take a look at the challenges facing middle-grade publishing, from declining sales to changes in bookstore stocking strategies, that seem to be all anyone can talk about! They share insights on how aspiring authors can adapt to the shifting landscape and stand out in a saturated market. Key Discussion P…

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Ask Beth & Lisa: How to Juggle Multiple Writing Projects...Or Not? 21:35

2M ago21:35

21:35

Send us a text In this listener Q&A episode of Writers with Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid answer a question about juggling multiple writing projects and staying focused. They share personal approaches to managing ideas and offer advice on how to prioritize projects for aspiring authors. Key Discussion Points Handling Multiple Wri…

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Explorers, Egos, and the Search for the Elusive Mississippi River Headwaters 35:48

2M ago35:48

35:48

Send us a text Today, we all know—assume—that the Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. How did we figure this out? Why does it matter? In this episode, I dig into the history of how European and American explorers searched the swamps and forests of Minnesota trying to figure out exactly where the Mississippi River springs …

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Navigating the Publishing World: Insights from Agent and Author Ann Rose 22:13

2M ago22:13

22:13

Send us a text In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa welcome literary agent and author Ann Rose to discuss the state of the publishing industry, what makes a debut novel stand out, and how to balance writing for the heart and the market. Guest Bio: Ann Rose is a literary agent at Tobias Literary Agency and an author of young adult…

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Winged Wonders: Unraveling the Mysteries of Dragonflies and Damselflies 43:15

3M ago43:15

43:15

Send us a text Amy Janik has a passion for winged creatures, which is how her professional career shifted from birds to insects in the order Odonata—dragonflies and damselflies. In this episode, we go deep into their world. After Amy describes how she got interested in dragonflies and damselflies, she offers a few tips about how to tell them apart,…

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Ask Beth & Lisa: Surviving the Query Trenches 22:34

3M ago22:34

22:34

Send us a text In this episode of Writers with Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid introduce a new segment called "Ask Beth & Lisa." They jump right into the challenges of surviving the query trenches, offering practical advice on managing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with seeking literary representation. Key Discussion Point…

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Insider Insights with Disney Hyperion Editor Rachel Stark 45:03

3M ago45:03

45:03

Send us a text In this episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Rachel Stark, an editor at Disney Hyperion, discussing the state of middle grade and graphic novels, and providing insights into the publishing industry's inner workings. They also delve into how authors can craft compelling submissions and navigate the complexities of book acquisitions. Guest…

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When Change is Possible: General John A. Logan’s Journey from Defending Slavery to Advocating for Equal Rights 1:06:03

4M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Send us a text John A. Logan grew up in a well-to-do household in Murphysboro, Illinois, in the years before the Civil War. He had political ambitions early, maybe even from the moment he took his first breath, but the trajectory of his career took some remarkable turns. In this episode, I talk with Betsy Brown and Laura Varner from the General Joh…

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Marketing Magic: Authentic Strategies for Children's Book Success with Alonzo Fuller 27:16

4M ago27:16

27:16

Send us a text (PLEASE NOTE: All comments and opinions in this podcast are strictly Alonzo's own.) In this episode, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmidt interview Alonzo Fuller, a marketing specialist for children's books at Andrews McMeel Publishing. They discuss marketing strategies, advice for introverted authors, and the importance of authen…

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Iron and Immigrants: The Mesabi Range Story with Aaron Brown 1:16:10

4M ago1:16:10

1:16:10

Send us a text Aaron Brown is a writer, teacher, and lifelong resident of the Mesabi Iron Range, an area that has produced an enormous share of the iron ore that built America and won two world wars. In this episode, we take a look at the Iron Ranges of Minnesota with Aaron Brown as our guide. Aaron describes the geography of mining in Minnesota, t…

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Write Shorter Books? Here's the scoop on that... 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

Send us a text Episode Summary Beth and Lisa discuss their summer activities and insights from the ALA conference, emphasizing the need for shorter middle-grade books and adaptability in writing. They also announce changes to their podcast format for improved content quality. Key Discussion Points Summer Vacation Reflections: Beth and Lisa reminisc…

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Behind the Book: Insider Tips from Editor Hannah Kimber on Crafting Standout Submissions 45:44

4M ago45:44

45:44

Send us a text Episode Summary: Hannah Kimber, associate editor at Andrews McMeel Publishing, shares insights on making book submissions stand out and the detailed acquisitions process. She emphasizes the importance of sensitivity readers, understanding market trends, and open communication between authors and editors. Guest Bio: Hannah Kimber is a…

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Outdoor Enthusiasm: Will Collins' Irrepressible Spirit for Adventure 1:05:23

4M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

Send us a text Some people have the outdoors in their blood. Will Collins is one of them. From the time he attended his first summer camp as a child, he felt drawn to the outdoors. In this episode, I talk with Will about his path from childhood summer camps in Wisconsin to multi-week expeditions in remote areas. In 2017, he paddled source-to-sea on…

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ENCORE EPISODE: Library Joy and Inclusivity: Mychal Threets on the Transformative Power of Libraries 31:03

5M ago31:03

31:03

Send us a text Mychal Threets is a librarian currently collaborating with PBS Kids. He's known for his viral videos highlighting library joy. At the time of this recording he was the Supervising Librarian for Solano County Library. Mychal began his journey with libraries at a young age, getting his first library card and job at the same branch he e…

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ENCORE EPISODE: Queen of the Beach Read, Author Hannah McKinnon 32:43

5M ago32:43

32:43

Send us a text Hannah McKinnon is an award-winning author of eight women's fiction and beach read novels with Simon & Schuster. Her notable titles include The Summer Club, (July 23rd), Message in the Sand, The View from Here, Sailing Lessons, The Summer House, Mystic Summer, and The Lake Season. Her latest release, The Darlings, came out on May 2nd…

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Mississippi River Monsters 45:50

5M ago45:50

45:50

Send us a text Did a 70-foot-long river behemoth really lurk in the river’s channel in the 1870s? Are there monsters in the river’s depths that have eluded us so far? In this episode, we delve deep into the Mississippi’s murky waters and mystical swamps to uncover stories about the terrifying creatures that we have imagined prowl the river. We also…

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ENCORE EDITION! Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published, with editor Erinn Pascal 34:31

5M ago34:31

34:31

Send us a text ENCORE EDITION! (One of our favs from season 2!) Erinn Pascal is the Senior Editor for Kids Books and Licensing at Andrews McMeel Universal. She has previously held editorial positions at Scholastic, Disney, and Simon & Schuster. Erinn grew up in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and holds a BFA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Eme…

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ENCORE: Insider Insights with Editor Sara Schonfeld 42:34

5M ago42:34

42:34

Send us a text ENCORE EDITION! (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…

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Boyce Upholt on the Making and Unmaking of the Mississippi River 1:09:58

5M ago1:09:58

1:09:58

Send us a text Very few people today have any memory of a relatively free-flowing Mississippi River. The scale and persistence of river engineering is staggering, and for many of us, the engineered Mississippi is the only Mississippi we have known. That’s one reason journalist Boyce Upholt’s new book is so important. In The Great River: The Making …

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The 31 Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge is NOW! 27:45

5M ago27:45

27:45

Send us a text Key Discussion Points: 1. Summer Slump in Writing: Beth and Lisa discuss how summer activities can lead to a writing slump and share personal experiences and tips for overcoming it. 2. Character Development: Lisa shares her struggle with her character's emotional journey and how understanding her character's background helped overcom…

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Must Listen Advice from TV Writer and Bestselling Middle Grade author Joshua Pruett 40:43

6M ago40:43

40:43

Send us a text In this episode, we welcome Joshua Pruett, a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, and Emmy Award winner. Pruett has written for both Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Doctor Who. He is currently a writer for the upcoming return of Phineas and Ferb and co-author of the Last Comics on Earth graphic novel series. His first solo…

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A Refuge for All: 100 Years of Conservation and Recreation at the Upper Mississippi Refuge 1:09:05

6M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Send us a text This year marks a major milestone, not just along the Mississippi but for conservation efforts across the United States. In June, the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge will celebrate its 100th anniversary. In this episode, I talk with Sabrina Chandler, Refuge Manager and Hallie Shulz, Visitor Services Manager about …

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Middle Grade Magic! Co Host Lisa Schmid Goes Deep with new novel Hart & Souls 35:52

6M ago35:52

35:52

Send us a text This episode features co-host Lisa Schmid discussing her upcoming middle-grade novel "Hart & Souls." The focus is on the challenges of writing a second novel, known as the sophomore slump, and the unique pressures and expectations that come with it. Key Discussion Points: 1. Introduction to "Hart & Souls" - Lisa introduces her novel …

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Trouble in River City: Kevin Klinkenberg on Why So Many Communities Are Struggling 1:07:31

6M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

Send us a text If you’re like me, as you’ve driven along the Mississippi River, or even around the country, you’ve noticed communities that aren’t doing too well. Many of these are older urban areas, but I see plenty of small towns struggling, too. What’s going on? Isn’t this just the free market at work? To dig into this issue, I invited my brothe…

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Voices in the Dark: Elevating Women in Horror with author Lindy Ryan 32:29

6M ago32:29

32:29

Send us a text Lindy Ryan, anthologist and horror author, discusses her debut horror novel Bless Your Heart, which explores themes of family, loss, and confronting monsters. She also discusses the intricacies of bringing an anthology to market. Key Discussion Points: Writing as Therapy: Ryan shares the personal beginnings of her writing journey, us…

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The 31-Day Build Your Author Platform Challenge! (We swear it will be fun!) 21:01

6M ago21:01

21:01

Send us a text Hosts: Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid Theme: The 31-Day Platform Challenge For: Aspiring authors looking for practical advice on building and enhancing their author platform. Key Discussion Points: Overview of the 31-Day Challenge: Aimed at building author platforms through daily, manageable tasks starting June 1st. Hosted in partners…

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Perseverance and Possibilities with author Bitsy Kemper 38:50

7M ago38:50

38:50

Send us a text In this episode, we interview Bitsy Kemper, a prolific author of children's books and a passionate advocate for authors navigating the publishing industry. The theme of this episode revolves around the resilience required in the publishing industry, including the personal challenges and triumphs of maintaining a career in writing ove…

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Introducing The Wild Mississippi: Your Guide to Understanding and Experiencing the Natural World of Old Man River 32:12

7M ago32:12

32:12

Send us a text For years, I’ve been visiting the places along the Mississippi and writing guidebooks about the history and culture of the towns and people. Now I’ve got something new to add to the list: a guide to the natural history of the river itself. In my new book, The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to the River’s Natural Wonders, I …

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

7M ago22:48

22:48

Send us a text 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 mai…

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

7M ago46:46

46:46

Send us a text 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, "Ma…

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Crooked Old River: Trapper Haskins' Mississippi River Voyage 1:14:00

7M ago1:14:00

1:14:00

Send us a text In July 2002, Trapper and Mandy Haskins set out an epic trip to row a handcrafted boat down the Mississippi. The boat performed great, but the grind of dodging industrial traffic around Baton Rouge wore them down, so they ended the trip at New Orleans. That decision turned out to be hard for Trapper to live with, so a few years later…

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

7M ago23:51

23:51

Send us a text 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 socia…

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Words Matter. Just ask picture book author Lisa Riddiough 28:45

8M ago28:45

28:45

Send us a text 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 …

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The Fight for the Upper Mississippi: Steven Marking on Will Dilg and the Birth of a Refuge 56:50

8M ago56:50

56:50

Send us a text In 1924, Will Dilg and the newly formed Izaak Walton League of America fought the proposed drainage of the lush Winneshiek Bottoms near Lansing, Iowa by lobbying for the creation of a new, unprecedented-in-scope federal refuge. In less than a year, they succeeded, and the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge was …

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

8M ago18:37

18:37

Send us a text 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 rejection…

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Editing Unveiled: Sara Schonfeld Tells You What You NEED To Know 42:13

8M ago42:13

42:13

Send us a text (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 pr…

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Flowing with Creativity: Sculptor Florence Bird and the Mississippi River 36:14

8M ago36:14

36:14

Send us a text The Mississippi River has inspired artists of many stripes, including Prairie du Chien-based sculptor Florence Bird. In this episode, I talk with Bird about her path into a career as a professional artist, how she found inspiration from the Mississippi, and the details of how she goes from idea to a life-sized bronze statue. Bird is …

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

8M ago21:13

21:13

Send us a text 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…

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Mastering Happily Ever After: The Art of Writing Romance with Patience Bloom 29:34

8M ago29:34

29:34

Send us a text 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. Vulnerab…

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Eclipse 2024: Getting the Most from the Experience in Missouri and Illinois 56:44

9M ago56:44

56:44

Send us a text On April 8, 2024, a full solar eclipse will make is way across North America from Texas to the Northeast. It’ll cross the Mississippi River south of St. Louis. Much of southeast Missouri and all of southern Illinois will be in the path of totality, with some places experiencing the eclipse for just over four minutes, including Trail …

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

9M ago19:53

19:53

Send us a text 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…

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