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Writers With Wrinkles
Latest Episode

ENCORE: Editor Ivan Taurisano talks kidlit and IP

Send us a text In this encore edition, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisition process, and the evolving trends in middle-grade publishing. Guest Bio Ivan Taurisano is an Associate Editor at Abrams, specializing in children's licenses and intellectual property. His work includes novelty books, board books, graph...

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Recent Episodes

May 12, 2025

ENCORE: Editor Ivan Taurisano talks kidlit and IP

Send us a text In this encore edition, Beth and Lisa chat with Ivan Taurisano, Associate Editor at Abrams, who specializes in children's literature and intellectual properties. Ivan shares insider tips on creating standout submissions, navigating the acquisition process, and the evolving trends in …

Listen to the Episode
May 5, 2025

Love, Art & Storytelling in Rome: Brian Selznick on his new novel Run…

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. …

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April 28, 2025

Writing Scary, Querying Smart: Insider Tips with Agent & Author Carey…

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 …

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April 14, 2025

Writing Origin Stories! Do you have one?

Send us a text 🎙️ 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 w...

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March 31, 2025

If It Feels Not Normal, It’s Probably Not: Ask Beth & Lisa

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.

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March 17, 2025

Breaking Barriers in Publishing: Michele McAvoy on Small Press Succes…

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 ad…

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Recent Blog Posts

May 5, 2025

Love, Art, and Storytelling: Brian Selznick’s New YA novel Run Away W…

Episode Summary In this heartfelt episode, Beth and Lisa chat with Brian Selznick about his new YA novel Run Away With Me, a story of first love set in a nearly deserted Rome during the pandemic. Selznick shares how art, identity, and personal expe…

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April 28, 2025

From Ghosts to Gatekeepers: Publishing Insights with Agent and Author…

In this episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth and Lisa talk with author and literary agent Carey Blankenship-Kramer about her debut novel Ghost Scout’s Honor and the evolving challenges in the publishing industry. From query tips to industry …

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April 14, 2025

Wine, Spite & Shelf Wars? YES!

📝 Blog Post: 🎧 Title: “Wine, Spite & Shelf Wars: A Writer’s Origin Story” Episode Summary:In this lively "Ask Beth & Lisa" episode of Writers With Wrinkles, co-hosts Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share their writing o…

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About the Hosts

Beth McMullen Profile Photo

Beth McMullen

Author

Beth McMullen is the author of the Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls series , the Lola Benko, Treasure Hunter series, and The Secret of the Storm series (Aladdin/S&S).

She is also the author of the Spy Mom series (Hyperion).

Beth lives in Northern California with her husband, kids, and very grumpy cats. She's obsessed with podcasts and might give up writing in order to have more time to listen. Could happen.

Lisa Schmid Profile Photo

Lisa Schmid

Author

Lisa is the author of OLLIE OXLEY AND THE GHOST and HART & SOULS.

When not scaring up ghostly adventures, she visits schools and libraries to discuss writing and books. She lives in Northern California with her husband, son, two dogs, and one very sneaky hamster.

Reviews

Funny, Entertaining & Accurate

"I love listening to Lisa & Beth! Not only do they have great guests but they tackle real issues in the publishing industry and really look to help querying authors. Keep going ladies!"

Jocelyn Watkinson | Jan. 15, 2024

Like getting incredible children’s publishing advice from friends!

"Listening to Beth and Lisa is like getting insight into the children’s publishing industry from good friends. As seasoned authors who are still submitting and selling their work, their perspective br…"

Jill Terlep | Feb. 18, 2024

Such generous and knowledgeable hosts

"Two highly successful authors of both adult and children’s books share their deep knowledge of the industry from an idea to the sell. And they are in your corner each step of the way. If you are thin…"

Country Girl | Feb. 27, 2024

Love these ladies!

"I stumbled upon Writers With Wrinkles purely by accident, and I’m so glad I did. As a writer I love listening to them chat and laugh about this crazy career, and the author interviews are fantastic.…"

lvanweel | March 22, 2024

Top notch podcast on all things Kidlit

"Beth and Lisa are the real deal - and genuine in every way. In the know on craft, on top of trends, interviews and more, both writers share their insights, inform and engage listeners who leave feeli…"

Deb S. | Sept. 25, 2024
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