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 Emerson College. When she's not editing, Erinn enjoys veganizing family recipes, taking her mini Bernedoodle, Obi, to the dog park, practicing Pilates, and shopping at local farmer's markets. She currently resides in Los Angeles.

Key Discussion Points
1. Making Submissions Stand Out: Erinn emphasizes the importance of thorough research into the recipient of a submission, knowing their preferences, and understanding their existing catalog. She highlights the necessity of clear communication regarding an author’s goals and vision for their book.
2. Trends in Publishing: Erinn discusses the current trends, including the popularity of manga, anime-inspired art, horror, and graphic novels. She also notes the value of niche markets and creative stories.
3. The Acquisition Process: Erinn outlines the detailed acquisition process at Andrews McMeel Universal, from initial submission reviews to final decisions, including the role of sales and marketing teams.
4. Author Platforms: The discussion touches on the importance of an author's platform, noting that while a large following can influence print runs, it is not the sole factor in acquisition decisions. The content of an author’s social media is also considered, especially for children's book authors.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Erinn expresses her interest in acquiring books that normalize different neurodivergences and religious minorities without making them the central theme of the story.

Conclusion
Erinn Pascal offers valuable insights into the publishing industry, from crafting standout submissions to navigating current trends and understanding the acquisition process. Her emphasis on meaningful partnerships between authors and editors, along with her commitment to diversity and inclusion, provides a comprehensive view of what it takes to succeed in today's publishing landscape.

Mentioned Links
- Visit Andrews McMeel Universal
- Follow Erinn Pascal on Twitter for updated manuscript wishlists

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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 acquisitions process, and invaluable advice for writers on submissions, social media presence, and the evolving landscape of genre blending in literature. Sara's passion for nurturing authors and her editorial expertise shine through, offering a treasure trove of wisdom for both aspiring and seasoned writers.

In This Episode:
1. Sara's Entry into Publishing: Discover Sara's intriguing start in the publishing industry through a serendipitous project with Dr. Seuss's The Grinch Mad Libs.
2. Editorial Philosophy: Gain insight into Sara's approach to editing, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the author's vision while keeping the reader in mind.
3. Juggling Editorial Projects: Understand the complexity and organization behind managing multiple books at various stages of publication.
4. The Submission Standouts: Learn what makes a manuscript shine in the crowded publishing landscape, including the significance of genre knowledge and the infusion of personal voice.
5. Behind the Acquisitions Veil: Get a rare peek into the acquisitions process, demystifying what happens behind the scenes and how decisions are made.
6. Editing Process Explained: Delve into the detailed and iterative process of editing, from big-picture feedback to line edits, and the collaborative nature of bringing a book to fruition.
7. Social Media for Writers: Hear Sara's thoughts on the role of social media in a writer's career and the importance of authenticity.
8. Genre Blending and Wishlist: Discover Sara's enthusiasm for genre-blended manuscripts, especially those that merge speculative elements with rom-com vibes.

Highlights:
- Advice for Aspiring Authors: Practical tips on standing out in submissions, including the critical role of competitive titles and authentic storytelling.
- Acquisitions Deep Dive: An insider's view on how books are selected for publication and the collective excitement that drives editorial meetings.
- The Future of Genres: Sara's anticipation for innovative genre blends and her call for submissions that push creative boundaries.

Website: https://www.saraschonfeldbooks.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraSchon

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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 overcome writing challenges.

3. Author Accelerator Book Coaching: Beth talks about her experience with the Author Accelerator's book coaching certification, emphasizing the importance of understanding a character's motivations.

4. Platform Building Challenge: Recap of the platform building challenge that starts on June 1st, with daily tasks to help authors build their platforms. The challenge is collaborative, involving various social media platforms. USE #wwwplatformchallenge to tag your posts!

5. Upcoming Book Events: Lisa discusses her book launch events for "Hart & Souls," including signings and panel discussions at the ALA conference.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Beth and Lisa discuss the challenges of maintaining writing momentum during the summer and the importance of deep character development. They also introduce a 31-day platform building challenge for authors starting June 1st.

Mentioned Links:
- Episode 19 (for platform challenge details)
- Bitsy Kemper's Platform Challenge
- Writers with Wrinkles Website

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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 middle-grade series, Gyro and the Argonauts, will be released by Andrews McMeel Kids in the summer of 2025.

Key Discussion Points

1. Journey to Success:
   - Joshua Pruett shares his excitement about his upcoming middle-grade series, Gyro and the Argonauts. Inspired by  a passion for Greek mythology, Pruett has crafted a story that reimagines monsters as heroes.
   - He discusses the creative process behind this book, emphasizing the importance of taking control of one's narrative and the theme of breaking free from societal expectations.

2. Writing Collaboratively:
   - Pruett discusses his collaborative writing process with Max Brailler on the Last Comics on Earth series. He highlights the dynamic nature of their partnership and the creative synergy that fuels their work.
   - He explains the concept of Last Comics on Earth, where the protagonists create their own comic book series within the post-apocalyptic world they inhabit, blending humor and adventure.

3. Transition to Television:
   - Reflecting on his transition from feature animation to television, Pruett discusses his experience writing for several popular shows. He appreciates the frequent opportunities for storytelling that TV offers compared to the slower pace of feature animation.
   - He shares anecdotes about the collaborative environment in TV writers' rooms and the joy of contributing to beloved series like Doctor Who.

4. Balancing Solo and Collaborative Projects:
   - Pruett talks about the contrast between collaborative projects and solo endeavors. He finds value in both approaches, appreciating the solitude of writing novels while also enjoying the team dynamics in TV writing.
   - He mentions the strategic aspects of his career, where he balances personal creative control with collaborative opportunities.

5. Advice for Aspiring Writers:
   - Joshua Pruett encourages aspiring writers to create and produce their work, especially during challenging times in the industry. He advises against waiting for permission and emphasizes the importance of being proactive.
   - He stresses the significance of writing what one loves and strategically planning one’s career to leverage small opportunities into larger successes.

Mentioned Links
Joshua Pruett's Linktree

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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 about Stix Hart, a sixth-grader dealing with anxiety from past bullying. He meets three ghosts with unresolved issues and helps them move on.

2. The Sophomore Slump
    - Beth and Lisa discuss the difficulties of writing a second novel and the pressures that come with following up a debut success.

3. Inspiration Behind the Story
    - Lisa shares a personal story about her son’s middle school experience and how an encounter with a troubled bully inspired "Hart & Souls."

4. Middle-Grade Writing
    - The importance of making books accessible, fun, and educational without being preachy. Lisa balances serious issues with an engaging narrative.

5. Lessons from the First Novel
    - Lisa reflects on the lessons learned from her debut, "Olly Oxley and the Ghost," and how they influenced her approach to her second novel.

6. Real-Life Issues in Fiction
    - Addressing topics like bullying, anxiety, LGBTQ+ issues, parental abuse, and racism in middle-grade fiction. Lisa highlights the importance of reflecting real-life struggles in a relatable way.

7. Writing Process and Craft
    - The challenges of creating multiple story arcs and weaving them together. Lisa emphasizes the importance of reading across genres to improve writing craft.

8. Advice for Aspiring Authors
    - Tips for those starting their second novel, including changing the point of view to ensure distinct characters and stories.

This episode provides a deep dive into the creative process behind "Hart & Souls," highlighting the challenges and triumphs of writing a second novel. Lisa Schmid's insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring authors and middle-grade enthusiasts.

Listeners are encouraged to pre-order 'Hart & Souls' and attend Lisa's book launch on July 27th at Ruby's Books in Folsom, where she will be in conversation with Beth McMullen. Additionally, Lisa will be at the ALA conference in San Diego on June 29th and 30th, signing books and participating in a panel discussion.

Links Mentioned:
- Pre Order Hart & Souls
- Ruby's Books
- ALA Conference

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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, using her narratives as a means to cope with the loss of her grandmothers and to celebrate the women in her family.

Anthology Curating: The process of assembling an anthology is detailed, highlighting the logistical challenges and creative fulfillment it brings, alongside tips on managing contributions from multiple authors.

Women in Horror: A discussion on the historical underrepresentation of women in the horror genre and the positive shifts towards inclusivity and diversity, as well as horro sub-genres like f 'cozy horror'.

Transition to Screen: Insights into the adaptation of literary works into films and TV, underscoring the need for flexibility and openness to reinterpretation in the screenwriting and production processes.

Empowering Women Writers: The importance of community and mentorship among women in horror is emphasized, encouraging female authors to engage and support each other in the genre.

The episode concludes with a message of solidarity and encouragement for women navigating the horror genre, advocating for community engagement and mentorship. Listeners are encouraged to explore Ryan's work, Mother Knows Best, a newly released anthology perfect for Mother's Day.

Mentioned Links:
- Lindy Ryan's website
- Bless Your Heart on Amazon
- Mother Knows Best anthology on Amazon

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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:

1. Overview of the 31-Day Challenge: Aimed at building author platforms through daily, manageable tasks starting June 1st. Hosted in partnership with Bitsy Kemper. Details can be found on their blog at Writers with Wrinkles.
2. Importance of Author Platforms: Both hosts emphasized the necessity of having a platform as a modern author, whether you're self-published or traditionally published. Platforms provide visibility and connectivity with potential readers.
3. Practical Tasks: The challenge includes varied tasks such as defining your brand, considering starting a blog or newsletter, and possibly updating or creating a website. Examples like setting up a basic site on Wix were discussed to demystify technology for users.
4. Engagement Tips: Tips on social media engagement strategies were shared, such as choosing platforms that align with your target audience, content consistency, and the use of polls and follower engagement to increase interaction.
5. Getting Ready: Preparation for the challenge involves thinking critically about one's brand and the specific audience they intend to reach. Defining these elements early can significantly enhance platform effectiveness.

Conclusion:
The episode wraps up with encouragement to participate in the upcoming 31-Day Platform Challenge. It stresses the importance of having a clear strategy for online presence. Visit the Writers With Wrinkles Blog for more details or the Writers With Wrinkles Linktree

Challenge hashtag:  #wwwplatformchallenge
Sample Challenge Calendar
Challenge Prep - what to think about before you start!

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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 over time. The discussion also touches on ghostwriting and practical advice for aspiring authors.

Key Discussion Point

1. Bitsy Kemper's Journey: From marketing to becoming a celebrated children's book author, highlighting her persistence and adaptability.

2. Overcoming Rejection: We discuss how to handle rejection in the publishing world, emphasizing it's not personal but rather about finding the right fit.

3. Ghostwriting and Writing for Hire: Bitsy explains her experiences and the skills necessary to succeed in ghostwriting, including how to adopt the voice of the client and the importance of discretion.

4. Advice for Aspiring Authors: Practical tips on navigating the publishing landscape, leveraging platforms like SCBWI, and how to use personal and professional challenges as growth opportunities.

5. Thirty-One Day Author Platform Challenge: Bitsy introduces a program designed to help writers enhance their online presence incrementally, which is crucial in today’s digital-forward publishing environment.

Bitsy's insights provide invaluable lessons on perseverance, not taking rejections personally, and strategic career maneuvers in writing. She emphasizes the importance of community support, continuous learning, and strategic marketing to sustain a successful writing career.

Mentioned Links:
Website
31 Day Platform Challenge
List of Publishers

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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 and have their own development arc.
- They can reflect, challenge, and highlight aspects of the protagonist, aiding in their growth.
- Secondary characters should impact the plot, offering information and altering the course of the narrative.
- Every character introduced must serve a purpose to the plot or character development.
- It’s important to avoid filler characters and “kill your darlings” if they don't contribute to the story.
- Distinctive traits or quirks should serve the story and make characters memorable.
- Complex relationships between main and secondary characters enrich the narrative and drive character growth.
- Secondary characters can embody themes or contribute symbolically to the story’s message.

Conclusion:  
Secondary characters are pivotal to storytelling success. They must be multi-dimensional, engaging, and crucial to the plot and theme. For aspiring and working writers, respecting the craft of creating secondary characters can lead to richer narratives and more compelling storytelling,  engaging readers who seek depth and authenticity in the stories they read. Listeners are encouraged to develop their secondary characters with care and intention.

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Hosts: Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid

Theme: Writer Resilience, Success

Key Discussion Points:

1. 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.
2. Celebrating Recent Successes:
   • Matt's book, "Matt Sprouts and the Curse of the Ten Broken Toes," hits bestseller lists.
   • Discussion on dealing with imposter syndrome and the overwhelming nature of success.
3. The Realities of Publishing:
   • The challenges of gaining visibility and the perseverance required in the face of rejection.
   • The impact of social media presence and pre-sale records on publishing opportunities.
   • Understanding the nature of book deals and the industry's unpredictability.
4. Self-Publishing Insights:
   • Matt's experiences and learnings from self-publishing, including Kickstarter funding and distribution struggles.
   • The importance of pivoting strategies and learning from rejection to enhance one’s writing and querying process.
5. Social Media Strategy:
   • Matt’s approach to building an authentic social media presence without overtly promoting his books.
   • The significance of being genuine, consistent, and engaging in storytelling on social media platforms.
   • Lessons learned from viral content and maintaining a focus on genuine engagement over chasing trends.

Conclusion:
The episode encapsulates the highs and lows of a writer's life, emphasizing hard work, resilience, and adaptability. Matt's journey from an unknown teacher and writer to a celebrated author exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the publishing world and the importance of staying true to one's craft and vision.

Find Matt here.

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