In this Ask Beth & Lisa episode of Writers With Wrinkles, Beth McMullen and Lisa Schmid share updates on their current writing projects and dive into hot publishing topics: copyright oversight, AI-related lawsuits, and the rules of using brand names in fiction. They also unveil details for their new First Page Feedback segment and tease an upcoming Writers With Wrinkles retreat.
Guest Bio
No guest this week—just cohosts and authors Beth McMullen (Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls, Lola Benko Treasure Hunter, Secret of the Storm) and Lisa Schmid (Ollie Oxley and the Ghost), bringing candid advice and insider stories from the world of publishing.
Key Discussion Points
- Writing Updates: Lisa announces she’s pivoting from middle grade to writing cozy mysteries, while Beth wrestles with revisions on her dark psychological thriller. Both share challenges of voice, tense, and confidence in switching genres.
- Copyright Oversight: A cautionary tale about publishers failing to file proper copyrights—why authors must confirm their works are registered, the risks of neglect, and how it connects to ongoing AI lawsuits. Link for checking your copyright status: https://copyright.gov/
- Trademark Use in Fiction: Guidelines for mentioning real brands in your writing. Neutral product mentions (Coke, Nike) are fine, but avoid negative associations that harm a brand’s reputation. Learn when to invent fictional stand-ins and why publishers sometimes over-police brand references.
- First Page Feedback: Writers can now anonymously submit the first 350 words of a work-in-progress (picture book, MG, YA, or adult) for on-air feedback. Focus is on craft, clarity, and hook. Full submission details available at writerswithwrinkles.net
- Upcoming Retreat: Beth and Lisa tease a low-pressure writing retreat designed for community building, creativity, and wine—with hints about the Mark Twain Room at their chosen venue.
- Next Episode Preview: Agent Leslie Zampetti returns to discuss red flags and best practices for author-agent relationships.
Conclusion
This episode blends practical advice with personal storytelling—whether you’re navigating genre shifts, protecting your copyrights, or deciding how to handle trademarks in your manuscript. Don’t forget to check the show notes for the copyright lookup link, submission details for First Page Feedback, and to sign up for the Writers With Wrinkles newsletter at writerswithwrinkles.net
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