Krisserin celebrates completing her manuscript while Kelton makes significant progress on her novel. They tackle the challenging questions of where your book belongs in the literary marketplace, whether to read in your genre while writing, and how to position your work among similar titles. The hosts dive into Lynne Freeman's IP theft lawsuit against bestselling author Tracey Wolff and Wolff's agent Emily Sylvan Kim of Prospect Agency, discussing its implications for writers. Plus, they debate the importance of comp titles, and answer listener questions about writing motivation and organization tools. Join them for an honest conversation about navigating the competitive world of publishing without losing your creative vision.

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Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

Book Battles: Genres, Trends, and IP Theft

In this episode, Krisserin and Kelton catch up on their writing progress before diving into a spirited round of "Smash or Pass" with a literary twist. They debate everything from writing in book margins and killing off main characters to dream sequences and unreliable narrators. The conversation shifts to rapid-fire opinions on popular authors like Andy Weir, Sarah J. Maas, Emily Henry, and more. Krisserin shares her plan to finish revising her novel, while Kelton commits to writing 2,000 words in the coming week. Plus, they discuss the challenges of query letters and the joy of reading what you love versus what you "should" read.

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Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

Smash or Pass: Literary Edition

In this episode, Kelton and Krisserin flip the script on their expected writing styles, revealing that organized Krisserin is actually a passionate pantser while project-manager Kelton has embraced the power of outlining. They candidly dissect how these approaches shape their creative processes—from Krisserin feeling her way through first drafts to Kelton's revelation that structure finally helped her break through long-standing writing blocks. The hosts share how place profoundly inspires their work, whether it's Krisserin's formative desert years or Kelton's deep dives into local cemetery histories. They discuss the essential components of compelling stories, debate the merits of chronological writing versus scene-jumping, and confess their personal writing struggles (tense inconsistencies, anyone?). Along the way, they answer listener questions about creative inspiration and writing crutches while setting ambitious weekly word count goals. Whether you're team outline with color-coded stickies or team follow-your-characters-into-the-unknown, this conversation offers reassurance that there's no single "right way" to bring your stories to life—just the way that actually gets words on the page.

Write to us:
officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

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Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

The Outliner vs. The Pantser

In this special bonus episode, Krisserin takes you on a journey through the 2025 AWP Conference in Los Angeles, where she sought out the voices on the edges of the literary world rather than the mainstream publishing houses. From self-published epic fantasy writer Omari Richards to the undergraduate editors of Rock and Sling, from Chelsea Hodson's innovative Rose Books to Chiwan Choi's bold assertion that "in 2025, we no longer need permission to publish our work," these conversations reveal the many paths to getting your words into the world. Join Krisserin as she discovers that beyond the intimidating crowd of 12,000 writers lies a vibrant ecosystem of indie presses, writing communities, and alternative MFA programs that are redefining what it means to be published in today's literary landscape.

Featured Interviews:

Omari Richards, Author of "The Kimoni Legacy Book One: Initiation"
Website: omari-richards.com [https://omari-richards.com/]
Instagram: @omari_a_richards

Rock and Sling Literary Journal (Whitworth University)
Website: rockandsling.com [https://rockandsling.com/]
Instagram: @rock.and.sling

Zachary Jensen
Website: angelcityreview.com [https://angelcityreview.com/]
Instagram: @angelcityreview

Harrison Gale, Creative and Business Director of The Book Incubator
Website: thebookincubator.com [https://www.thebookincubator.com/]
Instagram: @book.incubator

Avitus B. Carle, Author of "These Worn Bodies"
Website: avitusbcarle.com [https://www.avitusbcarle.com/]
Instagram: @avitusbcarle

Victoria Bustamonte
MFA Program Coordinator for the Creative Writing Department at the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA)
Website: iaia.edu [https://iaia.edu/explore-programs/creative-writing-mfa/]

Chiwan Choi, Author of "Sky Songs"
Writ Large Projects (formerly Writ Large Press)
Website: writlargeprojects.org [https://www.writlargeprojects.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopEhGKciKI5fvGgzuszR-1Qb1ihNAOUFpKV1SZH00BSaGwO1jU6]
Instagram: @chiwan

Flo, Programming for Wendy's Subway
Website: wendyssubway.com [https://www.wendyssubway.com/]
Instagram: @wendyssubway

Chelsea Hodson, Publisher of Rose Books. Author and creator of Morning Writing Club
Rose Books: rosebooks.co [https://www.rosebooks.co/]
Morning Writing Club: morningwritingclub.com [https://www.patreon.com/chelseahodson]
Instagram: @chelseahodson_

Amy Brill, Author of "The Movement of Stars"
Website: amybrill.com [https://www.amybrill.com/]
Instagram: @amybrillbk

Thank you for listening to this special bonus episode! If you enjoyed these conversations about alternative paths to publishing, please subscribe to our podcast and share with other writers in your community.

Literary Pathways: AWP Bonus Episode

In this candid conversation, Kelton and Krisserin explore the inevitable writing slumps that all creators face. They share their personal experiences with creative blocks—from Kelton's newsletter struggles to Krisserin's post-querying paralysis—and offer practical strategies for pushing through. The hosts discuss how deadlines, accountability partners, and reconnecting with what you love about your work can reignite your creative spark. Plus, Krisserin takes us behind the scenes at the AWP conference in Los Angeles, where she found unexpected encouragement among thousands of aspiring writers. Whether you're feeling like your creative fire has dimmed to embers or you're stockpiling matches for the inevitable dark days ahead, this episode serves up the unfiltered truth about creative dry spells with a side of practical hope. As Kelton and Krisserin remind us—sometimes the best writing happens when you're feeling your way through the dark, one word at a time.

Get in contact with us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

Slump City: Population You (And Every Other Writer)

In this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton confront the demons of self-doubt that haunt their writing lives. Between morning pages and late-night edits, they unpack their deepest insecurities: Krisserin fears her technically-sound writing lacks soul, while Kelton wonders if she knows how to craft a novel at all. They swap strategies for silencing the critics – both external and internal – from reading work aloud to find its rhythm, to using other art as a 'pulley system' to escape creative ditches. Through tales of childhood competitive classmates and bosses who demanded humility after success, they recognize how much of their imposter syndrome comes from voices outside themselves. With their new approach of assigning each other goals, Krisserin commits to editing two specific chapters while maintaining her 5AM writing routine, and Kelton agrees to brain-dump her novel's treatment before tackling 1,500 new words. As they navigate their writing journeys, they discover that sometimes the most difficult character to write convincingly is the one who believes in herself.

Get in contact with us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

The Imposter's Guide to Writing Anyway

In this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton strip away the taboo of talking money in the literary world, tallying up the true cost of chasing publishing dreams. While Krisserin calculates the sobering $25,000 she's invested over thirteen years of classes, workshops, and editing services, Kelton weighs whether to accept a lucrative two-month project that would fatten her bank account but starve her novel of attention. Between tales of $3,000 writing retreats in Guatemala (where you're "hostage at a desk") and $1,800 workshops where esteemed authors might nod approvingly at your prose, they explore whether the path to publication is paved with privilege or accessible to all. The friends trade wisdom on free alternatives while confronting the reality that sometimes your 401K and your novel-in-progress are competing investments. Plus: Krisserin celebrates typing "THE END" on her manuscript, Kelton's color-coded Post-it wall earns her two precious hours of writing time, and they assign each other ambitious but achievable goals while acknowledging that sometimes, the best writing investment is simply time to let your ideas compost.

Get in contact with us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

The Financial Reality of Writing Dreams

In this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton tackle the sometimes awkward, often necessary world of building community and platform as writers. From Kelton's viral dog video that landed her in 'algorithm jail' to Krisserin's anxiety about attending the AWP, they explore the reality behind the numbers game of social media followings and the genuine connections that truly matter in publishing. The duo shares insights on building authentic relationships—whether through cold-emailing authors you admire or joining writing challenges like NaNoWriMo. Whether you're an Instagram influencer or a reclusive novelist, they remind us that the writing journey requires buddies to lift you up, validate your work, and occasionally tell you to 'wake the f*ck up.' Plus: Krisserin's spreadsheet triumph, Kelton's plan to organize scenes with post-it notes on the wall, and their shared ambitious goals for manuscript completion.


Get in contact with us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

No Writer Makes the Journey Alone

In this episode of Pen Pals, Kelton and Krisserin confront their greatest writing nemesis: distraction. While Kelton battles the twin challenges of a baby learning to poop and the allure of raccoon videos on her explore page, Krisserin struggles with 5 AM wake-up calls sabotaged by six-year-olds and structural uncertainties that leave her cursor blinking like a silent judge. The friends trade confessions about missed goals, with Kelton celebrating her modest 700 words amid sleepless nights, and Krisserin admitting defeat against her ambitious three-part to-do list. They explore how money worries, family demands, and self-doubt conspire against creativity, exchanging strategies from Kelton's desperate burpees to Krisserin's garage sanctuary. Through their characteristic mix of commiseration and tough love, the pair reveal that sometimes the biggest distraction isn't a tiny hand stealing your writing time - it's the voice in your head telling you your work isn't good enough to continue.

Get in contact with us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

Literary Side Quests: When Distractions Derail Your Writing

What happens when writers turn their pen toward family and friends? Kelton and Krisserin dive deep into the ethics and artistry of writing about real people - from Kelton's dating blog adventures to Krisserin's fictionalized family histories. They explore the delicate balance between honesty and respect, discuss generational trauma in storytelling, and debate when to ask permission versus beg forgiveness. Plus: the perils of pulling turds from tiny butts, the joy of 5 AM writing sessions, and why having a writer in the family is like having an assassin at the dinner table.

Get in contact with us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

The Assassin at the Dinner Table

Join writers and parents Krisserin Canary and Kelton Wright as they navigate the journey of publishing their first novels. From California to Colorado, these friends share their experiences with first drafts, revisions, query letters, and the rollercoaster of rejection. Each episode offers an honest look at balancing creative ambitions with daily life, featuring candid conversations about writing craft, time management, and staying motivated. Whether you're a fellow writer or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, Pen Pals proves that every creative journey is better with a friend.

Email us at: officialpenpalspod@gmail.com

Music by Golden Hour Oasis Studios

Kelton

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