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Publishing First Novels
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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 ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes38Foundeda year ago
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Artwork for Pen Pals

Latest Episodes

We couldn't just talk about Emily Zipps' debut author survey — we had to talk to her. Krisserin and Kelton sit down with Emily herself — author of Alice Rue Evades the Truth and the forthcoming The Two Lives of Amelia Waxler (both from Dial Press) — ... more

What does a debut author actually get paid? Krisserin and Kelton dig into Emily Zips' survey data and don't love what they find—average two-book deals for $50K, most authors working day jobs, and advances that won't cover daycare.

Plus: Kelton's Sc... more

Krisserin panics her way through a grad school application (wrong link, wrong deadline, wrong page numbers), while Kelton enters the querying trenches—19 Google Docs open, three agents contacted, and the immediate certainty that something went wrong.... more

Kelton's inbox delivers a dream: an agent from a respected agency slid into her DMs after discovering her writing on Substack. The excitement is real—but so is the anxiety of navigating what comes next. Do you query other agents simultaneously? How d... more

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Recent Guests

Emily Halnon
USA Today bestselling author, trail runner, mountain athlete
Bestselling Author of 'To The Gorge'
Episode: Emily Halnon's Couch-to-Marathon for Writers: From Proposal to Bestseller
Olivia Muenter
Author and co-host of Bad On Paper Podcast
Bad On Paper Podcast
Episode: Olivia Muenter on Book Deals, Big Five Rejections, and Why Success Doesn't Cure Imposter Syndrome
Lesley Bannatyne
Author of 'Lake Song', expert on Halloween history and fiction writer
Mad Creek Books
Episode: Ghost Stories and Good Luck: Lesley Bannatyne on Contests, Craft, and the Spirit of Halloween
Chelsea Hodson
Author of 'Tonight, I'm Someone Else', publisher of Rose Books, and founder of the Morning Writing Club.
Rose Books
Episode: Chelsea Hodson on Tumblr Fame, Cold Emails, and Writing at 2:30 AM
Omari Richards
Author of 'The Kimoni Legacy Initiation' and self-publisher
Episode: Literary Pathways: AWP Bonus Episode

Hosts

Krisserin Canary
Co-host and writer who shares insights on balancing writing and parenting while exploring the emotional landscape of creative journeys.
Kelton Wright
Co-host and writer who discusses the creative process and personal experiences of managing family life alongside writing ambitions.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 51 ratings
  • Enjoy it!

    I really enjoy this podcast. As a querying writer, it’s reassuring to know that other professionals have the same struggles with writing & real life. Love the banter and honesty.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Stace1262003
    United States9 months ago
  • raw + real inspiring conversations

    so relatable for any creative — many opportunities for reflection and inspiration — feels like a fulfilling conversation with some of your best friends

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    lexisidle
    United Statesa year ago
  • Peaking behind the curtain

    Thoroughly enjoying the peak behind the curtain of novel writing! Can’t wait to dive deeper at the honest insight of the creative journey.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    stephgordo
    United Statesa year ago
  • The writing pals I needed

    Nice substitute when you don’t have a writing group.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Boboskiwatten
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The blend of humor and realism strikes a chord, making it seem like a supportive friend group rather than just a podcast.
Listeners appreciate the honest and relatable discussions about the challenges of writing and parenting.
Many find the insights shared by the hosts encouraging in their own creative endeavors and writing journeys.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Long-time Readers and Short-Lived Aunties: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Special
Q: What's the opposite of gratitude for you, and when do you think that serves you better?
The opposite is resentment, as it comes from frustration with things being unfair.
Long-time Readers and Short-Lived Aunties: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Special
Q: Do you think that gratitude is more of a feeling or a skill?
Gratitude is something you have to build up; it doesn't intuitively come to you.
Olivia Muenter on Book Deals, Big Five Rejections, and Why Success Doesn't Cure Imposter Syndrome
Q: What was the process of getting an agent like?
I was used to sending essays but had never shown anyone my fiction writing before and faced many rejections but ultimately found my agent through networking and persistence.
Olivia Muenter on Book Deals, Big Five Rejections, and Why Success Doesn't Cure Imposter Syndrome
Q: Were you worried that people wouldn't take your book seriously because you'd been an influencer?
Yes, I felt that internalized misogyny played a role here; I never liked saying I'm an influencer and worried it wasn't a real job.
Ghost Stories and Good Luck: Lesley Bannatyne on Contests, Craft, and the Spirit of Halloween
Q: How do you approach marketing your books?
Lesley mentions the importance of being active in the literary community for publicity, emphasizing that marketing is a significant part of a writer's job, particularly when self-publishing or not working with an agent.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pen Pals

What is Pen Pals about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A community of aspiring authors and creators comes alive as hosts engage listeners with personal stories, struggles, and triumphs on their journey to publishing their first novels. Each episode focuses on the intricate balance between personal lives, writing craft, and the reality of navigating the literary world—a refreshing mix of practical advice, emotional vulnerability, and encouragement. Topics such as time management, query letters, rejection, and the importance of mentorship provide invaluable insights, while the camaraderie between the hosts adds a relatable, friendly voice to the challenges of writing and parenting. This unique blend of honesty and humor positions the content as essential for fellow writers and those interested in... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Pen Pals?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Pen Pals:

1. Bad On Paper
2. The Shit No One Tells You About Writing
3. Happier in Hollywood
4. Glamorous Trash: A Celebrity Memoir Podcast
5. Giggly Squad

How many episodes of Pen Pals are there?

Pen Pals launched a year ago and published 38 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Pen Pals?

Recent guests on Pen Pals include:

1. Emily Halnon
2. Olivia Muenter
3. Lesley Bannatyne
4. Chelsea Hodson
5. Omari Richards

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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