Pen Pals
Books & Literature
About
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
Episodes
- Alli Hoff Kosik on Writing Christian Influencers with Heart in Too Blessed to Stress
Alli Hoff Kosik joins Pen Pals to discuss her novel, "Too Blessed to Stress," which explores Christian influencer culture. She shares insights into writing complex female characters and the intersections of social media, capitalism, faith,…
- The Compulsive Liar at Your Desk: A Conversation About AI and Reading
Krisserin and Kelton share their current states of exhaustion and modest goal achievements. They delve into listener questions about AI in the workplace versus personal writing, reading practices, and the option of self-publishing, alongsi…
- Rachael Maddux on Self-Publishing a Book You Can't Let Go
Writer Rachael Maddux shares her experience self-publishing a book after a 14-year writing process and failed traditional publishing attempts. The episode details the mechanics of self-publishing and addresses the stigma associated with it…
- Who Are We Writing For—And Who Are We Reading?
Krisserin and Kelton delve into the purpose of books, discussing who they are written for and who we choose to read. Krisserin addresses listener feedback on her reading preferences, leading to a nuanced conversation about reader-writer co…
- Ramona Ausubel on Getting Unstuck
Ramona Ausubel joins Pen Pals to discuss her book "Unstuck," focusing on embracing writer's block as a normal part of the process and employing techniques like the "20-minute doorway" and "structured play" to navigate creative challenges w…
- Our First-Draft Summer Pact
On the "Pen Pals" podcast, hosts Krisserin and Kelton announce a summer pact to complete their first drafts by Labor Day. They share writing updates and discuss books including Kazuo Ishiguro's "Never Let Me Go" and Juliet Marillier's "Dau…
- "No Agent Is Better Than a Bad Agent": Lauren Khan on Finding the Right Fit
Literary agent Lauren Khan shares her path from corporate lawyer to agent, discussing her query strategy and client expectations. Hosts Krisserin and Kelton also discuss their own writing projects and experiences.
- Art Witch, Money B*tch: Courtney Maum on Writing Across Genres and Getting Paid
This episode features author Courtney Maum discussing her career writing across genres, balancing artistic and financial aspects of writing, and her strategies for navigating the publishing industry, including her "anti-workshop workshop."
- Bad News at 5AM, Good News from New Mexico, and the Minimum Viable Writing Week
Krisserin received joyful news of her MFA acceptance in New Mexico, while Kelton focused on writing her novel's climax and preparing her Rewilding course. They discuss Kelton's "living week" concept for sustaining a writing practice and Kr…
- The Co-Host Lore Episode
Krisserin and Kelton discuss their personal histories, including childhood experiences and their journeys to becoming writers, on the Pen Pals podcast.
- From Dramatically Quitting Writing to a Major Two-Book Deal: Rachel Hochhauser on Lady Tremaine
Rachel Hochhauser discusses her path to publishing her novel Lady Tremaine, including overcoming writing setbacks and securing a two-book deal. She shares insights on the editing process and balancing creative vision with market demands.
- Cait Flanders: From Blog Experiment to Bestseller (and Back Again)
Author Cait Flanders shares the story behind her book "The Year of Less," which began as a blog experiment and became a bestseller. She also discusses publishing, advances, and audience engagement.
- Bonus Episode: Inside the Debut Author Survey with Emily Zipps
This episode features a conversation with author Emily Zipps about her debut author survey. Zipps discusses the inspiration for the survey, what surprised her in the results, and elements she found genuinely hopeful.
- What Debut Authors Actually Get Paid (And Why We're Mad About It)
This episode of Pen Pals explores the financial realities for debut authors, using survey data to show low average deal amounts and the prevalence of authors maintaining day jobs. The hosts also discuss related topics like agent searches a…
- Mark Sarvas on Writing Novels That Can't Be Ignored
In this episode of Pen Pals, author Mark Sarvas shares his extensive writing journey, from screenwriter to novelist, detailing his path to finding an agent, navigating the publishing industry, and his unique workshop philosophy.
- When a Miracle Slides Into Your DMs: On Agents, Advances, and Anxiety
This episode of Pen Pals details the journey of finding a literary agent, covering how to research and query, what to look for in representation, and realistic expectations around book deals and advances.
- Paper Prototypes and Publishing: Vicki Tan's Non-Traditional Book Deal
Vicki Tan details her unique journey to publishing her interactive book "Ask This Book a Question," including her use of paper prototypes and navigating the traditional publishing industry. She discusses the challenges of pitching unconven…
- "Never Save the World": JT Ellison on 30 Books, Citrine Magic, and Writing Through the Darkness
JT Ellison, author of over 30 novels, discusses the realities of a 20-year writing career, including co-writing, pen names, and overcoming industry challenges. She shares her current goal of finding ease in her writing process and reveals…
- The Capricorn and the Libra: Our Year in Review
In their final 2025 episode, Krisserin and Kelton review their year of growth, marked by achievements like landing an agent and completing a duology. They discuss Kelton's detailed 'Year of 40' plans and Krisserin's MFA and book deal aspir…
- Writing Through December Chaos
In this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton discuss strategies for maintaining writing habits during December
- Stop Tap Dancing in Your Query Letter: Ali Gordon's Path to Publication
Ali Gordon details her unique journey to publishing her debut novel, written during the pandemic as an escape and a meditation on grief. She explains her shift from traditional querying to directly approaching independent publishers, event…
- Long-time Readers and Short-Lived Aunties: A Thanksgiving Gratitude Special
This Pen Pals episode features Krisserin and Kelton discussing gratitude as a skill for writers facing rejection and ambition. They address listener questions about returning to old projects and reflect on how family, mentors, and financia…
- Emily Halnon's Couch-to-Marathon for Writers: From Proposal to Bestseller
Bestselling author Emily Halnon discusses the challenges of the publishing industry, including platform requirements and market bias. She shares practical advice on book marketing, launch strategies, and the importance of authenticity and…
- Writing Through the Doldrums
Krisserin and Kelton of Pen Pals candidly discuss the writer's doldrums, sharing their struggles with creative momentum amidst parenting and work demands. They explore challenges like novel development, newsletter sustainability, and holid…
- Olivia Muenter on Book Deals, Big Five Rejections, and Why Success Doesn't Cure Imposter Syndrome
This episode features Olivia Muenter discussing her journey to publication, the persistence of imposter syndrome despite success, and strategies for sustainable creative work, including journaling and curating writing spaces. The conversat…
- Ghost Stories and Good Luck: Lesley Bannatyne on Contests, Craft, and the Spirit of Halloween
Author and Halloween historian Lesley Bannatyne shares her path to publication, contest wins, and writing insights with Krisserin and Kelton on Pen Pals. The discussion touches on writing community, inspiration, and the enduring power of s…
- Chelsea Hodson on Tumblr Fame, Cold Emails, and Writing at 2:30 AM
Chelsea Hodson, author of "Tonight I'm Someone Else," shares her journey to publication, detailing her rise through a disciplined Tumblr project and her experiences with rejection. She offers insights on overcoming perfectionism and the im…
- Keep Fishing: How to Build Confidence as a Writer
This Pen Pals episode features hosts Krisserin and Kelton discussing the challenges of building writer confidence, especially for women. They share personal anecdotes and practical strategies, emphasizing the importance of community and co…
- Finding Your Voice (And Other Terrifying Feedback)
Kelton and Krisserin, hosts of Pen Pals, discuss the challenges of receiving and implementing major editorial feedback, focusing on the concept of "authorial voice." They explore how to choose the right narrative form for a story and share…
- Speaking Success Into Existence (Plus Actual Magic)
Krisserin announces she has secured literary representation following manuscript consultations with Kima Jones. Kelton and Krisserin discuss the roles of ritual, intuition, and intentionality in their creative lives, and the power of speak…
- Back to Work: The Autumn Novel Theory (And Other Excuses)
Krisserin and Kelton return for Season 2, discussing their summer writing experiences, including challenges with feedback and editing. They explore the practicalities of fitting writing into busy lives, the financial realities of publishin…
- The Final Chapter: Season One Finale
The season one finale of Pen Pals discusses book endings, including what makes them successful or unsuccessful, and personal writing adjustments. Topics include feedback influencing rewrites, moral ambiguity, memoir structure, Romantasy fa…
- How to Get a Literary Agent (Kind Of, Maybe)
Krisserin and Kelton delve into the difficulties of querying literary agents, drawing from Krisserin's extensive querying experience and Kelton's contemplation of a different writing project. They examine the statistics of querying, the be…
- The Fool, the Villain, and the Wedgie: A Guide to Better Characters
Krisserin and Kelton explore the art of character creation, discussing what makes fictional characters compelling and memorable. They cover developing villains, interiority, and using everyday details to reveal character, sharing personal…
- AI Is the Devil (And Other Light Topics)
Kelton and Krisserin share their personal experiences with AI's impact on their writing careers, discussing ethical boundaries, exploitative use, and environmental concerns. They offer advice for writers on creating AI policies and maintai…
- Books That Raised Us (And Broke Us)
In the Pen Pals episode 'Books That Raised Us (And Broke Us)', hosts Kelton and Krisserin share formative books from their childhoods and discuss how they incorporate reading into their lives while balancing parenting and work. They also t…
- Embracing your weird & finding your readers
The Pen Pals podcast episode "Embracing your weird & finding your readers" covers finding a unique writing voice, exploring personal obsessions, and attracting the right audience. Hosts also discuss analyzing literature, audience building…
- Book Battles: Genres, Trends, and IP Theft
On Pen Pals, hosts Krisserin and Kelton discuss navigating the literary marketplace, genre trends, and IP theft, referencing a lawsuit against author Tracey Wolff. They also cover comp titles, writing motivation, and organization.
- Smash or Pass: Literary Edition
Krisserin and Kelton discuss their writing progress and engage in a literary-themed "Smash or Pass" game, covering various writing techniques and authors. They also share personal writing goals and discuss reading habits.
- The Outliner vs. The Pantser
In this episode of Pen Pals, hosts Kelton and Krisserin explore their unexpected writing styles, with the organized Krisserin embracing the 'pantser' method and project-manager Kelton utilizing outlining. They delve into how these approach…
- Literary Pathways: AWP Bonus Episode
This bonus episode of Pen Pals features Krisserin's journey through the 2025 AWP Conference in Los Angeles. The episode highlights alternative publishing routes through interviews with self-published authors, undergraduate editors, and lea…
- Slump City: Population You (And Every Other Writer)
Kelton and Krisserin discuss the inevitable writing slumps creators face, sharing personal experiences and strategies such as deadlines, accountability partners, and reconnecting with their passion to overcome creative blocks.
- The Imposter's Guide to Writing Anyway
In this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton explore imposter syndrome in their writing, discussing insecurities about lacking soul or novel-writing ability. They share strategies like reading work aloud and using other art forms to o…
- The Financial Reality of Writing Dreams
In this episode of Pen Pals, hosts Krisserin and Kelton delve into the financial realities of a writing career. They discuss the significant investments required for classes, workshops, and retreats, compare these costs to potential income…
- The Frodo Principle: Why No Writer Makes the Journey Alone
Krisserin and Kelton discuss the challenges and rewards of building a writing community and platform. They share insights on authentic relationship building, social media realities, and the necessity of support for writers, using personal…
- Literary Side Quests: When Distractions Derail Your Writing
In this episode of Pen Pals, hosts Kelton and Krisserin discuss the challenges of writing distractions, including family demands and self-doubt. They share personal anecdotes and coping strategies, emphasizing that internal struggles can b…
- The Assassin at the Dinner Table
Kelton and Krisserin discuss the ethics of writing about real people, balancing honesty with respect, and the challenges of fictionalizing family histories, comparing it to having an assassin at the dinner table.
- The Art of Taking a Punch
In this episode of Pen Pals, hosts Krisserin and Kelton share their experiences with writing workshops and editing. They discuss different approaches to publishing and set personal writing goals for the future.
- Good Enough to Get Ghosted For a Year
Krisserin and Kelton share their experiences with the publishing industry, discussing the challenges and realities of becoming a published author. They touch on privilege, education, and the importance of forging one's own path.
- Be My Disappointed Dad
In the first episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton discuss their writing processes and establish an accountability system to support each other in publishing their first novels.