Shows
Pen PalsThe Final Chapter: Season One FinaleIt’s the season one finale! We’re talking endings—what makes them work, what makes them fail, and how we’re both rethinking the ends of our own books. Krisserin gets real about the feedback that’s forcing her to rewrite, and Kelton opens up about moral ambiguity, memoir structure, and what she’ll be working on over the summer. Plus: North & South yearning, Romantasy fatigue, and the rise of the goddamn.We’ll be back after Labor Day with Season Two—new guests, new books, and (hopefully) new success.Stay in touch with us over the summ...2025-06-0351 minPen PalsHow to Get a Literary Agent (Kind Of, Maybe)Krisserin and Kelton dive into the often soul-crushing world of querying literary agents, where finding representation feels like a high-stakes marriage proposal to strangers who might never write back. While Krisserin reflects on her 70-query journey that yielded more silence than success, Kelton discovers that her friend's surprise pitch to an agent might offer a shortcut she's not sure she wants to take. The duo unpacks the brutal mathematics of modern querying—where 44 queries is just the average—and debates whether Kelton should pivot from her novel-in-progress to the essay collection that's been hiding in plain sight across 160+ newsletter issu...2025-05-2756 minPen PalsThe Fool, the Villain, and the Wedgie: A Guide to Better CharactersKrisserin and Kelton dive deep into the art of character creation, exploring what makes fictional people compelling, memorable, and real. From their shared love of Murder Bot's sarcastic inner monologue to their hatred of clumsy coffee-spilling protagonists, they dissect the elements that make characters stick with readers long after the last page. The duo discusses developing well-rounded villains (because nobody likes a mustache-twirling baddie), the importance of character interiority without falling into exposition traps, and how everyday details like bathroom habits and eating styles can reveal everything about a person. Plus, Kelton shares her character-building technique of people-watching in...2025-05-2053 minPen PalsAI Is the Devil (And Other Light Topics)Kelton and Krisserin dive into their complicated relationship with artificial intelligence—which they lovingly refer to as "the devil." They share personal stories about how AI has affected their writing careers, including a heartbreaking moment when Krisserin discovered one of her alpha readers had unwittingly fed her novel manuscript to an AI tool. The hosts explore ethical boundaries, debate when AI use is appropriate versus exploitative, and discuss the environmental impact of this rapidly expanding technology. They also offer practical advice for writers navigating this new landscape, including the importance of developing a personal AI policy and having transparent co...2025-05-1353 minPen PalsBooks That Raised Us (And Broke Us)Remember that one book that made you cry in public? Or the series that basically raised you? In this episode, Kelton and Krisserin crack open their bookish brains and spill on the stories that stuck. From Kelton's pirate adventures to Krisserin's Victorian classics, they dive into their most formative reads and discuss how they schedule reading time between parenting and work. They share their comprehensive TBR lists, debate whether book adaptations ever live up to the hype, and reveal which authors make their "literary red flag" list (looking at you, Catcher in the Rye fans). Whether you're an epic...2025-05-0656 minPen PalsEmbracing your weird & finding your readersKelton shares the tough news of losing a client to AI, leading to a powerful discussion about finding and embracing your unique voice as a writer. The hosts explore writing about personal obsessions - from desert landscapes to intrusive thoughts - and how 'writing your weird' attracts the right readers. Krisserin finds her first alpha readers (including her mom!), they analyze Miranda July's boundary-pushing novel 'All Fours,' share tips for building a Substack audience, and Kelton explains how she uses tarot for creative guidance. Goals: Kelton balances job hunting with writing during nap times, while Krisserin searches for...2025-04-2956 minPen PalsBook Battles: Genres, Trends, and IP TheftKrisserin 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...2025-04-2257 min
Pen PalsSmash or Pass: Literary EditionIn 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...2025-04-1559 min
The Way We WordAre You A Good Literary Citizen?What informs your decision to buy a book vs just borrowing it? Does it matter how successful an author is as to whether or not you purchase? This week we are diving into what it means to be a good literary citizen based on a clip from the Pen Pals podcast with hosts Kelton Wright and Krisserin Canary. How should we profile our buying choices? Is it important to purchase books? How do sales impact authors, book deals, and what remains in print? Can we support the publishing industry and our local library at the same time? Angela and...2025-04-1046 min
Pen PalsThe Outliner vs. The PantserIn 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 wr...2025-04-0846 min
Pen PalsLiterary Pathways: AWP Bonus EpisodeIn 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...2025-04-0358 min
Pen PalsSlump City: Population You (And Every Other Writer)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...2025-04-011h 01
Pen PalsThe Imposter's Guide to Writing AnywayIn 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 thei...2025-03-2553 min
Pen PalsThe Financial Reality of Writing DreamsIn 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...2025-03-1853 min
Pen PalsThe Frodo Principle: Why No Writer Makes the Journey AloneIn 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 bu...2025-03-1150 min
Pen PalsLiterary Side Quests: When Distractions Derail Your WritingIn 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...2025-03-0459 min
Pen PalsThe Assassin at the Dinner TableWhat 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...2025-02-2553 min
Pen PalsThe Art of Taking a PunchIn this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton navigate the treacherous waters of writing workshops and editing, trading war stories about feedback that made them stronger (or at least made them cry in their cars). While Krisserin advocates for the safety of structured workshops and multiple drafts, Kelton embraces the wild west of publishing personal essays straight into the void - death threats and all. The friends set new goals: Kelton plans to leverage her in-laws' babysitting powers for seven solid hours of writing, while Krisserin commits to 5AM writing sessions (with accountability texts to prove it.2025-02-1841 min
Pen PalsGood Enough to Get Ghosted For a YearIn this episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton unpack what it really means to "be published," trading stories from their own winding paths through the writing world. While Kelton reflects on her journey from anonymous Tumblr confessions to bylines in The Guardian, Krisserin shares a fresh rejection letter from her year-long query journey and contemplates the various doors (and price tags) to literary success. The friends explore how privilege shapes access to traditional publishing paths, debate the value of MFAs versus real-world experience, and celebrate Kelton's impressive feat of writing 724 words one-handed while nursing her baby. Their candid...2025-02-1147 min
Pen PalsBe My Disappointed DadIn this debut episode of Pen Pals, Krisserin and Kelton launch their shared mission to support each other through the journey of publishing their first novels. While Kelton tracks her progress through word counts and steals writing moments between baby naps, Krisserin creates elaborate rituals with perfectly curated playlists and emotional support beverages to get into her creative zone.The friends establish their weekly accountability system, with Kelton diving into her first novel filled with magic and mystery, and Krisserin tackling revisions on a critical first chapter for upcoming workshop submissions. Their honest conversation about writing processes...2025-02-0157 min