Author Liz Alterman Reveals Her Weekly Writing Ritual That Transforms First Drafts Into Gold And How to Know When Your Story Idea Is Worth Writing

7 snips

Jul 16, 2025

Liz Alterman, a bestselling author known for her gripping thrillers like 'You Shouldn't Have Done That', shares her unique approach to writing. She discusses her weekly read-aloud sessions to refine character voices and emphasizes testing story ideas before deep diving into writing. Alterman reveals her shift from traditional publishing to a flexible indie model, and how innovative pricing strategies can enhance book success. This conversation is packed with actionable insights for aspiring writers navigating their creative journeys.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Pricing Impacts Book Reach

Pricing books affordably, like 99 cents for an ebook, can significantly increase accessibility and reach.
High hardcover prices may deter many readers in today's economy despite support from close networks.

ADVICE

Be Flexible on Publishing Options

Be flexible in publishing choices to ensure your book reaches readers.
Vet potential publishers carefully and consider indie presses for better control and pricing strategies.

ANECDOTE

Plot Premise of New Novel

Liz Alterman's novel "You Shouldn't Have Done That" explores the disappearance of a man, Cal, and the tensions between two families.
The story is driven by Brad, who returns alone from a ski trip with Cal and doesn't report him missing.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Send me a Text Message!

Liz Alterman joins the podcast to discuss her latest novel, "You Shouldn't Have Done That", and reveals the unconventional strategies that have shaped her successful writing career.

From her unique character development process involving weekly read-aloud sessions to her bold decision to switch from traditional publishing to a nimble indie press offering 99-cent e-books, Alterman shares practical insights that challenge conventional wisdom about both craft and business.

She opens up about how she tests story premises, develops authentic character voices, and why she believes flexibility is the key to getting your work into readers' hands.

Whether you're struggling with character development or navigating publishing decisions, this conversation offers actionable advice for writers at every stage of their journey.

What You'll Learn:

How to test story premises before committing months to writing.
The weekly feedback system that prevents major character voice problems.
Why pricing strategy can dramatically impact your book's reach and success.

Click here to learn more about Liz Alterman.

Guest Bio: Liz Alterman is the author of the award-winning memoir, Sad Sacked, the young adult thriller, He’ll Be Waiting, the suspense novels The Perfect Neighbourhood, The House on Cold Creek Lane, and You Shouldn't Have Done That, as well as the romcom Claire Casey's Had Enough. Her work has been published by The New York Times, The Washington Post, McSweeney's Internet Tendency, and other outlets. Subscribe to her Substack where she shares the ups and downs of the writing life (and cat photos). Liz lives in New Jersey with her husband and three sons. When she isn't writing, Liz spends most days reading, microwaving the same cup of coffee, and looking up synonyms.

Episodes I think you'll love…

Get the list of 125+ Literary Agents who rep Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction

Study the Opening Paragraphs of the Top Authors Writing Thrillers Right Now