Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Ep 273 / Trixie Silvertale joins us to discuss resilience and adaptability in business. Trixie shared how a personal tragedy shifted her writing and publishing and resulted in her leveraging her backlist. Plus keeping a long series fresh, and writing interesting small town settings.Topics:Trixie’s dictation process, which involves roller skates 🛼Dealing with tragedy and loss, and how Trixie shifted away from rapid release to making the most of her backlist through repurposing her IPAllowing yourself to have a bad dayDeciding on spin-offs vs. new seriesTranslationsBalances humor, suspense, and paranormal elements💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Spark Story Summit with Sara’s interview: https://sparktostory-summit.heysummit.com/?ac=gG5Wyq2k (Affiliate link) The 2025 Inkers Con Digital Conference:  June 7–20 https://inkerscon.com/2025-digital-conference (Affiliate Link) Use Discount code: JAMI25https://trixiesilvertale.comFollow Trixie’s Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/trixiesilvertaleFollow Trixie on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/trixie-silvertaleTrixie’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trixiesilvertale/Ep 140: New Author Series: Trixie Silvertale on Secret Pen Names https://wishidknownforwriters.com/140-2/Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 272 / Andi Arndt joins us to discuss audiobook narration, including tips for finding and working with a narrator, how to write with narration in mind, and audiobook trends. Topics:How Andi preps to narrate a bookMistakes authors make when it comes to picking narratorsTips for writing with narration in mindBenefits of  having a long-term relationship with a narrator or production companyTrends in audiobook production, including duets and multicast productionsThe impact of AI on audiobooks💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:andiarndt.comNarrator.lifeLyricaudiobooks.comSpark Story Summit: https://sparktostory-summit.heysummit.com/?ac=gG5Wyq2k (Affiliate link)Tara’s gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tara-sivecs-battle-against-breast-cancerSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 271 / Jennifer Marchman, who combines historical fiction and time travel in her books, joins us to discuss embracing your own writing process, dealing with the constant changes in publishing, and the importance of community in the indie author space. Topics:Writing time travel historical fictionInfluence of Texas history and OutlanderPersonal writing process and habitsSetting realistic writing and publishing goalsFounding Austin Indie Authors group💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:www.jennifermarchman.comInkers Con: https://inkerscon.com/2025-digital-conference Discount code: JAMI (Affiliate link)Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 270 / Katy Cocking is multi-passionate creative who found the advice to “stay in her lane” constricting and to a writing-adjacent career, selling cozy subscription boxes, which combines the knowledge from her publishing background with her activator and ideation strengths.  Topics:Transition from author to book box businessDefining personal and financial successHow Katy built and audience through giveaways and adsChallenges with physical product shippingAdvice for authors creating one-time boxes💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.cozybookscorner.comDiscount code: WISH20Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 269 / Christina Hovland shares how she moved out of KU and built a thriving direct sales store for her books. Topics:Transitioning from KU to direct salesSetting up a Shopify store for booksBundling books and pricing strategiesDefining personal success as an authorWhy Christina likes working with coaches and mentors💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Christinahovlandbooks.comBookfunnel podcast: https://pod.link/1798781637Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 268 / Legal thriller author Aime Austin joins us to discuss writing legal thrillers, discovery writing, and blending psychological suspense. Topics:Choosing writing over practicing lawRealities of learning writing craft and why writing is sometimes a “plumber job”Aime’s writing process and discussion of pantsing/discovery writingCrafting legal thrillers and legal detailsInsights from podcast conversationsCommitting to one creative path💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://aimeaustin.comhttps://aimeaustin.com/podcast/Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 267 / T. Thorn Coyle writes several magic-filled series with diverse casts and is the author of The Midlist Indie Author Mindset. Thorn shares their journey of learning how to embrace curiosity to the importance of simply finishing what you start. We also dive into modular work strategies, leveraging Kickstarter, and the power of building genuine connections.Learned which marketing tactics work for youBuilding connections with readersFree first in series and small paid newsletters for sales and discoverabilityGauging your energy and matching tasks to your energy levelMultiple income streams, including newsletter and PatreonStrategies for successful Kickstarter campaigns💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.thorncoyle.comhttps://thorncoylebooks.comMidlist Indie Author Mindset book: https://thorncoylebooks.com/products/the-midlist-indie-author-mindset-ebookWhat If Podcast - What if AI Replaces Me: https://pod.link/1750288736/episode/06892eab03a5deb51d3e361e4683b71dNovel Marketing Podcast - How to Write Stories Readers Will Love by Knowing the Zeitgeist: https://pod.link/721122555/episode/11b53f1397d93fea087fb3575364f776Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 266 / Cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa joins us this week. With over 150 books in her backlist, Diana shared how she found success through rapid release (but she works a year ahead) and why embracing her passion was the key that helped her find and connect with readers.Topics:Diana's unique process for building a year-long advance writing schedule to maintain a steady release paceTips for creating likeable characters and a “Scooby gang” that keep readers coming back and also keep Diana excited to write their storiesDiana’s advice around ambition, goal setting, dreaming big, and celebrating successDealing with imposter syndrome💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:www.dianaxarissa.comSara’s How I Met My Kdrama podcastHistorical Cozy Mystery Book Box (Affiliate link)Trope Con: https://trope-talk-jennifer-s-school.teachable.com/?affcode=1589366_yo0_fyjf (Affiliate link)Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 265 / Jen discusses how she found her passion for working with authors, her experiences in developmental editing and coaching, and the importance of aligning your business with personal visions of success. Tips on how to find an editor Frequent mistakes she sees authors makingTrends Jen sees in publishingAlternate pathways to successEffective social media use Different types of support teams and why you need them 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.jengraybeal.com/Send us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 263 / Do you want to make your newsletters more personal and connect with readers? Bev Feldman, an email marketing strategist at Your Personal Tech Fairy, joins us today to share how to do just that through the type of content you share as well as sequences and segmenting.Setting expectations in a welcome sequenceThe value of letting subscribers goBasic ways to segment your newsletter listTips to make resending to unopened more effectiveCommon mistakes Bev sees people make with their newslettersSubject lines and ALT text tips  💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://yourpersonaltechfairy.comhttps://yourpersonaltechfairy.com/newsletterSend us a textSupport the show🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/ 📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing