Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

291 / Are you struggling to navigate burnout, industry shifts, or simply want to future-proof your writing career? Becca Syme returns to share lessons from her own journey with burnout, sustainable author success, plus actionable advice for writers at every stage.Understanding and recovering from burnoutMaking mindset changes for autonomy and sustainabilityStreamlining your author business for joy (not just income)The real value of Strengths and Enneagram for writers and relationshipsWhat Becca is hopeful about with the future of publishing 💙 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:http://betterfasteracademy.com/linksEp 85: Becca Syme on Empathy, Energy Pennies, and Expectations: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/85-2/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-podcast

290 / If you missed the first part of our interview with Lee and Russell, scroll back to the previous episode in your podcast feed and catch up. Part II of our conversation with Russell and Lee continues in this episode as we talk about money mindset, sustainability, collaboration, and more. Lee Savino, seven-figure romance author and mastermind founder, and Russell Nolte, USA Today bestselling fantasy author and co-host of the Six Figure Author Experiment podcast, discuss the realities of building and maintaining an author business.Redefining "hard" and "ease" in writing and businessChoosing the right kind of hard—and what to walk away fromLetting go of past successes and recalibrating your goalsCollaboration, co-creation, and building creative partnershipsStructuring your business for happiness and sustainability💙 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:Sixfigureauthorexperiment.comTheAuthorStack.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/millionaireauthormastermindJami’s next workshop: Oct 23rd, 6pm Central, discount code: JAMI20: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsFloDesk 50% Off: https://flodesk.com/c/T5WJY3 (Affiliate code)You can still get the unlimited plan, if you subscribe by November 28 – get unlimited emails and subscribers. After that, the new pricing model kicks in and future plans will scale with subscriber count.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-podcast

Did you know we have a supporter episode out? This short highlight reel gives you a preview of our chat about symbolism. From Pride and Prejudice to Monk, we've got tons of insights and examples that show how symbols can deepen your stories.  Different typesHow we use it in our booksFavorite examples from television and movies. 💙 Thanks to all our supporters who made this episode possible! If you’d like to become a supporter and get your private RSS feed with access to this episode as well as the backlist of supporter episodes go to https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support. 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-podcast

Join Russell Nolte, a USA Today bestselling fantasy author, and Lee Savino, a seven-figure romance author, as they dive into the author's business landscape. They explore redefining what 'hard' means in writing, focusing on values, and letting go of past successes. Hear their insights on co-creation, collaboration strategies, and leveraging backlist titles creatively. Russell shares tips on integrating diverse formats and structuring a sustainable author ecosystem, while Lee emphasizes choosing difficult tasks aligned with personal enjoyment. A must-listen for aspiring authors!

288 / Have you ever wondered how to build a writing career that’s both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable in today’s fast-changing publishing world?Douglas Pratt shares the real markers of success, tips on seeking feedback,  and why he moved away from strictly following “write what you know.”The importance of letting go of your “darlings” Defining success beyond book sales and fame Mistakes and lessons in craft, marketing, and series building Building a supportive writing community and finding mentors Adapting to industry changes in publishing💙 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.douglas-pratt.compatreon.com/TheTwoAuthorsPodcasthttps://thetwoauthorschatshow.podbean.com/Oct 23rd, 6pm Central: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops Author Nation: https://www.authornation.live/plan-your-visit-2025Ines’ Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/romancewriteclub/page-turner-planningSend 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-podcast

287 / Bestselling rom-com author Jeré Anthony shares about embracing your unique voice, the power of niche marketing, and why your book shouldn’t be for everyone. We tackled topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of taking risks, and making peace with the messiness of the creative process. Finding your niche and accepting your book isn’t for everyoneLeaning into your book’s uniqueness and “repelling” the wrong readersManaging ADHD and the myth of writing “ease”The value of taking risks and revising boldlyStrategies for covers, newsletters, and marketing that fit your readers💙 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.jereanthony.comJami’s next workshop: Oct 23rd, 6pm Central: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsFloDesk 50% Off: https://flodesk.com/c/T5WJY3 (Affiliate code)You can still get the unlimited plan, if you subscribe by November 28 – get unlimited emails and subscribers. After that, the new pricing model kicks in and future plans will scale with subscriber count.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-podcast

286 / What happens when a fantasy author brings a soundtrack to storytelling—and what can writers and readers learn from merging music, world-building, and social themes? Richie Billing shares his innovative journey blending original soundtracks with fiction, the challenges of marketing across genres, and the lessons learned from a decade of writing.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Writing social justice and controversial themes and underdog stories in fantasyWhen to get feedback on your draftsSubscription model using novelettes and connecting directly with readersIncorporating soundtracks into fantasy booksWhere to start with wordbuilding in fantasy💙 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:Richie Billing website: https://richiebilling.com/Richie’s Patreon: Patreon.com/richiebillingSend 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-podcast

285 / Are you curious about how to move to a new genre? Fiona Marin shares her experiences switching from traditionally published middle grade to indie contemporary romance and the marketing strategies that have helped grow her readership.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Biggest differences between writing for middle grade and contemporary romanceGroup texts, podcasts, and other mixed media storytelling techniquesGrowing a newsletter from scratch and connecting with readersLessons learned about craft, revision, and adapting writing routines to fit life stages—especially juggling creativity with parenthood and ADHDFinding editors and cover artists as an indie author💙 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.instagram.com/fionamarenauthor/Anthropic Court Case Links:https://writerbeware.blog/2025/08/15/bartz-v-anthropic-find-out-if-you-may-be-part-of-this-class-action/https://thenewpublishingstandard.com/2025/08/29/anthropic-settlement-copyright-ai-training-authors-pyrrhic-victory/?utm_source=chatgpt.comSend 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-podcast

283 / Curious about how to create a one-of-a-kind book that only you can write? John Gaspard joins the show to discuss his latest passion project, a photo-rich, locally inspired book, and sharing lessons learned.✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Behind-the-scenes of researching a 50-year-old story, including tracking down interview sources, online resources, and family archivesIssues related to licensing photosOrganizing research with tools like ScrivenerCreative and technical considerations when bringing a photo-heavy coffee table book to life—rights, layout, and design choices Leveraging local interest for book marketing💙 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.albertsbridgebooks.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@behindthepagetheelimarkspo5241https://BookHip.com/JHTFVZRSara on The Two Authors podcast:https://thetwoauthorschatshow.podbean.com/e/income-beyond-the-books-with-sara-rosett/Jami’s launch workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsFloDesk 50% Off: https://flodesk.com/c/T5WJY3 (Affiliate code)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-podcast

 283 / Have you ever wondered how to have a joy-filled writing career, especially when the publishing landscape is always changing? Jill Shalvis discusses her transition from traditional publishing to indie, what success means to her, and the writing and marketing lessons she wishes she'd known earlier. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmoreTopics discussed in interview:Why writing “rules” held Jill backTrusting your instincts over rigid craft adviceExperimenting with first person POVOvercoming the anxiety of switching from trad to indieHow shifting from trad to indie opened new opportunities The importance of writing what you love, not just to market💙 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:Jill’s website: http://www.jillshalvis.comJill’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jillshalvisJill’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvisJill’s TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@jillshalvisJami’s launch workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshopsSend 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-podcast