Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 262 / Jennifer Hilt shares how her writing career has  evolved since she was with us in 2023, including expanding her trope thesaurus books to specific genres and her thoughts on launching an online event, TropeCon. She also shares her lessons learned for planning online events. If you want to connect with your readers through an online event, Jennifer has plenty of tips and ideas. Topics: The messy path to achievement and why you shouldn’t overthink or underestimate yourselfHow tropes relate to different genres like horror, romance, and fantasy sci-fiThe art of making mistakes and bouncing backUnderstanding tropes across genres and insights into tropes in different genresTips for setting up and running an online event, including platform and logistic choices, pricing strategy, and promotion possibilities💙 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.jenniferhilt.com.https://jenniferhilt.substack.com/https://www.youtube.com/@TropeTalkhttps://www.facebook.com/jennifer.hilt.2025 Trope Con Registration Link: 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 261 / Elizabeth O’Roark shares about tapping into her creativity during the pandemic, tackling the ups and downs of switching genres, the power of tropes, and breakout success.Topics:Chasing successWhat Elizabeth wishes she’d started earlier Assessment of opportunity costBenefits of shifting to a new genreHow Elizabeth incorporates tropes and microtropes into her plan for a new bookMoving into special editions and direct sales💙 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.elizabethoroark.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-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 259 / Cat Johnson shares about writing resilience and creative innovation. We discuss Cat’s diversified distribution strategy that includes wide retailers as well as KU and her innovative promotion idea that lean into the personal and real life connections.Topics discussed: The power of pivoting in an unpredictable industryThe value of building a strong backlistOut-of-the-box marketing ideasWhat Cat wishes she’d known about being a hybrid authorWriting and promotion tips for multi-author projects, like her interconnected series with several other authors Incorporating real places into your fiction and promotion: what it’s like to live in a Hallmark-type town in real life–and write about it!💙 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://catjohnson.net/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 258 / We delve into your responses from our previous episode, "What Do You Want?" We’re all ears and sincerely grateful for the feedback! You shared your love for the podcast and some brilliant suggestions. We unpack your ideas, which range from having more diverse author guests to potential coaching sessions with listeners. You also chimed in with some fantastic new questions to ask guests. 📢 Suggest authors or volunteer to be on the podcast! https://bit.ly/WishGuests 📩✍️ Thank you for all the wonderful comments and engagement. It fuels us! 💙 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:SPA Girls interview with Amy Award: https://www.selfpublishingauthorspodcast.com/spa-girls-podcast-ep484-interview-with-amy-award/Death in the English Countryside - mass market paperback subscription edition: https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/9781335425454_death-in-the-english-countryside.htmlSend 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 257 / Catharine Bramkamp is a writing coach, workshop facilitator, poet, traveler, and has authored 27 fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. She joins us to share about creativity, finding joy in the process of writing, and common mistakes she sees as a writing coach. 💙 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.Catharine-Bramkamp.comhttps://sierrawritersconference.wordpress.com/schedule/https://www.sierrapoetryfestival.orgFlutter Romance Bookstore: https://flutterromancebookstore.company.site/Everylibrary.org Library Lover’s Event with Sara Rosett and Jennifer Hilt:  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/events/1129658792042176YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qE-Srqv34lESend 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 256 /  Cozy fantasy author and illustrator Hanna Sandvig joins us to talk about working with illustrators to create gorgeous special editions. We also chat about how Hanna’s business has evolved over time as she’s incorporated illustration into her own books and begun using Kickstarter and Patreon. 💙 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:HannaSandvig.comhttps://www.patreon.com/Hannasandvighttps://www.kickstarter.com/profile/hannasandvig/createdhttps://www.instagram.com/hannasandvigSample illustration contract: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1I0D4JyHdwJC3i002y0TIgnBxnTnPpHrGPDL_Pu9an-s/edit?usp=sharingSend 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 255 / It’s time for a heart to heart. Jami and Sara want to hear what you want from the podcast. Are you still finding value in the podcast? Do you want to see a change in format or focus? Let us know!Sara also answers questions about her mystery letters. 💙 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 What changes do you want to see in the podcast? ⚡Links:Ep 181: Cat Maura on Discoverability and Creating a Compelling “mini-series” Drip Campaign https://wishidknownforwriters.com/181-2/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

Samantha Cummings, a YA fantasy author and co-host of the Pen to Paycheck podcast, dives into the vibrant world of writing communities. She shares her gamified approach to NaNoWriMo and reflects on her earlier mistakes with marketing, particularly newsletters. Samantha emphasizes the importance of community support, revealing how even one supportive person can make a difference. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome and the journey of creating a Discord community for fellow Young Adult Fantasy writers.

Episode 253 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as we break down the recent chaos with TikTok (It’s gone! It’s back!) and what actions authors can take to make sure they’re able to connect with readers despite the unpredictable nature of social media platforms. 💙 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 Will you do anything differently after the reinstatement of TikTok?⚡Links:Ines’ Kickstarter: https://ineswrites.com/KickstarterSend 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 252  / Has your well run dry when it comes to newsletter and social media content? Sara Shea has fresh ideas for you. Sara works full-time as the assistant (and sister) of author K.M. Shea. She's been lurking in the indie author shadows for over a decade and is here to share her love of content creation with everyone.Topics:Tips for working with assistants and contractorsCreating an asset list to help you with your content creationIdeas for incorporating tropes and micro tropesHow authors can use Pinterest to drive interest to content like reader magnets and 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:KMShea.com 2025 Survey. Tell your suggestions for episode topics and guests - open until Jan 30th: https://forms.gle/jk23rkqTW9sfqMEp8How I Met My Kdrama podcast: https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.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