Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers cover image

Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Latest episodes

undefined
Mar 7, 2023 • 59min

How to Pace Your Novel with Ines Johnson

Episode 157 / Romance author, screenwriter, and educator Ines Johnson joins us to talk about why pacing is so important when crafting your novel as well as self care, direct sales, and her new podcast, Ines Johnson is Having a Breakdown.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How Ines rescheduled her time to include self careHer best business lesson: selling direct How Ines uses Facebook ads to reach new readers with her direct salesUsing a print omnibus for direct salesWhy mistakes are “little gifts” because we can learn from themHow Ines took her knowledge as a screenwriter and  created the Page Turner Pacing courseThe most important thing authors need to know about pacingHow genre a pacing gives you guide rails and teaches rulesYou're doing a podcast too. Tell us about how that's going and why you're doing a podcast in addition to the course. Author website and other links mentioned:Ineswrites.comineswrites.com/ptpInes Johnson is Having a Breakdown Podcast: https://ineswrites.com/breakdown/Episode 99: Ines Johnson on Happiness, the Surprising Benefits of Failing, and Tips to Organize Your Writing Life: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/99-2/Episode 145: Becca Mysoor, the Fairy Plot-Mother, on Collaboration https://wishidknownforwriters.com/145-2/Buzzcast Podcast: https://buzzcast.buzzsprout.comPirate Ship: PirateShip.com✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwritersSend 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
undefined
Feb 28, 2023 • 50min

Translations for Self Published Authors

Episode 156 / Do you want to get your book into other languages? This week Sara and Jami dive into the various options available to indie authors for translations, including licensing your rights to a publisher and doing it yourself (project-managing the translation of your books).💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How to vet translation inquiriesDon’t be afraid to negotiateHow to find a translator if you want to do it yourselfGerman site to promote books: buchdeals.deResearch covers in other languages Sara’s tips: -Commit to at least three books-Use batching in the translation process-Create a metadata sheet in each language for your books that includes blurb, tagline, series name, subtitles, author bio, etc. Episode 58: 100+ Translations: Tanya Anne Crosby on Lessons Learnedhttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/100-translations-tanya-anne-crosby-on-lessons-learned/Episode 99: Ines Johnson on Happiness, the Surprising Benefits of Failing, and Tips to Organize Your Writing Life https://wishidknownforwriters.com/99-2/Reedsy✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastSend 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
undefined
Feb 21, 2023 • 1h 4min

How to Use Tropes to Create Strong Characters and Deepen Conflict with Jennifer Hilt

Episode 155 / You can hook readers with a few words or a concept when you use tropes. Romance and non-fiction author, Jennifer Hilt, shares tips on how to recognize tropes, how to bake them into your writing to make marketing easier, and how to twist tropes so they’re fresh for both readers and authors.Author website: www.jenniferhilt.com💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supporthttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/survey (Closes 2/24/23)Show notes:Why it’s a good idea to consider marketing before you write the bookThinking beyond the basic genre expectations (i.e. “happily ever after in romance)The importance of guarding your timeWhat Jennifer would do if she were starting over todayWhy you don’t have to rush Tropes as building blocks for relationshipsIncorporating tropes with goals, motivations, and conflictTwisting tropesJennifer’s Kickstarter for The Trope Thesaurus Romance and her tips for authors thinking of doing a Kickstarter✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Send 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
undefined
Feb 17, 2023 • 35min

🔒 Jami and Sara on Best and Worst Advice

Subscriber-only episode🎉 In our first bonus episode for subscribers, we share the best and worst advice we've received when it comes to writing craft and book marketing. As with everything, your mileage may vary. The writing practices, tactics, strategies, tips, and ideas we share are specific to us--what's worked and what hasn't. Take into account your personality and strengths (#take a drink🍸) as you consider whether or not to follow advice.No "shoulds," "musts," and definitely no "secret sauce" 🥫in this episode, just our personal experiences with finding what works for us. 🙋‍♀️Do you have questions or a topic for the next bonus episode? Perhaps a guest suggestion? Let us know at https://wishidknownforwriters.com/questionsSend us a text🚀 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
undefined
Feb 14, 2023 • 1h 1min

Reader Swag: Dana Claire on Using Swag to be Top of Mind and Retain Readers

Episode 154 / Swag can be a great way to engage with readers. Hybrid young adult author and BookBrush COO, Dana Claire, shares how to create swag that will help you contect with readers and stand out in a crowded marketplace.Author website: https://www.danaclairebooks.com/💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How Dana’s writing is a legacy from her motherWhat Dana learned working with branding for corporations and how she used those tactics in marketing for her self-published booksDeveloping relationships with readers by following and interacting with them on GoodReads and BookbubHow to pick swag items that are reusable and keep you top of mind with readersWhat assets to ask your cover artist for to make creating swag easierHow Dana automates merchandising through PrintfulWhy you should pick items that have a higher perceived value for merchandiseHow Dana uses exclusive items for live events ✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support___________________________________More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help UkrSend 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
undefined
Feb 7, 2023 • 59min

Teaming Up for Game-changing Success: Traci Andrighetti on Going Wide and Collaborating with Other Authors

Episode 153 / Cozy mystery author Traci Andrighetti joins us to talk about how changing her covers, going wide, and collaborating with other authors on a series have been game-changers for her writing career.Links: 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTraci’s website: https://traciandrigehetti.comWIKT Podcast survey: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/surveyShow notes:How Traci moved from academia to writing mysteriesWhy Traci enjoys having a day job and writing on the sideHow she infuses a sense of fun into her comedic mysteriesHow a change to her covers and going wide helped her gain readers find readersHow she collaborates with three other mystery authors to write a co-write a series that features each one of their sleuths as POV characters in each bookBenefits of collaborative project when it comes to marketing  ✨ Support Wish I’d Known Then! If the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support More linksThe 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanSara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist https://www.sararosett.com/timelineJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/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
undefined
Jan 31, 2023 • 1h 4min

Olivia Hayle on Reader-Centric Books and Promotion

Episode 152 / Olivia Hayle, author of contemporary romance, joins us this week to discuss how her shift to focusing on what her readers want in both her writing and her promotion helped her author career.Oliva’s website: http://oliviahayle.com💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:How Olivia learned about branding and applied it to her stories as well as her covers, titles, and book pageHow she writes in the same sub-genre without getting boredWhy writing is all about crafting an experience for your readerThe question she asks herself about each book, “Do the readers want it?”Downhill vs. uphill marketingHow Olivia thinks like her reader in storytelling, newsletters, and bonus contentHow authors can build in “fail-safes” into books to make sure you can end a series if it’s not performingHow Oliva’s wide audio is a way to reach new readers while her ebooks are in KU✨ Support Wish I’d Known ThenIf the podcast has helped you and provided value to you and you’d like to give back, become a supporter! (https://www.SaraRosett.com/support) We’ll give you a shoutout in a future episode. Learn more here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportMore links: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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanSara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist https://www.sararosett.com/timelineJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/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
undefined
Jan 24, 2023 • 1h 6min

Joanna Penn on Intuitive Writing for Memoir plus Kickstarter and Direct Sales Tips

Episode 151 / Do you want to write a memoir? Joanna Penn joins us to share her lessons learned about writing memoir and other nonfiction. Joanna is a discovery writer and shares how the structure and content of the book evolved. We also delve into overcoming fear around Kickstarter and launches as well as what’s on the horizon for authors related to A.I. and direct sales.  Intro links:  Gift books for authors blog post from Alli: https://selfpublishingadvice.org/why-indie-authors-should-publish-gift-books/ Show notes: How Joanna’s memoir evolved as she wrote it and how it became a very different book than she expected Why you time and perspective when you write a memoir Why we need to honor the intuitive urge to write something even if it may not seem like the best strategy Dealing with fear of judgment when writing personal stories as well as fear around running a Kickstarter (Joanna’s kickstarter: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/pilgrimage) The possibilities beautiful print books Direct sales and the empowered mindset Incorporating A.I. into our writing routines so that it helps us be more creative and productive Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  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
undefined
Jan 17, 2023 • 52min

Kate Baray on Productive Longevity

Episode 150 / Cozy and romance author Kate Baray joins us this week to talk about how she focuses on productive longevity and creates a sustainable author career. Show notes: Kate’s unusual path to being an author Why it’s important to tune out writing and craft advice that doesn’t apply to your genre or your personality type Kate’s method of trying and testing ideas The biggest mindset shift Kate has had to make: identifying as a creative Balancing running a business and being a creative Being wide with a paranormal cozy pen name    Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links:  Author websites:  Catelawley.com Gemmacates.com 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 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist https://www.sararosett.coSend 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
undefined
Jan 10, 2023 • 1h 2min

Megan Haskell on Defining Success, Going Wide, and Helping New Authors

Episode 149 / Megan Haskel, co-host of the Author Wheel podcast and fantasy writer, joins us this week. We delve into defining success when you’re an achiever, going wide, selling direct, and helping new authors.  Show notes: Tips for getting writing done with kids at home Setting goals and defining success when you’re an achiever Why marketing and career growth isn’t alway linear and how to deal with that How Megan splits her time between fiction and nonfiction and her tips on being a multi-passionate creative Being a “tortoise” writer – slow and steady Going wide How Megan transitioned her website to a Shopify store and what she sells, including bundles (ebook, audiobook, and signed paperback) as well as merchandise  How the Author Wheel helps authors who are just starting out Resources mentioned: Greta’s episode on the WIKT podcast: Small Press to Indie Publishing: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/146-2/ ToDoist organizer: https://todoist.com Flat Tomato pomodoro app: https://appadvice.com/app/flat-tomato-time-management/719462746 Printify.com: https://printify.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

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode