Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

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

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

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

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

Episode 148 /  Want to get your mind right for the New Year? Then join us as we talk with romance author Renee Rose about mindset, abundance, and how we can stop holding ourselves back. Show notes: Renee’s definition of success, “Are you joyful?” How Romancing the Beat by Gwen Hayes helped her with the craft of writing Why being fearless is critical when it comes to marketing Crafting our marketing as an invitation, a pull, instead of pushing our book on readers The most common mindset blocks and money blocks that hold writers back How to deal with negative self talk     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:  Renee’s website: www.write2riches.com   http://write-to-riches.teachable.com/p/write-to-riches-8-week-immersion   Author Abundance Central Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authorabundance/   The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  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 147 / Anton Eine, a science fiction and nonfiction author who lives in Ukraine, joins us this week and shares his experience of being a writer living in Kiev and Lviv during the war and how he translated those experiences into a documentarian war diary, The Thin Blue-Yellow Line Between Love and Hate. Show notes: Why Anton decided to take a break from fiction and write a war diary documenting his life and the stories of his fellow Ukranians in the months after Russia invaded Ukraine How the creative project gave him a type of creative freedom he hadn’t experienced when writing fiction How writing about painful experiences can be a cathartic experience How Anton gets his books translated and how works with Ukrainian creatives through his writing and publishing process How he focused on a creative project in the middle of the uncertainty of war and how he used that uncertainty as motivation How fragile peace is and how we should value it 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:  Anton’s website: https://antoneine.com The Thin Blue-Yellow Line Between Love and Hate: https://mybook.to/TBYLKn United 24: “UNISend 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 146 / Mystery author Greta Boris joins us to talk about the benefits of publishing with a small press for her first series, and how she transitioned to self publishing with her new series. She also shares about collaborating with another writer for nonfiction and their podcast, The Author Wheel. Intro links:  PirateShip https://www.pirateship.com Show notes: How Greta learned the craft of writing fiction Why getting a publishing deal isn’t the ticket to the big time The steps Greta took to prepare for her transition from traditional publishing to indie publishing The benefits of publishing with a small press How Greta works with her small press publisher to market her books Important mindset changes Greta had to make How the Author Wheel Podcast helps authors as well as the plans Greta and Megan have for community building   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 website: https://www.gretaboris.com https://www.authorwheel.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 145 / Becca Mysoor is a Fairy Plot-Mother and developmental editor. She joins us this week to share how she works with bestselling authors on their stories from conception to marketing strategy. Intro links:  Spotify Promo Cards - Example: Murder at Archly Manor Show notes: What Becca wishes authors knew about developmental editing What she’s learned about separating business and friendship What Becca sees authors doing that isn’t producing results The most common mistake she sees Commonalities Becca sees in writers who have been successful over the long haul Trends in reading and publishing Advice for newer authors 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:  Becca’s website Becca’s Free Character Building Sheet  The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodesSend 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 144 / We’re answering your questions this week as we dig into launching prep and what to do after a launch plus more questions about direct sales, winter promos, and how to handle disruptions in your schedule.     Submit your questions: https://forms.gle/Q1viJahz4o5dsqda8   Questions answered this episode:   Planning your future releases After the book launch? What to do next   Winter holiday promo  Episode 34: Is it too Late to Plan Holiday Promotions? Book Vault Setting up a Shopify store Episode 136: Getting Started with Direct Sales for Authors with Morgana Best  On the Creative Penn Podcast: Morgana Best: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2022/08/08/selling-books-direct-on-shopify-with-morgana-best/ Morgana’s Course: Authors Selling on Shopify (Affiliate Link) Katie Cross:  https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2022/06/20/selling-books-direct-on-shopify/   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 143 / Tess Thompson, author of small town romances and American historical romances, joins us to talk about mindset changes she made that have helped her achieve career goals. We delve into resistance, limiting beliefs, and discoverability. Tess also shares tips for writing a small town romance series. Intro links:  Subscriptions for Authors Show notes: How Tess was traditionally published and then went indie in 2017, essentially starting over from scratch What Tess has learned that helped her writing career take off: finish a series, find your genre sweet spot, use cover styles that readers expect Why the thing that we resist is often the thing we should be doing The discoverability problem and how Tess fixed it How Tess moved from a fear-based mindset to a mindset of letting her dreams live Why conferences are a good investment even when your revenue is low Small town world building How Tess researches her historicals   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:  Tess’ website The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodeSend 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