Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 121 / Daniela Romero, new-adult and paranormal romance author, joins us to talk about why it’s important for readers to have books and characters that reflect their experiences and how authors can write diverse characters. We also delve into Daniela’s principle of having many streams of income, so that if one stream wanes her overall revenue isn’t impacted. She tell us how she’s creating multiple streams of income through merchandise, book boxes, and Pateron. Intro links:  Inkers Con Show notes: How Daniela went from book blogger to author Why she wishes she knew more about story structure and how she learned about it How Daniela uses preorders to increase her production Why she writes diverse characters and her tips on how authors can write diverse characters in their novels in a way that’s satisfying to readers How she uses book boxes, merchandising, and Patreon to create multiple streams of income  What Daniela wishes she’d known about creating a subscription book box Her tips for pricing tiers on Patreon Why she focuses on one big takeaway from the conferences she attends and how that has shaped her business   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:  Daniela’s website: 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 120 / Lisa Suzanne, sports romance author, joins us to talk about how a pivot to writing shorter sports romance books, banking them, and releasing rapidly took her career to a new level. We also talk about how she brands her series as well as using cliffhangers to keep readers coming back to a series.   Show notes: How Lisa shifted from pantsing to plotting her books The importance of trope in branding Banking books and Lisa’s release schedule  How Lisa brands the covers of her books to create a recognizable look Writing interconnected series Tips on writing cliffhangers The value of persistence  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:  Lisa’s website The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist Jami’s books Sara’s booksSend 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 119 / Southern urban fantasy author Kimbra Swain joins us this week to share tips on connecting with your readers and expanding your income streams. Kimbra creates jewelry, book boxes, tumblers, and many other items for her readers. Learn how she uses physical items to deepen her connection with readers and create life-long fans through her books, merchandising, and Pateron. Intro links: Kickstarter webinar (affiliate link) Inkers Con - June 3-5, Dallas TX Show notes: Why you can’t sit still when it comes to marketing your books How Kimbra used reader feedback to learn how to write marketable books How the switch to full-time author impacted Kimbra’s outlook and writing Kimbra’s tips on merchandising to create an extra layer of connection between you and your reader How Kimbra uses Pateron: exclusive serial story, early access to her books and merchandise, and a more personal connection with her 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:  Kimbra’s website: https://www.kimbraswain.com The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan 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 118 / Orna Ross, author and poet as well as director of the Alliance of Independent Authors, joins us this week to talk about writing across multiple genres and planning for authors. So much wisdom on how to learn from mistakes and grow in your career in this episode! Show notes: How Orna transitioned from teaching to writing fiction and poetry The advantages of writing in multiple genres Identifying the three kinds of marketing (access, influence, and algorithmic) Why bringing the same passion you have for writing to your marketing is a game changer Why we often make perception mistakes and how to step back and assess the situation so we can learn from those mistakes The “one book at a time” rule Orna’s tips for planning, including the three hats authors wear (Producer/Maker, Promoter, and Manager) The importance of making time for rest and play 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:  Orna’s website is www.ornaross.com Orna’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OrnaRoss Twitter: @ornaross 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 117 / Do you want to use TikTok to grow your readership? BookTokker Sarah Thompson shares tips for authors who want to get started as well as insights on how she picks and reviews books.    Show notes: How Sarah got started reviewing books How Sarah picks and reviews books Tips for authors who want to reach out to BookTokkers Mistakes authors make when they reach out to BookTokkers How to get started on BookTok 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:  Twitter: @Biracialbooty Instagram: @Biracial_booty Tik tok: sarah_thompson25 The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist Jami’s books Sara’s booksSend 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 116 / Do you want to pitch your books to Hollywood for film or television? Entertainment attorney Maggie Marr is here to share insight on how to find and vet and entertainment attorney. Plus she shares tips on negotiation as well as why now is a good time to delve into screenwriting, if you’ve always wanted to adapt your novel. Intro links: InkersCon - Jami and Sara will be in Dallas in June. Connect in the  WIKT Facebook group if you’ll be there. Show notes: Why you never finish learning as an author Lessons learned around branding and genre hopping How factors beyond your control (pandemic, economic downturn)  may impact a book release Why everything Maggie does comes back to story Why authors need an entertainment attorney How to vet a literary or entertainment attorney Why negotiation is a good thing and why authors need to overcome their fear of negotiating  Why film and TV adaptations require the author to let go of some creative control Why the need for content makes it a good time to adapt your novel into a screenplay Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group. You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.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 115 / Cindy Burnett, host of the Thoughts from a Page Podcast, joins us this week and shares tips for authors who want to pitch book reviewers, podcasters, or bookstrammers. We also talk about Cindy’s Patreon and how she’s structured it to appeal to readers.  Show notes: How Cindy’s love of reading launched her into reviewing books, writing columns about books, and eventually podcasti How she decides which books to read and review What Cindy wishes authors knew about book reviewers/bloggers/podcasters Common mistakes authors make when they reach out to podcasters and reviewers Common mistakes Cindy sees in books that are a turn off How Cindy’s set up her Patreon to attract readers The advantages and challenges of in-person book events  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:  Cindy’s podcast website: https://www.thoughtsfromapage.com Twitter: @burn555555 Instagram: @thoughtsfromapage Facebook Author Page: @thoughtsfromapage   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 114 / Do you wonder if a secret pen name is for you? Do you want a sustainable long term writing career? Romance and nonfiction author Zoe York joins us to discuss secret pen names, how she iterates her goals, and gives out of the box marketing tips. Also why Tik Tok is working now and Facebook is stagnating for authors Show notes: Why Zoe started a pen name and why she keeps it secret Why she writes nonfiction for authors and why she recommends other authors give nonfiction a try What tools Zoe uses for goal-setting The Series 2.0 concept and how it gives you progressive career growth  When it’s time to change your goals The importance of understanding your goal profile Where social media like Tick Tok fits with your goals Out of the box marketing ideas  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:  Episode 51, Zoe York on Goal Setting: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/zoe-york-on-goal-setting/ Books:  Writing from the Middle  Romancing the Beat 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 113 / Are you looking for a new revenue stream? Selling in person at shows is an option to add to your list of possibilities. Young adult science fiction and fantasy author Clare C. Marshall joins us today to share her tips for selling in person at craft shows, festivals, and comic conventions. Intro links:  The Thing About Austen podcast The Thing About Austen Instagram Nightingale: An Anthology for Ukraine Resources to Help Ukrianians  Show notes: How Clare pivoted from planning a career in journalism to writing and self publishing Why her goals have changed and how the pandemic helped her fall in love with writing again How outlining has helped her writing process - Resource mentioned: Take Off Your Pants by Libby Hawker How she interacts with people at shows to give them easy choices  Why going to shows is a type of performance and how she mentally  prepares for that aspect of selling in person  How Clare recovered from a mistake that involved her books not arriving for one of her shows Specific tips on booth set-up, estimating how much stock you’ll need, taking payments, and interacting with customers Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at 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 112 / We get an update from Jami on her vacation, check in on how the writing community is helping Ukrainians, and answer listener questions.   Intro links: Writers For Ukraine Wish I’d Known Think Mini-sode: Writers Helping Ukrainians  Show notes: Listener questions:  How do you record audio yourself? What is the equipment you need, how do you edit etc. Zoom Hindenburg Wish I’d Known Then Episode 100: Behind the Scenes of the Podcast Plus How to Work With Teams: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/100-2/ Does the death in a cozy mystery always have to be someone who was bad or villainous? Is there an ideal number for books for a series? Sara’s book How to Write a Series Can you describe your revision processes? Lots of people say they revise in passes, but what passes and in what order? What exactly do you look for in looking for plot holes, character arcs, world building, etc. Wish I’d Known Then Episode 98: Writing and Publishing Tools We Use, Favorite Craft Books, and Organization Tips : https://wishidknownforwriters.com/writing-and-publishing-tools-we-use-favorite-craft-books-and-organization-tips/ 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