
Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview authors about lessons they've learned about writing and publishing.
Latest episodes

Aug 17, 2021 • 1h 11min
Nicholas Erik on Branding and How to Leverage your Backlist for Longevity
Episode 083 / Nicholas Erik shares tips on branding and discusses how to use your backlist for long term success. We also talk about the importance of testing when it comes to ads as well as productivity and the power of focus. 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: Nicholas Erik Website The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Aug 10, 2021 • 50min
What We Wish We’d Known about Developing Story Ideas
Episode 082 / How do you take a germ of an idea and shape it into a full-length novel? It’s not a clean-cut process, and it changes with each book, but we share what we wish we’d known about developing story ideas as well as series ideas. And also we discuss the joys of sticky notes. :) QOTW: Do you link your series books? 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: The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Aug 3, 2021 • 59min
Tricia O’Malley on Designing Your Perfect Day
Episode 081 / Romance and cozy author Tricia O’Malley shares how she designed her perfect day and then created a writing lifestyle that gave her freedom and flexibility. Plus: Tricia tells us how a stolen dog launched her writing career The importance of backmatter and the unique thing Tricia did with her backmatter that has engaged her readers How Tricia intentionally incorporated her passion into her writing Working with your spouse Diversification with income with non-writing income streams QOTW: What does your perfect day look like? Come over and answer the question of the week in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links: www.triciaomalley.com Instagram: @triciaomalleyauthor Facebook Author Page: @triciaomalleyauthor The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Jul 27, 2021 • 1h 16min
Max Monroe on Co-Writing as Discovery Writers
Episode 080 / The romantic comedy writing team of Max Malone shares how they’ve collaborated and produced over thirty five books as discovery writers. We also talk about the importance of building your newsletter, how to assess negative reviews, and why the quantity of books is critical to long-term success, and being genuine. QOTW: Have you ever considered co-writing? 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: Authormaxmonroe.com Twitter: authormaxmonroe Instagram: authormaxmonroe Facebook Author Page: Author Max Monroe The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Jul 20, 2021 • 1h 11min
H.Y. Hanna on Learning to Adjust Your Premise so that Your Novel Fits the Market
Episode 079 / Cozy mystery author H.Y. Hanna joins us today to tell us about how she learned to tweak her premise so that her series idea fit the market. Hsin-Yi shares about dealing with expectations--both familial and personal--when it came to a writing career and how she’s learning to create her own definition of success. We also talk about how to deal with your internal editor when you’re drafting, why writing a book never gets easier (no matter how many books you’ve written), pricing, and how Hsin-Yi involves readers in her translations and audiobook production. Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. https://www.hyhanna.com Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/hyhanna.books The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Jul 13, 2021 • 1h 1min
Lee Strauss on Finding Your Genre Sweet Spot
Episode 078 / Lee Strauss tells us how she found her genre sweet spot in historical mystery. This episode is full of great craft tips including: -creating character attachment -the importance of series -writing spin-offs We also talk about Lee’s innovative marketing and promotion ideas, including using a journal as a reader magnet and using short stories in your publication schedule. 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: @leestraussbooks Instagram: lee.strauss Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLeeStrauss The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Jul 6, 2021 • 45min
Genevieve Jack on Creating a Sustainable Writing Career
Episode 077 / Genevieve Jack, paranormal romance, fantasy, and urban fantasy author, shares how writing and releasing three to four books a year has created a sustainable career. We also cover branding, writing series arcs as well as book arcs, and tips for going wide. 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: www.genevievejack.com The Creative Penn Podcast about writing humor Anne R. Allen’s blog post about writing rules and writing fashions Learning to Reverse Engineer a Novel with Cecelia Mecca Cherry Adair Twitter: @Genevieve_Jack Instagram: @authorGenevieveJack Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorGenevieveJack The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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

Jun 29, 2021 • 1h 15min
Debra Clopton: Writing When Life Throws You a Curveball
Episode 076 / Contemporary romance author Debra Clopton joins us this week to talk about how she came through a health scare and how her business was set up to run without her. Deb’s story is inspiring (get the tissues ready!) and also gives practical ways to set up business systems for author-preneurs. We also discuss the importance of preserving your voice in edits, how Debra used paid newsletters to launch a successful indie career, and writing in the Clean and Wholesome subcategory. 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: www.debraclopton.com The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist 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

Jun 22, 2021 • 55min
Michele Scott on Treating Your Author Career Like a Business
Episode 075 / Michelle Scott writes in contemporary fiction, mystery, and thriller genres. She joins us today to talk about how she learned to treat her author career like a business in both the writing and marketing aspects. Michelle shares about craft, her “marketing Mondays,” mistakes involving a cliffhanger, and branding. 🗄️ Question of the week: What is one thing you can do to treat your author career like a business? You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Links: Ads for Authors is currently open Daniel Willcock’s Self Publishing BluePrint Michele’s website: www.michelescott.com Twitter: twitter.com/michelescott1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelescottauthor/ Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/akalexanderauthor The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the 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

Jun 15, 2021 • 50min
Replay: How Pippa Grant Revolutionized her Writing Career with a New Pen Name
Episode 074 / Life is a bit crazy for Sara (moving!) and Jami, so it’s a great week to look back at a favorite episode, the interview with Pippa Grant. Enjoy the timewarp and travel back to pre-COVID days when travel and meeting with people was the norm, not the exception. :) This episode is packed with tons of tips and ideas about pen names, the psychology of fandom, and collaboration. 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: Pippa Grant https://pippagrant.com Jennifer Barnes https://jenniferlynnbarnes.tumblr.com/post/136121504974/fiction-fandom-and-using-the-term-mary-sue-as Bluewater Billionaires series https://pippagrant.com/bluewater-billionaires/ NINC https://www.NINC.com The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline ChecklistSend 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