Wish I'd Known Then . . . For 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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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 WIKT Facebook group.  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-podcast

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-podcast

Episode 073 / Surprise pregnancy. Murder on a train. Rag-tag crew. In this episode Jami and Sara dive into the wonderful world of tropes. They discuss why you want to use tropes in your writing and marketing. They share their personal favorites and then brainstorm creative twists on tropes. This episode was inspired by two things: Jami’s interview on Best Book Ever podcast and the Creative Penn podcast episode 513: Writing In The Dark. Horror Writing Tips With Tim Waggoner, in which Tim Waggoner gives some great tips for using tropes in a new way. Jami’s book recommendation: Romance Tropes & Hooks by Karen Winter ✨ Question of the week: What is your favorite trope to write? Come over and let us know at WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Genres discussed include romance, romantic comedy, cozy mystery, traditional mystery, police procedural, thriller, urban fantasy, and sci-fi.  Other links:  The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes  Jami’s Launch Plan Sara’s Book Release Timeline Checklist WIKT episode on Paranormal Cozies with Amy Boyles Headliner appSend 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-podcast

Episode 072 / Action & Adventure Thriller author Nick Thacker joins us this week to talk about the delicate balance of plot versus character. Nick is also a systems guy and he shares tips on getting a Bookbub and well as what trends for authors he sees on the horizon.  Sara’s in a fantastic nonfiction promo this week: the Writer Blowout 99 cent sale. How to Write a Series is on sale until June 4th along with a slew  of other great books from these authors:  KM Weiland – Structuring Your Novel Joanna Penn – The Successful Author Mindset Cheryl Bradshaw – Mastering Your Mysteries  David Gaughran – Amazon Decoded Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi – The Emotional Wound Thesaurus  Robert Ryan – Amazon Ads Unleashed Sara Rosett – How To Write A Series Shea Macleod – Writing Faster With Art Journaling Nick Thacker – Platform Mastery Zoe York – Romance your Brand Grab your copies and share the sale with an author friend! :)  Jami’s made it to “the end” of her WIP! She also recommends Renee Rose on the SPA Girls Podcast. Links:  https://www.nickthacker.com Author.Email Bookbub Tips Article from Reedsy 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-podcast

Episode 071 / Do you want to cultivate a core readership who will read anything you write? Historical fantasy and historical mystery author C.J. Archer joins us this week to talk about how she’s nurtured a group of readers who will read anything she writes no matter what the genre it is.  We also discuss how discipline and consistency have contributed to her success, overcoming shyness and developing self confidence, and the tactics C.J. uses as a wide author to market her books, including permafree books.  We also talk about translations, the boom in audio, and why she shifted her YA marketing focus to adults. Plus hear which shows Jami and C.J. are streaming.  Come over and say hi to Jami and Sara in the WIKT Facebook group! You can find show notes and links at wishidknownforwriters.com. Genres discussed include historical romance, historical fantasy, and historical mystery. Author website:  https://www.cjarcher.com Twitter handle  @CJ_Archer Instagram handle  @authorcjarcher Facebook Author Page  https://www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage 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-podcast