Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 249 / Guest: Matilda Swift, cozy mystery author and co-host of the Pen to Paycheck podcastTopics:Finding your genre: identifying and embracing what truly fascinates youOvercoming self-doubtWhy releasing more books isn’t always the path to successTime and schedule management challengesThe creative process behind Matilda’s engaging book titles and unique warm reader magnetWorking in your “zone of genius,” (i.e. What is easy for you?)The story behind the Pen to Paycheck podcast and how it helps with accountability and community💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.MatildaSwift.comPen to Paycheck Authors podcast: https://www.pentopaycheck.podbean.comSend 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 248 / Fantasy author and Kickstarter expert Anthea Sharp joins us to share tips on running crowdfunding campaigns as well as how Kickstarter has helped her move toward a mindset of relaxed prosperity.Topics:Relaxed prosperityFinding your voiceHaving the confidence to pick yourself Why Anthea has a “pruning list” and how she motivates herself to cut back instead of adding tasks to her writer lifeAdvice for new authorsKickstarter tipsWriting fantasy and romantasy💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://fiddleheadpress.com/Kickstarter for Authors https://www.facebook.com/groups/429764288910415Send 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 247 / We’ve both been traveling, so this week is a catch up episode about Jami’s experience at Author Nation, the biggest author conference in the world, and Sara’s cruise in the Mediterranean. Plus, details on Jami’s surprise European vacation.Join us for a chat about connecting with other writers, author business phases, and special editions as well as the dangerous combo of wide-leg pants and escalators in Roman train stations.👖 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Ep 92: New Author Series: Victoria Tait on Focusing on Email and Writing the Next Book https://wishidknownforwriters.com/92-2/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 246 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as they discuss the importance of endings, their favorite (and not-so-favorite endings) as well as the six different types of endings. Spoiler warning for these books/shows we discuss: Extraordinary Attorney WooPride and Prejudice Sugar DaddySixth SenseTed LassoThe PartnerNobody Wants ThisFourth WingThe Serpent and the Wings of NightTruly DeviousCheat on Me, If You CanAnd Then There Were None💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message: What is your favorite ending? Or what ending did you find unsatisfying? ⚡Links:https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-end-a-story/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 245 / Ines Johnson joins us and shares strategies for book marketing in the age of direct sales. We discuss:Testing and tweaking to increase backlist salesImportance of thinking of your customer in marketing to create a personal connection Effective ad strategies using purchase ads Special editions and direct sales, including incorporating elements like foiling and character art in special edition books to attract high-value readersLeveraging direct sales platforms and tools like Payhip and Shopify to boost book sales💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.authoradsintensive.com/a/2147845324/RXrpFFEh (Affiliate link)Ineswrites.comPage Turner PacingSend 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 244 / Is it too late to plan holiday promotions? Nope. You still have plenty of time–and holiday promotions don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. We delve into what tactics we’ve used and found effective for marketing to cold, warm, and hot audiences. -What we wish we’d known about marketing during the holidays -Group promos ideas -> warm/cold audience-Solo promo ideas -> hot audienceBookish Wish List – your favorite books/bookish thingshttps://www.sararosett.com/bookish-wish-list/Mystery Lover’s Gift Guide: https://www.sararosett.com/gift-guide/-Last Minute ideas -> cold and warm audiences-Newsletter content ideas -> hot audience 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Post from Written Word Media for promotion ideas and consumer mindset: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/book-promotion-for-holiday/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 243 / We are thrilled (pun intended!) to chat with contemporary crime and conspiracy thriller author Nick Stevens. We talk about anti-heroes, setups and payoffs, Tremors, and why sometimes you just have to publish the book. 10:58 Why emotional connection is better than perfect structure in storytelling14:00 Using multiple formats to diversify17:18 Marketing mistake: starting too early23:00 Getting ratings and reviews29:26 Finding community for writers of mystery/thrillers34:09 Setups and payoffs in thrillers37:20 Incorporating real-life details into fiction and authenticity that grounds stories46:12 Nick Stevens books and social media💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://nickstevensbooks.comFacebook – Nickstevens Booksnick@nickstevensbooks.com https://sararosettbooks.com/products/croquet-murder-mystery-game-printableSend 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 242 / We're diving deep into listener questions about everything from drafting and editing techniques, tackling imposter syndrome, and decoding our strengths. 🥤☕️ So grab your favorite beverage—be it Diet Coke or a cup of comforting coffee–and join us for a Wednesday chat about writing. 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:Ep 15: Elana Johnson on Finding Success in Small Genreshttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/finding-success-in-small-genres-with-elana-johnson/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 241 / Whether you're an introvert or extrovert you can develop a platform to grow your author brand. Learn how with authors of From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker, suspense and thriller author Matty Dalrymple and  science fiction & fantasy author M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn).  Topics:How to match your platform to your personality Tips for effective public speakingCommon mistakes authors make when it comes to platform as well as public speakingWhy the time you spend behind the microphone or on stage is often the least important part of the eventSimple steps you can use to get started building your author brand💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.htmlhttps://books2read.com/FromPageToPlatformhttps://authorlevelup.comhttps://MattyDalrymple.comhttps://www.theindyauthor.comSpeaker’s Notes: https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.htmlSend 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 240 / In 2024, Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe paired their love of regency romances like Bridgerton with their bad habit of killing people in their books to create a new series that they rapid-released, the Crown Jewels Regency Mystery Series. Topics:Why brutal honesty is critical for collaborationHow to spot trendsTips on how to incorporate trends into a genre and still meet reader expectations around tropesHow Lynn and Anne leveraged interest around Bridgerton to market the new seriesUsing beta readers to verify the book was on target  💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportAccess to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack group Shoutout on a future episode. 🌟New: writing sprints on Tues and Thurs at 9 Eastern. Link in the slack group📥 Send us a Text Message ⚡Links:lynnmorrisonwriter.comanneradcliffe.comCozy Mystery Clubhouse Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryclubhouse/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