Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 232 /  Jessie Kwak writes supernatural thrillers and sci-fi crime as well as nonfiction productivity books including, From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book. Topics:Trusting your own process, reassessing expectations, and enjoying the writing processHow Jessie blends sci-fi and crime genres and found her second series easier to market with a clearer target audienceHow Jessie integrates her fiction and nonfiction in her promotion and marketingThe power of showing up consistently and focusing on daily work to achieve long-term successAuthor Alchemy Summit - February 14th-16th in Portland, a small, intimate conference focused on marketing and business, with plenty of opportunities for networking💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportSponsor:  Xero Accounting Software Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastLinks:www.jessiekwak.comConference: www.authoralchemysummit.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 231 / Dr. Nick Courtright of Atmosphere Press, a literary hybrid publisher dedicated to author rights, joins us to discuss different publishing options, letting go of the mindset that you must have an agent, and the importance of a personal brand.💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportSponsor: Xero Accounting Software Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:The rise in indie and hybrid publishingTips on navigating the industryCommon mistakes Nick sees authors makingLetting go of the mindset that you must have an agent to be successful Atmosphere Press’s commitment to transparency and author rightsLinks:https://www.atmospherepress.comhttps://www.atmospherepress.com/call-for-submissions/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 230 / A.B. Herron blends elements of fantasy and romance in her fiction. She shares about balancing a full-time job while diving headfirst into the world of writing, the joy of connecting with readers at book fairs, and the critical role a supportive community plays in overcoming challenges, especially for authors with dyslexia.💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportSponsor:  Xero Accounting Software Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics: Forming and maintaining a tight-knit writing group, which Amanda formed through a combo of accidental encounters, the NextDoor app, and  a bit of subterfugeThe necessity of ongoing learning in the writing and publishing industryLaunching with stand-alones instead of a seriesThe importance of figuring things out on her own along the wayAdvice for overcoming obstacles and believing in your storyLinks: https://www.abherron.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-podcast

Episode 229 / Learn about the four basic types of relationship arcs from freelance developmental editor and writing writing instructor, September C. Fawkes. Discover how mapping arcs can define the direction and evolution of your characters' relationships and create a dynamic, zigzag narrative. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:The four types of relationships arcs with examples from across genresHow to use external factors, internal conflicts, and the right antagonistic forces to create believable relationship challengesHow to apply relationship arcs to multi-book seriesRelationship arc variationsHow to use tropes to label relationship arcsSponsor: Xero Accounting Software (See script) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-hvFLrOc069GSjMc8vRwQX9nVE6LasBWwqATt8XxLLU/edit Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastLinks:https://www.septembercfawkes.com/https://www.septembercfawkes.com/2022/10/the-4-basic-types-of-relationship-arcs.htmlInkers con links:Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32 CODE: SARA24Jami: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/1 CODE:JAMI24Send 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 228 / Kemper Donovan is the host of the All About Agatha podcast and author of The Busy Body, a USA Today bestseller on launch earlier this year. Kemper shares tips for querying and how podcasting about Agatha Christie helped him connect with mystery authors and also provided a built-in audience for his book. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:Tuning out the noise and finding your own writing process and voiceBenefits of podcasting: social interaction with less stress than social media, audience building, and connection with other authors and readersTips for finding agents and querying and insight into traditional publishingHow Kemper drew on Agatha Christie’s influenceNavigating writing, promotion, and self-doubt as an authorLinks:http://www.kemperdonovan.comKemper Donovan Books - Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100095414958480/Twitter: https://twitter.com/allaboutthedame?lang=enInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutagatha/Sara’s 1920s mystery, Murder Among the Pyramids, direct sales launch: https://sararosettbooks.com/collections/lady-travelerSend 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 227 / Liz Long shares her journey of embracing her own uniqueness, particularly in relation to ADHD and finding peace and growth after personal loss. Quick note: the language in this episode isn’t as family-friendly as our usual G/PG episodes, so just be aware of that. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:How mental health advocacy intersects with Liz Long's writing careerApproaching social media through the lens of helping peopleLiz’s late in life ADHD diagnosisDrafting tips and and Liz’s personalized coping mechanismsOvercoming self-doubt as well as finding and using your inner voiceHow naming concepts de-stigmatizes mental health and starts conversationsLinks:https://lizlongwrites.comJami on Romance Writer’s Therapy Podcast: https://pod.link/1595202492/episode/870c1827d8f5d5268f51f6a752c230a5Send 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 226 / Author, musician, and marketer, Paul Indigo shares insights on seeking validation, embracing our voice, and the unconventional use of an Excel spreadsheet for writing and marketing. If you’ve tried all the writing software and haven’t found one that works for you, perhaps your answer is a spreadsheet!💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:The power of authenticity and vulnerability in fiction writing Reader feedback as validation Why the “vein of truth” must run through both your book and your marketingHaving the confidence to trust in your voiceTips on using a spreadsheet to write a bookHow a spreadsheet allows you to see the structure or visitual tapestry of a book The interconnectedness of writing and music, which are both forms of artistic expression driven by emotion and structureLinks:paulindigo.comBookfunnel as an ads landing page: https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2024/katie-cross-bookfunnel-as-a-landing-page/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 225 / Megan Vernon, author of over 40 romance novels, joins us to talk about starting over after a difficult experience of being publicly criticized. We talk about the need to give ourselves grace and the importance of a supportive community for navigating the ups and downs of a writing career. Megan shares about her creation of the Mojo Dojo Casa House, a supportive space for published authors and shares her insights into ghostwriting. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:The importance of not rushing to judgment on social mediaMegan’s reflecting on self-doubt and overcoming imposter syndromeAds: Turning aversion into appreciationHandling backlash How ghostwriting led to new opportunities and recovery for MeganMegan’s supportive writers' group for authors getting back into writingLinks:www.maganvernon.comInkers Con Digital conference: July 20th – August 2nd 2024Affiliate links: Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/Discount codes: JAMI24 or SARA24Send 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 224 / Kate Johnson is the co-founder of Zory, an interactive reading app that merges the depth found in fiction with the choose-your-path-style plotlines of narrative video games. Kate shares details about Zory and craft tips about GMC as well as the All Is Lost moment. Plus we talk about trends in genre blending, and what Kate sees coming in the publishing industry. 💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics:Adaptation of existing books for fiction appsCustomizable and immersive reading experience through story loops and endings tailored to each individualPredictions and trends in the publishing industryLegal considerations in international contractsSetting boundaries and saying no to reduce stress and increase meaningImportance of goal, motivation, and conflict in writingSponsor: Xero Accounting Software Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastLinks:Zory.appDiscord: https://discord.gg/CXwKCvQVInkers Con Digital conference: July 20th – August 2nd 2024Affiliate links:Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32 CODE: SARA24Jami: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/14 CODE:JAMI24Send 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 223 / Do you like to discover the plot as you write? Do you get bored if you know where the story is going? Then a skeleton draft might be what you need.Paranormal and gothic romance author Steffanie Holmes joins us to talk about how discovery writers can use a skeleton draft to get their ideas down on paper and avoid writer’s block. We also talk about rebranding, Kickstarter tips for authors outside the US, and bust some publishing myths. 🥊💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting SoftwareUse discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcastTopics: Introduction to Skeleton DraftingWhy Stephanie shifted away from dark romance to her Nevermore Bookshop series, which features a magical bookstore and a blind heroine who teams up with famous literary villains to solve mysteriesHow Stephanie found success with skeleton drafting, not rigid outlinesUsing TikTok for market researchHow she rebranded her seriesPartnering for order fulfillment to reduce shipping costs and increase salesCreating a unique fan experience for achieving successLinks:www.steffanieholmes.comhttps://www.rageagainstthemanuscript.com/skeletondraftcourseInkers Con Digital conference: July 20th – August 2nd 2024Affiliate links:Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32 CODE: SARA24Jami: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/14 CODE:JAMI24Ep 161 - Nell Goddin on How Direct Sales Helped Revive her Author Business https://wishidknownforwriters.com/161-2/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