Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

Episode 222 / Jessica Renwich, who writes fantasy and horror for kids ages 9-12, joined us to share her experience as an indie middle grade author.She has terrific insights on approaching schools for author visits and the impact of creating whimsical and fun content to appeal to young readers.  In addition to discussing how marketing middle grade books differs from marketing adult books, we also get into the things that often hold us back: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and dealing with rejection. And also the lure of magical chickens! 🐓💙 🎙 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: Jessica’s experience with the middle grade market: 95% of her sales are print booksWhy Jessia focuses on creating spooky and whimsical books for middle grade and how she layers in themes like strong maintaining strong friendshipsJessica’s recommendations for school visits: how and when to approach schools, her media package, and how she handles direct sales at schoolsDealing with impostor syndrome and perfectionismHow Jessica uses targeted ads and book blurbs that focus on themes, which help her market to parents, teachers, and librarianThe influence of awards on book legitimacy and author credibility in children’s literature Links: www.jessicarenwickauthor.com✨ Inkers Con digital conference: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32 (Affiliate link)Use JAMI24 or SARA24 and get $50 off registration! 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 221 / Looking to grow a community around your books? Romance author Amy Pine shares how she and her co-hosts created a podcast and built a vibrant community around Korean dramas. We also dive into craft book recommendations, beat sheets, and combining tropes in unexpected ways.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTopics:The importance of celebrating achievementsBenefits of beat sheets, Save the Cat, and Save the Cat Writes a Novel for creating a story framework The influence of Korean dramas on Amy’s writing and how she infuses Kdrama-inspired elements into her booksHow Amy and her co-hosts have nurtured the Afternoona Delight podcast Patreon, creating a supportive communityTips on starting a podcast and navigating audio editing challenges Juggling a community, writing, day jobs, and family responsibilitiesLinks:https://www.ajpine.com/https://www.afternoonadelight.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 220 /  KimBoo York joins us to share how to embrace flexibility and spontaneity in your writing process through discovery writing. Whether you thrive on outlining or prefer a more free-flowing approach, there are different techniques to suit your writing style.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTopics:What discovery writing is and how it’s different from free association writingMisconceptions about discovery writingIncorporating spontaneity and intuition in our writing routines Common mistakes authors make around discovery writingTechniques to get started with discovery writingReverse outlining as a problem-solving toolLeveraging different formats for diversificationLinks:https://houseofyork.info https://houseofyork.info/1mwcWIKT Episode 189: KimBoo York on Writing Serials and Trusting your Intuition https://wishidknownforwriters.com/189-2/Cozy article on Reedsy: https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-cozy-mystery/Send us a Text: Did you have a  character or plot twist that surprised you as you were writing? Be sure to include your name in your text! 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

Martha Carr, a journalist turned urban fantasy fiction writer, discusses transitioning to a solo publishing model, preparing for a Kickstarter campaign, and finding joy in writing. She shares insights on embracing change, leaving regret behind, and setting a sustainable pace. The conversation highlights the importance of starting over, enjoying the process, and balancing work with personal interests.

Julie Duffy, a publishing industry veteran, shares insights on writing short stories and flash fiction. Topics include challenges of writing, benefits of flash fiction, overcoming writer's block, finding the right writing group, and details on A Story A Day community.

Episode 217 /  Writing under two pen names, Celeste Barclay has penned over 50 books in historical and mafia romance. She shares insights on the writing process, the challenges of juggling multiple book brands, the importance of flexibility, and why universal themes resonate across genres.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTopics: Balancing marketing efforts for established and potential readersUnderstanding different market segments and reader loyaltyThe concept of "us against the world" theme and how it transcends genreThe connection between universal themes in mafia romance and historical romance How binge writing resulted in better continuity and high quality for CelesteThe importance of taking time to rest and recuperateCeleste's direct sales strategy for signed paperbacks through her websiteLinks:www.celestebarclay.com https://www.facebook.com/celestembarclayhttps://bit.ly/clubhousecelestebarclayhttps://www.instagram.com/celestebarclayauthor/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 216 / Mystery author Abigail Keam shares how she embraced the digital landscape and incorporated direct sales into her business model. From historical accuracy to adapting to technology, she shares her lessons-learned. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTopics:Challenges Abigail faced with publishers and how she found success with indie publishingHow Abigail weaves historical events and people into her novelsThe importance of accuracy in historical fiction and her process for research and fact-checkingHow she uses merchandise (calendar, mug, and book boxes) to add another stream of income Embracing technology to connect with her readersThe evolving landscape of writing, marketing, and the need for constant adaptationLinks:Author website: https://www.abigailkeam.com/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/author.abigailkeam/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abigailkeamauthor/Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/abigailkeam/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailkeamBookFunnel Video Webinar Library: https://bookfunnel.com/videos/?ck_subscriber_id=521109338Send 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 215 / When it comes to your author business, a bargain sometimes costs money in the long run, but other times it pays to splurge instead of scrimp. Join us as we discuss tips for saving money as well as when we’re willing to pay more.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportUse a “savings triage,” a list of ways to save money on business expensesInnovative side-hustlesWhat items we’re willing to spend more onTips on saving on editing, cover design, and marketingLinks: https://www.sararosett.com/author-business-expenses-save-splurge/https://blog.reedsy.com/save-on-your-self-publishing-budget/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 214 / How do you pull in readers who will love your books and push away those readers who won’t enjoy your book? Branding.Branding is more than colors, fonts, and covers.Join us for an in-depth discussion on how to determine your brand and carry it through in everything from your voice to ad copy to covers. And you know we’re always here for food analogies so the alternate title of this episode is “Why branding is like a layer cake.” 🍰What is a brand promise? UniquenessUsing comp authorsDoes your voice need to match your brand? Creating an author tagline that reflects your brand💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportSend 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 213 / We’re sharing an interview Sara did with Matty Dalrymple on the Indy Author Podcast last year. Sara and Matty go deep on the topic of how to structure a series so that it works for your writing style and your genre. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportThe three types of seriesExtending your seriesSpin-offsUsing short stories to enhance your seriesDealing boredom in writing in the same story world again and againChallenges around ending a seriesHow to Write a Series by Sara Rosett: https://books2read.com/howtowriteaseriesBuy the print version of How to Write a Series direct from Sara:https://sararosettbooks.com/products/how-to-write-a-seriesSara’s website: https://www.SaraRosett.comThis podcast originally aired on the Indy Author Podcast on 10/31/23: https://www.theindyauthor.com/210---constructing-a-compelling-series.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