
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

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 13min
Author Sustainability and Kickstarter with Claire Taylor
Episode 212 / Claire Taylor, humor and mystery author and Enneagram expert, shares how authors can use the Enneagram to create a resilient approach to the often chaotic writer lifestyle. We also discuss Claire’s successful track record on Kickstarter, and she tells us what she wishes she knew about using the crowdfunding platform.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportHow the Enneagram can help authors with sustainabilityMost common mistakes authors make in regard to sustainabilityThe superpower each Enneagram has that helps with resilience Typical blocks authors strugglingWhat Claire wishes she’d known about running Kickstarter campaignswww.kickffs.comwww.ffs.media www.liberatedwriter.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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 7min
Financial Freedom, Direct Sales, and Author Nation with Joe Solari
Episode 211 / How do you live your best life through your writing career? We talk with Joe Solari about how to achieve author goals and how various business models, including direct sales and subscriptions, play into reaching those goals. We also discuss Author Nation, the largest indie author conference, and tips on how to have a great conference experience. New business models: direct sales, subscriptionsImpact of AI across industriesThe single factor that will attract readers to youStructure of Author Nation conference tracksWhat to do after the conference ends: why narrowing your focus is importantAuthor Nation: www.authornation.live Nov 11-15, 2024💜 🎙 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Mar 13, 2024 • 57min
⏳ M.K. Williams: “Packing your Patience," YouTube Success, and Writing Across Genres
Episode 210 / M.K. Williams writes suspenseful literary fiction and helps aspiring authors. M.K. shares how she writes and markets books across different genres, using Payhip for direct sales, the drawback of a surprise launch, and why delusion is sometimes a good thing. 🌀Why M.K. has specific goals for each bookWhy M.K. recommends purchasing your ISBNsWhy authors should “pack their patience” when it comes to writing and publishingMindset shift M.K. had to go through in considering the tradition route with a bookThe problem with a “surprise” book launchCommon mistakes aspiring authors makeHow M.K. uses Payhip for her direct salesLinks:https://1mkwilliams.com/https://www.youtube.com/@1MKWilliamsEbooklaunch covers: https://ebooklaunch.com/?ref=32 (Affiliate)💜 🎙 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Mar 6, 2024 • 1h 10min
Melanie Harlow: Lessons Learned on the Way to Becoming a One-Click Author
Episode 209 / How do you get to the point that your readers “one-click” the buy button for your books? Join us as we chat with small town romance author Melanie Harlow. Melanie shares what she learned about giving readers what they want—and what that has to do with spaghetti versus cake. 🎂Knowing how to market the book before you write itDiscovering micro-tropes that appeal to readers (and one disadvantage of focusing too much on tropes)How to keep your writing creatively interesting when you’re staying in your laneRepackaging books when trends changeWhy she’d be more intentional about planning series if she were starting overHow she uses bonus scenes to get readers on her newsletter listAlternate special edition paperbacks💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportLinks: www.melanieharlow.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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Feb 28, 2024 • 59min
Margaret Lashley on Creating Your Own Genre and Being True To Yourself
Episode 208 / Want to write something a little bit different? How do you appeal to readers in one of the main genres, but also forge your own path? Margaret Lashley joins us to share how she created a subgenre of wacky, humor-filled mysteries that appeal to cozy readers as well as women’s fiction readers. How Margaret’s background in advertising helps her write fictionWhy Margaret only uses one social media siteHow she markets her genre-adjacent fictionWriting humor as well as crafting quirky, but relatable charactersWhy a backlist is important for longevity Author website: https://www.margaretlashley.com https://www.facebook.com/valandpalspageAmazon: https://www.amazon.com/B06XKJ3YD8💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportLinks: Findaway Voices by Spotify current TOS: https://my.findawayvoices.com/terms-of-use#Buzzcast’s episode about Spotify: https://buzzcast.buzzsprout.com/231452/14513452-spotify-s-new-podcast-strategyAuthor’s Republic: https://www.authorsrepublic.comSpoken Realms: https://spokenrealms.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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Feb 21, 2024 • 1h 14min
Emma St. Clair on Building Fandom and Writing Closed Door Romantic Comedies
Episode 207 / Do you want to create a loyal readership interested in you, not just your genre? Do you want to up the romantic tension in your books? Rom-com author Emma St. Clair shares tips on these topics, plus much more: The minefield of romance terms used to describe heat level and toneWeighing the cost of taking a break from a seriesHandling the pressure that success bringsEmail building tipsAdding emotional connection to deepen swoony scenesPlanning an in-person reader retreatGoing hybrid with a traditional book deal for diversification Links: http://emmastclair.comhttp://instagram.com/kikimojoWIKT Ep 9: Clean Romance, Sustainability, and “Pantsing” books with Kirsten Oliphant💜 🎙 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Feb 14, 2024 • 43min
Leslye Penelope on Worldbuilding, Being a Hybrid Author, and Selling Signed Books Using Payhip
Episode 206 / Leslye Penelope, author of fantasy and paranormal romance, joins us and shares how she builds rich story worlds.How the worldbuilding can connect to plot, character, theme, and conflictUsing Payhip to sell signed paperbacks Leslye’s course on WorldbuildingHow Leslye went from indie publishing to being a hybrid authorHow she transitioned from rapid release to a slower release scheduleLeslye’s recommendations for helpful writing craft bookshttps://lpenelope.com/https://myimaginaryfriends.net/footnotesWorldbuilding course: https://learn.myimaginaryfriends.netPodcasts:https://lpenelope.com/podcast/https://www.inkandmagic.net💜 🎙 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Feb 7, 2024 • 48min
The Power of Owning Your Reader’s Experience with Matt Briel from Lulu
Episode 205 / This episode is all about harnessing the power of direct connection with your readers. Matt Briel from Lulu discusses the value of direct sales as we move away from a distribution-first publishing model. Importance of owning customer dataWhy you should start building your direct audience even if you only have one bookUsing Lulu for Kickstarter fulfillmentOrder Import Tool: upload csv files for order fulfillment of crowdfunding or direct sales that Lulu prints and ships for you New features that are coming to Lulu, including ribbons and endpapers Lulu’s website plug-ins for direct salesWebsite: Lulu.comLulu’s Publish & Prosper Podcast: https://www.publishprosperpodcast.com/💜 🎙 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Jan 31, 2024 • 53min
Get the First Draft Written and Mental Health for Writers with Erin P.T. Canning
Episode 204 / Having trouble getting words on the page? Erin P.T. Canning has strategies to help! We delve into how to let go of perfectionism and give yourself permission to write a “bad” first draft. Erin also shares how writing helped her with depression. Why it’s important to look backward as well plan for the futureMaking time to write as a busy at-home and working momTurning off the inner criticEmbracing you genre Daydreaming: mentally draft and revise before writing Placeholder as the first chapterErin’s website: https://erinptcanning.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/erinptcanningauthor;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinptcanningFacebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentswhowrite💜 🎙 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-podcastResources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Jan 24, 2024 • 56min
✅ Why Branding and Quality are More Important Than Ever with Clayton Noblit of Written Word Media
Episode 203 / Do you want to simplify marketing? Do you want to take your branding up a notch? Do you want to know the trends in writing and publishing? Clayton Noblit of Written Word Media has answers about these topics and also shares tips on where to start with branding and common mistakes new authors often make.https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support.Links mentioned: Instalove course: https://instalove-university.teachable.com/p/ilu?affcode=1725974_-clezvvkACFW Virtual Conference - Swoony in the Sweet session on Saturday with Jenny B. Jones: https://acfw.com/acfw-virtual-conference/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