Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

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-podcast

Episode 202 / It’s part two of our trope series–very appropriate for episode #202! What’s your favorite trope? We asked a range of authors this question, and we’re here to share the answers. We unpack the benefits of writing tropes, why we love specific tropes, and where to find the favorite examples of the specific trope in books, movies, and television. 💡 We hope this episode sparks inspiration for you!Tropes discussed:Crouching moron/hidden heroSecond chance romanceAmnesia,Grumpy/sunshineChosen oneFound familyIntrepid sleuthInheritanceAuthors included in this episode: Jo LalloKait NolanJennifer HiltElena JohnsonAnton EineLynn MorrisonAdriana LockeHeather Day GilbertGreta BorisDeanna RoyListen to Part 1: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/195-2/Instalove course: https://instalove-university.teachable.com/p/ilu?affcode=1725974_-clezvvkInk and Magic podcast: https://pod.link/1714112525💜 🎙 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 201 / Mystery author S. L. Hansen shares how she hacked her writing process. She figured out how to fit writing in with her full-time job and also learned how to work with her Clifton Strengths to draft her books faster. Stephanie shares so many great tips that you can personalize to fit your writing personality. We talk about how starting with a log line or blurb can help you stay on track in your writing, why linking habits and strengths helps develop consistency, tracking energy to find your optimum time to write, and different types of rewards you can use for motivation. Stephanie also shared a pdf: Discover Your Personalized Strategy for Writing Success.Author website: https://slhansenbooks.com  https://www.subscribepage.io/s5l2w7 - newsletter💜 🎙 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 200 / We’re celebrating 200 episodes with a look back (what we learned in 2023) and a look forward to 2024 (trends that matter to authors). We’re so happy to have such a warm community around the podcast! Thanks for listening and supporting us during the last four years. Here’s to the next 200 episodes! 🥂💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTop Episodes in 2023:How to Thrive in a Flooded Market: Discussing Becca Syme’s New Rules of PublishingAngel Lawson on Learning to Use Tropes and Universal FantasyHow to Use Tropes to Create Strong Characters and Deepen Conflict with Jennifer HiltHow to Pace Your Novel with Ines JohnsonOlivia Hayle on Reader-Centric Books and PromotionFirst episode released on Jan 15, 2020! Top episodes (All Time):Zoe York on Secret Pen Names, Iterating Your Goals, and Tik Tok for AuthorsHolly Darling on the Power of an Email Welcome SequenceBook Launch Plans: The Mega Episode (Reair)Tammi Labrecque on What to Email to Newsletter SubscribersWhat We Wish We’d Known About Creating CharactersLife Trends from Accenture: “trends that will give businesses a way to navigate change in the next 12 months and beyond.” Trend discussed that impact authors: -Customer service-Branding-Disengaging from techLink to article: https://www.accenture.com/us-en/insights/song/accenture-life-trendsLink to Infographic:https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/capabilities/song/communicate/imagery/LifeTrends24-Infographic.pdfYear in Review Sell More Books Show episode:https://www.sellmorebooksshow.com/episode-507-self-publishing-2023-the-year-in-review-with-becca-syme/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