Episode 173 / Raythe Reign writes in the gay paranormal genre and joins us to talk about writing serials, podcasting audiobooks as a lead magnet, and running a membership on her own site.Author website: www.RaytheReign.com & https://www.youtube.com/@RaytheReign💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportOur Sponsor: tryvellum.com/wishTranscript at https://wishidknownforwriters.com/173-2/More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help UkrainiansSend 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

Subscriber-only episodeH. Claire Taylor,  owner of FFS Media and versatile writer of humor, paranormal police, procedural, paranormal cozy, mystery, and crime fiction, joins us for our May supporter chat. We discuss using the Enneagram for plotting and character development. We also answer listener questions, including decisions about timelines in fiction series  and promotion options for new authors.Send us a text🚀 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

Episode 172 / Women’s fiction author, Rachel Hanna shares about writing women’s fiction and branching out into direct sales using Shopify and Klaviyo. Author website: www.RachelHannaAuthor.com💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportMore links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help UkrainiansSend 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

How do you balance writing, motherhood, and finding joy in your craft? Today, we had the pleasure of chatting with the talented Belinda Kroll, a cozy fantasy writer who's mastered the art of the joyful side hustle. Belinda shares her journey from vanity press publishing to indie success, and how she's cultivated a thriving newsletter and community along the way.Discover Belinda's efficient writing process that keeps her joy intact, and learn how her current lifestyle influences her writing and fits in with her busy life. We also explore her journey of utilizing Canva Pro to create a content calendar on Instagram and compose for TikTok, maximizing her social media presence to market her work to readers. Join us as we dive into the world of cozy fantasy and paranormal elements, examining the rules and distinctions within the genre. Belinda shares her experience building a community on Patreon, the importance of setting expectations, and her all-in-one planner for Discovery Writers. Don't miss this insightful conversation with the brilliant Belinda Kroll!Author website: https://worderella.com/links💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportThanks to our industry sponsor, Vellum. You can build, style, and preview your book, then purchase when you’re ready to publish. tryvellum.com/wishSend 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

Episode 170 /  Fantasy and sci-fi author Jamie Davis joins us to share insights on author branding, diversifying income, plus the best and worst advice he’d been given. Find out how Jamie reaches his core readers and stays engaged with his audience, while also branching out into diversifying his income streams. Learn about promoting Kickstarter with additional content, and why failure can be a necessary step for growth.We also talk about his upcoming Kickstarter, selling direct through his WooCommerce shop on his website, and how he plans to add subscriptions to his author business.Author website: 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportJamie Davis website:  https://jamiedavisbooks.comJamie Davis Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/podmedic/createdSend 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

Episode 169 / Historical mystery author SarahWoodbury shares how she researches and writes her novels set in medieval Wales. We also delve into writing a long series, the power of a free first in series book, and creating Youtube videos for readers.💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow highlights:Indie publishing, the stigma around it, its benefits and challengesChallenges in finding a cover artist with the desired flexibilityThe freedom and possibilities in writing seriesThe mistake of focusing on a small number of books and not continuing to produce contentThe importance of accuracy in historical fiction and the thrill of researchCreation of video content for a Youtube channel based on a map of 500 places to be visitedSarah's focus on presenting interesting facts and stories while her husband handles the video productionThe challenge of being the face of the YouTube channel and the passion for storytellingThe importance of consistency in writing every daySarah Woodbury: https://www.sarahwoodbury.com/More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainianshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharingSend 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

Episode 168 / Jami Albright and Sara Rosett discuss how to create compelling characters. We look at the pilot episode of Ted Lasso and delve into why the characters of Rebecca and Ted are fascinating and how the writers made them well-rounded characters. Special supporter event: chat with H. Claire Taylor on May 28th. Watch for info in your private RSS feed. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportTime stamps:[00:01:32] Sara attended the Subscription for Authors (https://subscriptionsforauthors.com/) summit and learned about different subscription models, including the tactic of giving every tier the same thing.[00:07:15] How the first episode of Ted Lasso introduces Rebecca and Ted and contrasts their personalities through action, small details, and dialog [00:14:19] Hints about backstory without info dump[00:16:10] Ted Lasso is a flat arc character who evolves in Season 2. The show is an intriguing concept that blends both flat arc and robust character arc[00:30:51] Flipping a trope is attractive to people readers[00:32:26] Using a “train wreck” scenario and underdog trope, and how Rebecca’s actions create sympathy for Ted[00:39:41] How the reveal of Ted’s problems in his marriage and separation from his son compounds our desire to see Ted do well[00:41:20] How Roy’s interactions with Phoebe soften his character[00:44:55] Unlikable characters can be fascinating and pull in readers. Examples: House, Snape, Agatha Raisin[00:46:02] Using the same techniques to make villains three-dimensional [00:50:47] Gradual change in characters is effective and easily noticed by readersSave the Cat by Blake Snyder: https://books2read.com/u/mVKoJJHow to Write a Series by Sara Rosett: https://books2read.com/howtowriteaseriesMore links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan 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

Subscriber-only episodeH. Claire Taylor will join Jami and Sara for the next Private Supporter Chat on Sunday, May 28th at 3pm CST. Listen for the link to join. H. Claire Taylor writes satire and cozies and uses her knowledge of the Enneagram to help authors write compelling characters and series. She's the author of Reclaim Your Author Career, an Enneagram-based approach to aligning your author career. And she's run two successful Kickstarters. Link to the chat is in the episode.If you're a supporter, but don't have access to your private RSS feed to listen to this announcement with details on joining the chat, email support@ buzzsprout.com for help. Looking forward to seeing you soon!Send us a text🚀 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

Episode 167 / Is it time to hire an author assistant? Jenna Lee answers our questions about outsourcing, work/life balance, NDAs, and so much more. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportHighlights:Jenna’s background as an author and how it helps her as an author assistantHow to know when to outsourceHow to decide what tasks to outsourceHow to interview of an assistantTips for giving feedback to a team memberDealing with fear of handing off tasks to someone elseTips for an author to build a team to support themKey things to look out for when outsourcingCommonalities in writers who have been successful over the long haulTimestamps:[00:10:25] Jenna Lee is an author and owner of The Daring Press. She started off as an author and had success with their first book, a reverse harem paranormal romance.[00:16:51] To get support for your author business, make a list of tasks and identify what you love and dislike doing. Outsource tasks you dislike, and create a job application for the person you need, considering their personality and strengths. Conduct a video interview to ensure they are the right fit.[00:20:55] Set up processes and systems before bringing in a new team member to ensure a smooth start; trial period of the first month involves establishing communication, apps, and tasks; regularly check in to ensure the person is doing a satisfactory job.[00:23:57] Focus on one thing at a time for success rather than overwhelming yourself with multiple “shoulds.”[00:28:53] Managing workload to avoid burnout and mistakes when hiring help for your author business. [00:35:49] Meeting on Zoom is important to assess fit and skills. Ask thought-provoking questions and consider sample tasks.[00:41:10] Setting work hours and communication boundaries with clients and team members to manage expectations and avoid emergencies in non-life-saving industries.Links:Daring Press: www.thedaringpress.comJenna Lee’s books https://jennalee.biz/product-category/books/Morgana Best’s class on Building a Shopify Store: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

Episode 166 / From testing out book covers to using spreadsheets to track release dates, Romantic comedy author Deanna Roy shares her tried and tested marketing strategies for self-publishing success. But it's not all about marketing tactics–Deanna also shares her personal story of finding success in the ever-changing world of publishing and the importance of finding a supportive community of fellow authors.Intro:Jami’s author consulting: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/supportShow notes:From 350 rejections to self-publishing successAdvice to new authors: publish a short story firstLessons learned about marketing: books that appeal to warm vs. cold audiencesHow Deanna conducts a cover test for each book Tactics to keep income up during emotionally trying timesImposter syndrome Indie author JJ. Knight's journey into traditional publishingExploring a new genre with women's fiction and the benefits of “hobby books”Using retailer recommendation engines to maximize book salesAuthor website: http://www.deannaroy.comJ.J.Knight.comReadlaughSwoon.comOther mentions:Julia Kent on the Emotional Needs of Readers https://wishidknownforwriters.com/julia-kent-on-the-emotional-needs-of-readers-writing-ahead-and-opportunities-in-audio/How Pippa Grant Revolutionized her Writing Career with a New Pen Namehttps://wishidknownforwriters.com/how-pippa-grant-revolutionized-her-writing-career-with-a-new-pen-name/More links: 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-podcastJami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/launchplanJami’s books httpSend 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