Episode 266 / Cozy mystery author Diana Xarissa joins us this week. With over 150 books in her backlist, Diana shared how she found success through rapid release (but she works a year ahead) and why embracing her passion was the key that helped her find and connect with readers. Topics: Diana's unique process for building a year-long advance writing schedule to maintain a steady release paceTips for creating likeable characters and a “Scooby gang” that keep readers coming back and also keep D...

Subscriber-only episode 🎉 Supporter chats are back! In this post show episode, we get some more insights from Jen and talk about: Jen’s #1 Writing Hack Burnout How to Process Stress 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 mark...

Episode 265 / Jen discusses how she found her passion for working with authors, her experiences in developmental editing and coaching, and the importance of aligning your business with personal visions of success. Tips on how to find an editor Frequent mistakes she sees authors makingTrends Jen sees in publishingAlternate pathways to successEffective social media use Different types of support teams and why you need them 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidk...

Episode 263 / Do you want to make your newsletters more personal and connect with readers? Bev Feldman, an email marketing strategist at Your Personal Tech Fairy, joins us today to share how to do just that through the type of content you share as well as sequences and segmenting. Setting expectations in a welcome sequenceThe value of letting subscribers goBasic ways to segment your newsletter listTips to make resending to unopened more effectiveCommon mistakes Bev sees people make with their...

Episode 262 / Jennifer Hilt shares how her writing career has evolved since she was with us in 2023, including expanding her trope thesaurus books to specific genres and her thoughts on launching an online event, TropeCon. She also shares her lessons learned for planning online events. If you want to connect with your readers through an online event, Jennifer has plenty of tips and ideas. Topics: The messy path to achievement and why you shouldn’t overthink or underestimate ...

Episode 261 / Elizabeth O’Roark shares about tapping into her creativity during the pandemic, tackling the ups and downs of switching genres, the power of tropes, and breakout success. Topics: Chasing successWhat Elizabeth wishes she’d started earlier Assessment of opportunity costBenefits of shifting to a new genreHow Elizabeth incorporates tropes and microtropes into her plan for a new bookMoving into special editions and direct sales💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidkn...

Episode 259 / Cat Johnson shares about writing resilience and creative innovation. We discuss Cat’s diversified distribution strategy that includes wide retailers as well as KU and her innovative promotion idea that lean into the personal and real life connections. Topics discussed: The power of pivoting in an unpredictable industryThe value of building a strong backlistOut-of-the-box marketing ideasWhat Cat wishes she’d known about being a hybrid authorWriting and promotion tips for mu...

Episode 258 / We delve into your responses from our previous episode, "What Do You Want?" We’re all ears and sincerely grateful for the feedback! You shared your love for the podcast and some brilliant suggestions. We unpack your ideas, which range from having more diverse author guests to potential coaching sessions with listeners. You also chimed in with some fantastic new questions to ask guests. 📢 Suggest authors or volunteer to be on the podcast! https://bit.ly/WishGuests 📩 ✍...

Episode 257 / Catharine Bramkamp is a writing coach, workshop facilitator, poet, traveler, and has authored 27 fiction, non-fiction and poetry books. She joins us to share about creativity, finding joy in the process of writing, and common mistakes she sees as a writing coach. 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message ...

Episode 256 / Cozy fantasy author and illustrator Hanna Sandvig joins us to talk about working with illustrators to create gorgeous special editions. We also chat about how Hanna’s business has evolved over time as she’s incorporated illustration into her own books and begun using Kickstarter and Patreon. 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode.&n...

Episode 255 / It’s time for a heart to heart. Jami and Sara want to hear what you want from the podcast. Are you still finding value in the podcast? Do you want to see a change in format or focus? Let us know! Sara also answers questions about her mystery letters. 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message What changes do you...

Episode 254 / Samatha Cummings writes YA fantasy chock full of magic, myths, and monsters and also hosts a podcast for writers, Pen to Paycheck. Topics:Samantha’s approach to treating NaNoWrMo as a gameWhy Samatha wishes she’d leaned into newsletter marketing earlier in her careerHow even one other person can be a community for youMindset changes Samantha made around imposter syndrome and knowing her true valueStarting a discord community for Young Adult Fantasy authors 💙 Become a s...

Episode 253 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as we break down the recent chaos with TikTok (It’s gone! It’s back!) and what actions authors can take to make sure they’re able to connect with readers despite the unpredictable nature of social media platforms. 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a future episode. 📥 Send us a Text Message Will you do anyth...

Episode 252 / Has your well run dry when it comes to newsletter and social media content? Sara Shea has fresh ideas for you. Sara works full-time as the assistant (and sister) of author K.M. Shea. She's been lurking in the indie author shadows for over a decade and is here to share her love of content creation with everyone. Topics: Tips for working with assistants and contractorsCreating an asset list to help you with your content creationIdeas for incorporating tropes and micro tropes...

Episode 251 / Do you want to cut back on the time you spend on social media? Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller have left social media altogether and have tips and how to cut back or depart social media. Topics: Benefits and drawbacks of leaving social mediaAdvice for someone wanting to reduce time on social media or leave altogetherWays to promote without social media How to stay in touch with friends/author communities if you’re not on social media 💙 Become a supporter of the podca...

Episode 250 / Guest: Sharmyn McGraw, mystery author and creator of planner/organizers for discovery writers. Sharmyn shares the challenges of dyslexia and how she became a successful writer. We also get into marketing hurdles, strategies for staying organized, the benefits of not being a full-time writer; and we also geek out over our love of office supplies. Topics: Tips for writing with dyslexia and the tools Sharmyn uses mostHow to find an editor if you have dyslexiaDiscovery writing...

Episode 249 / Guest: Matilda Swift, cozy mystery author and co-host of the Pen to Paycheck podcast Topics: Finding your genre: identifying and embracing what truly fascinates youOvercoming self-doubtWhy releasing more books isn’t always the path to successTime and schedule management challengesThe creative process behind Matilda’s engaging book titles and unique warm reader magnetWorking in your “zone of genius,” (i.e. What is easy for you?)The story behind the Pen to Paycheck podcast and how...

Episode 248 / Fantasy author and Kickstarter expert Anthea Sharp joins us to share tips on running crowdfunding campaigns as well as how Kickstarter has helped her move toward a mindset of relaxed prosperity. Topics: Relaxed prosperityFinding your voiceHaving the confidence to pick yourself Why Anthea has a “pruning list” and how she motivates herself to cut back instead of adding tasks to her writer lifeAdvice for new authorsKickstarter tipsWriting fantasy and romantasy💙 Become a suppor...

Episode 247 / We’ve both been traveling, so this week is a catch up episode about Jami’s experience at Author Nation, the biggest author conference in the world, and Sara’s cruise in the Mediterranean. Plus, details on Jami’s surprise European vacation. Join us for a chat about connecting with other writers, author business phases, and special editions as well as the dangerous combo of wide-leg pants and escalators in Roman train stations.👖 💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wi...

Episode 246 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as they discuss the importance of endings, their favorite (and not-so-favorite endings) as well as the six different types of endings. Spoiler warning for these books/shows we discuss: Extraordinary Attorney Woo Pride and Prejudice Sugar Daddy Sixth Sense Ted Lasso The Partner Nobody Wants This Fourth Wing The Serpent and the Wings of Night Truly Devious Cheat on Me, If You Can And Then There Were None 💙 Become a support...