Write the Damn Book Already

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Drew Linsalata has been my go-to for years when it comes to audiobooks and podcasts as well as any "How do I get the most bang for my buck?" questions when it comes to tech hardware.  In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, he helps dissect the why, when, and how of audiobook creation.  Topics include: Gear setup (for...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In the latest episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Joselyn Takacs and I discussed her first novel, Peace Oysters (Zibby Books, 6/25/2024). EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Her writing process (and the system she and her adviser had for keeping her consistent) Free writing versus stream-of-consciousness writing  The fun way she’s including the book...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Ava Dellaira’s adult debut novel, Exposure, comes out with Zibby Books on September 10th, 2024. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novels In Search of Us and Love Letters to the Dead , which was named Best Book of the Year by Apple, Google, BuzzFeed, the New York Public Library and the Chicago Public Library....

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This episode of Write the Damn Book Already features two of the best pieces of writing advice I’ve received (and I've received a lot of writing suggestions over the years!).  BOOK OF THE WEEK Just Do Nothing   by Joanna Hardis Joanna's Instagram: instagram.com/joannahardis Ep 55: How to Write While Feeling Discomfort (with Joa...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! With the rise of available options for indie authors, authors are more curious than ever  about how to navigate so many options without being overwhelmed or disappointed (simply because they didn't know what questions to ask!).  In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we cover: the various indie publishing options, from sel...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Kathleen Schmidt is a well-respected voice in book publishing with in-depth experience in all aspects of the industry. She has worked on 50 New York Times bestsellers, and her clients have continuously appeared in top-tier national print, broadcast, and radio outlets such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Vogue, Elle, Financial T...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Donna Norman-Carbone's second novel, Of Lies and Honey , just launched (April 24, 2024, Red Adept Publishing), and it was wonderful to have her on as a repeat guest. Her first novel, All That Is Sacred, came out less than a year ago (June 2023, Red Adept Publishing), and chatting about the differences between book 1 and book 2 prov...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! The time has come! We're finally able to move on from the days of traditional offset printing to print-on-demand options when it comes to children's books and cookbooks. Whether you're contemplating watercolor illustrations for a children's book or publishing a mouthwatering cookbook, this episode is for you!  EPISOD...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! The story is always unfolding... In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I spoke with Diana Naranjo about her memoir (which is currently on submission). She recounts a pivotal moment where a professional connection with author Abraham Verghese ( Cutting for Stone , The Covenant of Water ) led to her first agent connection. EPISO...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! This solo episode discusses the pressure authors face to follow specific strategies and approaches when writing and promoting their books. I share my observations about the conflicting advice authors receive about book writing, publishing, and marketing (and how to handle it without losing your mind!).  Key Takeaways: Don't feel ob...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this solo episode of Write the Damn Book Already, I respond to listener's questions, including: How do I make sure I'm not infringing on someone else's copyright by referencing their advice, book, or insights in my book?  Why is publishing so complicated? Why do I become an insecure mess whenever I sit down to write? R...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Lauren Kay's young adult debut novel, We Ship It, was a dream come true, but it wasn't easy to get there. Now, she helps other writers achieve the same joy, minus the roadblocks. Having secured eight agent offers in a month,  she works with authors dreaming about a traditional publishing deal to help them write irresistible qu...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Neely Tubati Alexander's second novel, In a Not So Perfect World (March 2024, Harper Perennial), was noted a "Best Romance to Read in 2024" by Cosmopolitan and received starred reviews from both Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.    In her second appearance on the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, we discussed her two-book...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Armed with quick wit, relatable characters, themes of resilience, and always a happy ending, award-winning and USA Today Bestselling author Kathryn R. Biel writes comfort reads. In the most recent episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we chatted about her journey thus far as an indie author.  INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS Kathryn's favori...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! These days, almost everyone dreams of having a post or reel go viral. That is, until they do. At that point, they realize it doesn't often have the "magic bullet" benefits we're led to believe. At best, it has a neutral impact, and at worst, it can go very (very) wrong before you have a chance to get your arms around...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Elle Evans is an anesthesiologist and a novelist whose debut novel, Wedding Issues, comes out April 2, 2024 with Zibby Books.  And was this ever a fascinating conversation! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS The first book Elle wrote (that was never officially published, even with the best title ever)  Elle's writing process, including how she set...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In the latest episode of  Write the Damn Book Already, I spoke with Julie Chavez, author of the incredibly well-received memoir, Everyone But Myself   (January 2024, Zibby Books). After Julie's life experience turned into a book idea,  she wrote 30,000 words and thought that surely it was a complete, publishable book. Newsflash: It...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Transitioning between genres can feel like learning a new dance with the same set of feet. In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, Zibby Owens shares her experience shifting from memoir ( Bookends , July 1, 2022, Little a) to fiction ( Blank , March 1, 2024, Little a). We discuss what it takes to draft a compelling "base la...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! With the book publishing industry overflowing with titles vying for attention, I aim to guide  aspiring authors through the important steps of writing and publishing high-quality books that get noticed.  In this episode of Write the Damn Book Already, we'll a few reminders every author (including myself) can benefit from hearing (o...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Jessica Saunders's debut novel, Love, Me , was released on January 16, 2024 (Union Square & Co.) In the latest episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Jessica and I chatted about the power of pursuing a literary dream as she discussed her debut novel, Love, Me , (January 2024, Union Square & Co) with raw and cap...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I unveil my 6 predictions for 2024 in the world of self-publishing. I hope to continue to lend transparency to the self-publishing process and the growing opportunities available while helping you determine whether self-publishing is the right approach for your first (or next)...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Have you ever wondered how authors juggle character's voices when writing from multiple perspectives? In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, it's just one aspect of the creative labyrinth I chat through with Sarahlyn Bruck, author of Light of the Fire (Lake Union Publishing, January 2024) as well as Daytim...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Interested in creating a companion journal or workbook to complement your book? In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I dive into the true cost and labor involved in creating a companion guide (don't panic; I have multiple solutions!) as well as the importance of a ready-made audience before heading down this...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Are you ready for an honest conversation about what skill authors will most require in 2024?  In this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, I tackle the sometimes harsh realities of the creative industry while stressing the importance of patience and persistence.  No author's success is an overnight miracle. Instead,...

Click Here to ask your book writing and publishing questions! Struggling to keep the creative flame burning? I hear it a lot: "Elizabeth, where do YOU get accountability? How can I get back to this being fun? I’ve lost the joy." In this episode, I'm sharing four personal strategies that have kept me disciplined and accountable as an author. But make no mistake, it's not just ab...