The Writing and Marketing Show

In this episode, I explore how to write compelling short pieces for anthologies and stand out in competitive submission calls. Whether you’re new to submitting or looking to improve your acceptance rate, this episode breaks down what editors are really looking for. Get full access to Write and Publish With Wendy H. Jones at writepublishwithwendyhjones.substack.com/subscribe

ISSN 2978-235X (Online) In this episode I explore how deadlines affect creativity, and productivity. I also look at the psychology of stress, the different types of pressure writers face, and why waiting for inspiration often does not work. Practical strategies are shared for meeting deadlines, discuss burnout, and encourage writers to see pressure as a useful tool rather than a barrier. Get full...

How to Find What You Need Without Losing Writing Momentum Ever looked up one small detail and lost an hour to research? In this episode, we explore how to research quickly and effectively without sacrificing accuracy or momentum. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, you will learn a simple system to get what you need and return to the page. The Fast Research Framework Define the exact questio...

ISSN 2978-235X (Online) Episode 206 of The Writing and Marketing Show podcast explores why accurate research is the foundation of trust in both historical and contemporary books and how even small errors can shape public understanding, reinforce myths, and damage an author’s credibility. It explains what good research really looks like in practice, from verifying sources and context to distinguish...

ISSN 2978-235X (Online) A realistic reset for writers who are tired of negotiating with themselves What if this year isn’t about more discipline, but more honesty? In this episode, I talk about the quiet excuses that keep writers stuck, not because we’re lazy, but because we’re protecting ourselves. And how those reasonable delays slowly cost us momentum and trust. This isn’t a pep talk. It’s a re...

In this episode, I break down how to craft rich, immersive settings without stopping the story dead with bulky exposition. Learn how to use character perspective, action, sensory detail, and dialogue to make your world come alive, naturally and seamlessly. You can find my substack - Write and Publish With Wendy H. Jones on https://substack.com/@writepublishwithwendyhjones Get full access to Write...

Get your books ready for the busiest sales season of the year! In this festive episode, we unpack smart, stress-free strategies to market your books for Christmas. It’s time to start a buzz and ge those book sales moving. Get full access to Write and Publish With Wendy H. Jones at writepublishwithwendyhjones.substack.com/subscribe

ISSN 2978-235X (Online) Staring at a blank page? You’re not alone. In this episode I’m taking a look at writer’s block and providing real strategies that can get your creative juices flowing again. I cover the common causes of writers block and outlines easy to implement strategies that you can use immediately. Whether your suffering from writers block, or want to arm yourself for the future, toda...

Struggling to start your story? Dreading the blank page? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. In this episode of The Writing and Marketing Show we’re tackling one of the most common and paralysing parts of the writing process - the first draft. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, ditch perfectionism, and actually enjoy the messy magic of getting your words down. Whether you’re wr...

In this heartfelt return to The Writing and Marketing Show ,I open up about the unexpected life events and injury that led to an extended break — and how the journey through recovery reshaped my creative process. This episode is a personal reflection on the realities of approaching burnout, the importance of honouring your physical and emotional wellness, and the power of returning to creativity o...

What happens when life throws you more curveballs than you can catch? After a year filled with personal challenges like a house flood, a fire, and a painful arm injury, I'm back to share my journey and triumphs. Despite these setbacks, I've successfully launched a new cozy mystery anthology under my Scott and Lawson imprint, bringing together the creative talents of 12 remarkable authors...

Unlock the secrets of authentic historical storytelling with historian and author Lexi Cunningham as we paint the past with words. From the serene setting of Westerwood Hotel and Spa in Scotland, our writing retreat provides the perfect backdrop for this rich discourse on infusing your fiction with the hues of history. We venture beyond the surface of online encyclopedias, diving into the depths o...

Discover the magic that unfolds when setting takes center stage in a novel, transforming lifeless backdrops into dynamic entities with a soul of their own. This week, best-selling author Danny Petrie joins me, Wendy H Jones, to unravel the secrets behind crafting settings that captivate and characters who resonate with readers like old friends. Amidst the rugged Alaskan wilderness and the vibrant...

Have you ever faced a character in a book so flat they seem to fall off the page? Fear not, fellow wordsmiths, for I, Wendy H Jones, am here to share the secret sauce to spicing up your characters! This episode of the Writing and Marketing Show is a treasure trove of insights into the subtle art of characterisation. From the lush setting of Wester Wootatelle and Spa to the vibrant aisles of the Lo...

Fate threw a curveball that had us scrambling from the flames of my cousin's house fire to the tranquil embrace of a dense woodland retreat. As I share the harrowing details and our impromptu relocation, you'll feel the weight of the narrative's backdrop—the enigmatic allure of the woods—taking center stage. It's in this unexpected haven where I ponder the profound influence of...

Life has a way of tossing curveballs that can either strike us out or propel us to new heights. When my home was devastated by a flood, it felt like a heart-wrenching setback, but that experience became a catalyst for growth and new opportunities in my writing and work. Embrace change with me, Wendy H Jones, as I recount the resilience it took to rebuild and how this unexpected twist led to inspir...

Get ready for a thrilling journey as we sit down with Marty McNair, debut author of the riveting dystopian novel, Island of Ruin . McNair's fascination with dystopian fiction, her inspirations, and the journey of her protagonist, Jasmine, are laid bare in this intriguing conversation. The struggle against oppression, the power of resilience and the art of creating an immersive world, are just...

When COVID-19 left me, Wendy H Jones, wiped out, it was a wake-up call to the importance of self-care. Fellow authors, this episode is an intimate reflection on that experience and a stark reminder of how crucial looking after ourselves is. We're diving deep into the strategies that have seen me through - quality sleep, avoiding late-night exposure to blue screens, and staying well hydrated. ...

Summoning all mystery enthusiasts and budding crime writers! Get ready for an engrossing conversation with Phoenix-based author, Claire A Murray. Armed with a suite of compelling short stories and novels, she'll reveal the secret behind crafting narratives that have readers clinging to the edge of their seats. Ever wondered how to create dialogue that resonates with reality? Claire's ins...

Ever wondered how to make your series characters captivating, engaging, and real? The key is layering their personalities, their stories, their motivations, and their unresolved issues in just the right way. Today, we're honored to have Linda Mather, author of a murder mystery series starring an astrologer-private investigator, on the show. As a seasoned writer, she takes us behind the scenes...

Imagine strolling through the lush greens of nature, absorbing tranquility, and penning down your observations to engage readers worldwide. Our guest Linda Brown has done just that! She’s turned her lockdown walks into a successful career, writing for Nature magazines. Linda's experiences and writings bring nature to life, painting vivid imagery with her words. She starts by sharing her journ...

A  fascinating glimpse into the world of mortuary archaeology with our expert guest, Sarah N Rubin. Sarah, a seasoned archaeologist, takes us on an enlightening journey through the lens of time, sharing her rich experiences from excavations all over the world, from Ohio to Jerusalem. Promising a wealth of intriguing insights, we traverse the boundaries of science, history, culture, and literature...

Ready to venture into the world of pocket novels? Let's uncover the secrets together with Sue Cook, the acclaimed pocket novelist. Our chat goes beyond the size, length, and style as we understand what it takes to craft a captivating narrative within the constraints of a pocket novel. We reveal why staying slightly under the word count is crucial and how the word count requirement varies betw...

Join Wendy H Jones as she engages in a fascinating conversation with Lynn Random, a seasoned volunteer and expert in the field of search and rescue. With a rich background in advertising, marketing, and public relations, Lynn brings a unique perspective to this critical area of community service. Her stories are riveting; from volunteering with local canine search and rescue to gracing writers&apo...

Ever wondered how a seasoned journalist crafts fascinating stories for children's magazines? Join us as we unravel this intriguing world with our guest, Rebekah, a content producer for Children's Magazine at DC Thompson. Rebecca gives us an insider's view on the unique aspects of writing for children, emphasizing the need for interactive elements such as quizzes, puzzles, and even c...