Way-Word Writers Podcast

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent and author Heather Cashman, along with authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, welcome digital marketing expert Emily Ritter. Emily shares her extensive experience in social media and digital marketing, offering authors valuable insights on how to navigate the complex world of online promotion. Ke...

Send us a text ​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Karen Chan, founder of Gloo Books, a children's publishing company dedicated to creating inclusive and compassionate content. Karen discusses her inspiration behind starting Gloo Books, her journey as an entrepreneur and publisher, and shares valuable insights into the indepen...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and guest Nicki Jacobsmeyer delve into the world of nonfiction book proposals. They discuss the intricate process of selling a book before it's written, specifically focusing on adult nonfiction. Nicki, who has successfully sold several nonfiction works, shares her journey, challenges, and strategies...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome accomplished author and historian Valerie Battle Kenzel. The discussion centers on effective book promotion techniques, including creating compelling media pitches, utilizing talking points, engaging with local media, and leveraging social media. Valerie shares her insights on...

Send us a text ​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Shannon Anderson, an award-winning author and seasoned educator. They explore Shannon's journey from teaching to becoming a prolific author and speaker. She shares valuable tips on transitioning from writing to public speaking, effectively booking speaking engagements,...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by Carina Licon, Assistant Editor at Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, part of the Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. The discussion navigates through Carina's editorial process—emphasizing the importance of character-driven and voice-y manuscripts, maintain...

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer delve into Stephanie Bearce's writing journey and the release of her new book, 'The Secret of Moonrise Manor.' Stephanie shares insights into her career, including transitions from nonfiction to fiction, overcoming personal challenges, and the process of writing a book s...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer interview Vera Ray, a fantasy romance author from Storm Literary Agency. Vera shares her long journey from traditional to self-publishing, including struggles, successes, and lessons learned. She discusses her decision to get an agent for audio and foreign rights, her marketing strate...

Send us a text In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bierce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer welcome Lisa Q. Matthews, a seasoned editor and author of cozy mysteries. The discussion explores Lisa's unique career transition from editing popular children's series like Nancy Drew and Lizzie McGuire Mysteries to writing adult cozy mysteries. Lisa shares insights into her...

Send us a text ​​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman joins authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer to discuss the intricate process of navigating query letters. They delve into the key elements Heather looks for in a query letter, offer valuable advice on personalizing queries without crossing professional boundaries, and underscore...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer introduce Vivian Kirkfield, an adventurous author with a unique journey into writing that began with skydiving at the age of 64. Vivian shares her inspiring path from kindergarten teacher to a celebrated children's book author and contest host. She outlines the importance of writ...

Send us a text ​In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today bestselling thriller author Simon Wood. Wood shares insights into his whirlwind career shift from race car driver to writer, describing how his diverse experiences influence his gripping thrillers. He discusses the importance of real-life research, character develop...

Send us a text ​​In this engaging episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today bestselling author Nicole Evelina. Nicole shares her inspiring journey from self-publishing to becoming a hybrid author, detailing her rigorous writing process and the numerous awards she has won, including the North Street Book Prize and Sarton Woman&apos...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, the hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, engage with Matt Kay, CEO of Bindery Books, and Meg​han Harvey, Co-founder and President. They discuss Bindery Books' revolutionary publishing model that leverages 'tastemaker' influencers to lead imprints and engage with their audiences through exclusive membershi...

Send us a text In this special anniversary episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, author and writing coach Stephanie Bearce, and author and writing coach Nicki Jacobsmeyer celebrate one year of their podcast. They emphasize their mission to support writers in all genres and publishing paths through various platforms. The highlight of this episode is their critique sess...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer are joined by editor Foyinsi Adigbonmire from Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children's. The discussion delves into the intricacies of creating a distinctive narrative voice, the difference between character and narrative voice, and how to balance authenticity with...

Send us a text In this milestone episode of Way-Word Writers, Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer reflect on their journey of creating the podcast, expressing gratitude for the community they have built. The trio discusses personal challenges, growth, and the value of fostering connections within the writing community. They share insights on dealing with social media, offering...

Send us a text In this episode of Way​-word ​Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Dr. Cristie Ritz King, an expert in trauma and maternal mental health, to discuss how to write authentically and sensitively about mental health issues. Dr. King shares her journey from a teacher to a trauma therapist, and offers valuable tips for writers on depicting mental...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer speak with Naomi Kirsten, a seasoned freelance editor, creative consultant, and former Chronicle Books editor. Naomi shares her extensive experience in the publishing industry, discussing the importance of thinking like an editor, the role of compromise in the creative process, and ke...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie ​B​earce, and Ni​cki Jacobsmeyer introduce children's book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison. Darcy, who has written over 70 award-winning books​,​ with some translated into 10 languages, shares her journey from traditional publishing to becoming a successful indie publisher. Discussing her strategies...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer dive into the topic of imposter syndrome. They define what imposter syndrome is, discuss the various types identified by Dr. Valerie Young, and explore how it affects writers. The hosts share personal experiences and offer advice on how to recognize and combat these feelings. Key poin...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman and authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer chat with Anna Orenstein-Cardona, a children's author and financial educator. They discuss the financial realities of the publishing industry, from advances to royalties, and offer valuable advice on diversifying income streams throug...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer chat with Kathleen Sweeney, COO of Book Brush, about the essential tools and strategies for authors to boost their book marketing efforts. Kathleen provides insights into how authors can use Book Brush’s platform to create visually appealing and effective marketing graphics, the impor...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, and authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, discuss their favorite craft books. They explore a range of topics from the importance of foundational language skills to techniques for structuring and enhancing storytelling. Each host shares personal insights and recommendations, speaking on the utility...

Send us a text In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome ghostwriter Loren Stevens. Loren shares her journey into ghostwriting, which started with her writing her mother's biography. Her impressive resume includes over 40 books, with clients spanning diverse backgrounds and stories. Loren discusses the challenges and rewards of...