Wish I'd Known Then Podcast For Writers

Episode 174 / We attended Inkers Con Author Conference in Dallas a few weeks ago and we’re here to share our favorite moments and our biggest takeaways on taglines, tropes, direct sales, productivity, backlist sales, and so much more.  The digital version of the Inkers Con conference is already open. Grab your ticket here: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/Inkers23 (Affiliate link). Use either one...

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/...

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/support More links:  The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned...

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 e...

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 ne...

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/support Show highl...

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 podcas...

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/support Highlights: Jenna’s background as an author and how it helps her as an author assistant How to know when to out...

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...

Episode 165 / Thriller writer Amanda Traylor shares: The challenges of writing commercial fiction How she shifted from romance to thrillers with romantic subplots and why that genre is a better fit for her How she licensed a thriller series to a publisher then got the rights reverted Writing as a parent of a young child Intro link: Greta and Megan’s kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/project...

Episode 164 / We delve into writing craft this week with mystery author and podcaster John Gaspard, who shares how to use filmmaking techniques in novel writing.  We also discuss finding unique aspects of our lives and using them in our books. We also cover some practical tips like the importance of eliminating unnecessary details between scenes and chapters, as well as cutting the last sentence o...

Episode 163 / Dark reverse harem romance author Angel Lawson shares the importance of understanding and applying tropes and universal fantasy concepts in her angsty novels of atonement. Angel describes past struggles with burnout and anxiety, and how she navigated through it. We also talk about co-writing, Kickstarter, consistency, and how bookplates and stickers helped her build a loyal fanbase. ...

Episode 162 / Alex Smith shares how BookVault prioritizes the quality of the book and the reader's experience. He details a new American print partner that will enable faster and cheaper shipping as well innovations with color printing, distribution, and bundling. We also discuss direct sales, mistakes authors make with their printed books, and–wait for it–ribbons! Yes, bespoke options are co...

Episode 161 / Nell Goddin experienced long Covid and wasn’t able to write or release books for several years. Now she’s using direct sales to revive her author business. We also talk about the importance of persistence, not limiting ourselves when it comes to mindset, and asking for help. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wish...

Episode 160 / How do you succeed in a market flooded with books? The Gold Rush in publishing is over and authors have to adjust. Sara and Jami discuss Becca Syme’s “New Rules of Publishing,” which gives three business verticals authors can lean into to be successful when the water is more red than blue. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episod...

Episode 159 / Do you want to connect with readers and create a new income stream that’s consistent and independent of the giant corporate tech companies? Join us as we talk with Emilia Rose and Michael Evans of Ream.ink about how to create a subscription for your readers. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters...

Episode 158 / Do you want to change genres, but aren’t sure if your readers will follow you? Dark romance author Maria Luis shares how she brought her contemporary steamy romance to her new dark romance books. We also delve into reader expectations and moving away from a rapid release schedule.  Maria’s website: www.marialuis.org 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a...

Episode 157 / Romance author, screenwriter, and educator Ines Johnson joins us to talk about why pacing is so important when crafting your novel as well as self care, direct sales, and her new podcast, Ines Johnson is Having a Breakdown. 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Show notes: How Ines r...

Episode 156 / Do you want to get your book into other languages? This week Sara and Jami dive into the various options available to indie authors for translations, including licensing your rights to a publisher and doing it yourself (project-managing the translation of your books). 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknown...

Episode 155 / You can hook readers with a few words or a concept when you use tropes. Romance and non-fiction author, Jennifer Hilt, shares tips on how to recognize tropes, how to bake them into your writing to make marketing easier, and how to twist tropes so they’re fresh for both readers and authors. Author website: www.jenniferhilt.com 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to g...

Episode 154 / Swag can be a great way to engage with readers. Hybrid young adult author and BookBrush COO, Dana Claire, shares how to create swag that will help you contect with readers and stand out in a crowded marketplace. Author website: https://www.danaclairebooks.com/ 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwrite...

Episode 153 / Cozy mystery author Traci Andrighetti joins us to talk about how changing her covers, going wide, and collaborating with other authors on a series have been game-changers for her writing career. Links:  💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Traci’s website: https://traciandrigehetti....

Episode 152 / Olivia Hayle, author of contemporary romance, joins us this week to discuss how her shift to focusing on what her readers want in both her writing and her promotion helped her author career. Oliva’s website: http://oliviahayle.com 💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode! https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Show notes: How...

Episode 151 / Do you want to write a memoir? Joanna Penn joins us to share her lessons learned about writing memoir and other nonfiction. Joanna is a discovery writer and shares how the structure and content of the book evolved. We also delve into overcoming fear around Kickstarter and launches as well as what’s on the horizon for authors related to A.I. and direct sales.  Intro links:  Gift books...

Episode 150 / Cozy and romance author Kate Baray joins us this week to talk about how she focuses on productive longevity and creates a sustainable author career. Show notes: Kate’s unusual path to being an author Why it’s important to tune out writing and craft advice that doesn’t apply to your genre or your personality type Kate’s method of trying and testing ideas The biggest mindset shift Kate...