Author Elevate Podcast

Struggling to write short stories? Or maybe you just want some fresh writing inspiration?

What if you have the contract, you do the promotion, you put on your best marketing hat - and then things fizzle anyway? Or worse, your publishing house closes?

Can faith-based sword and sorcery books, body horror romance, gifted illustrator, successful CEO of Realm Makers, and chronic conditions all go together? Yup, if you’re the amazing Rebecca P. Minor, who I have the honor of interviewing in this latest podcast episode! We dive into world building from a Christian worldview, exploring new genres, balancing business and creative life, the importance of cats and rats, and much more.

Also, for weekly videos (vs. sporadic podcast episodes), please check out the Author Elevate YouTube Channel.

It’s a new year–and a new start with new goals for Author Elevate! Which includes some moves to new places and new angles (let’s see how often I can fit “new” into these show notes, haha). In this episode I dive into my most recent experience with streamlining my process, including analyzing habits, trying to be everywhere, and dealing with chronic conditions. Tune in for my exclusive tips on transitions, growth, and how to move into the next season well. Plus, where you can find me next!

Want exclusive, secret sauce questions for identifying your ideal readers? What about incorporating theme into your story? How about bumping up your series read-through? Janeen Ippolito tackles all of this and more in this info-packed episode of the Author Elevate Podcast, where she answers a pile of your questions. Plus, she dares to make some predictions for 2024 (and then of course, invites you to use according to your unique goals). Sit down and get ready to take notes in this value-packed final episode of 2023!

Have loads of story ideas? Want to get at least a few of them written? Then you’ll need to get solid with writing first drafts! In this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast Janeen tackles three essentials for saving time when writing the first draft of your story. Plus, how to handle writing around busy holiday seasons.

Talk about your book all the time. No, in fact, never talk about your book, because that’s salesy. No, wait - “write to market” so you don’t waste your time. Sound familiar? Janeen Ippolito tackles 5 Common Book Marketing Myths in this episode of the Author Elevate Podcast. Includes what marketing really is, why asking is a powerful tool, and the importance of mastering your motivation. Plus, the difference between “sales” and “salesy”. Tune in for this myth-busting episode!

Feel like your chronic conditions have stacked the deck against your author success? Overwhelmed by life and challenges–and wondering if achieving your goals is even possible? Be encouraged and equipped by this interview with bestselling fantasy author W.R. Gingell, who lives with multiple chronic conditions and keeps going onward. Includes time organization strategies, how she includes characters with chronic illnesses in stories, and when to just stop and rest. Plus, what inspired her current urban fantasy series and why the answer to the random question is ALWAYS “dragon.” 

Calling all authors of middle grade fiction! Or potential authors. Or people who read middle grade fiction–or have kids who read it. Check out this episode with Janeen Ippolito and award winning middle grade author JJ Johnson. Includes how JJ started writing about plastic dinos and living snot, some pitfalls to avoid when writing for middle grade, and how he grew his platform and sales during the pandemic. Plus, what makes JJ a marketing rebel, and how he gets away with it.

What happens when you get personal with your writing–but then also want to sell it? Is it possible to write through your joy or grief, and make it marketable? Join host Janeen Ippolito and guest author and writing coach Sharon Hughson as they discuss personal inspiration and vulnerability in storytelling. Includes how to navigate using experiences you walked through with others, how to deal with negative reviews of vulnerable stories, and how to separate your internal processing from the message you want to communicate to readers. Plus, Sharon gives a very equine answer to the episode’s 1 Random Question.