Do you ever wonder what it really takes to become the writer you're meant to be?

In this insightful episode of the Books & Such Literary Management Podcast, host Jen Babakhan is joined by fellow agents and writers Debbie Alsdorf, Cynthia Ruchti, Barb Roose, and others to explore the real tools that move your writing forward—and the ones that might just waste your time.

Together, the team shares hard-won wisdom, personal stories, honest trade-offs, and a powerful new opportunity that blends the best of all three options: the Books & Such Writing Intensive.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Why the gap between where you are and where you want to be is normal—and how to close it

• Pros and cons of writer's conferences (and what no one tells you before you go)

• What to look for—and watch out for—in a writing coach

• Why not all social media "experts" are created equal

• Favorite books on craft from seasoned, published authors

• How the Books & Such Writing Intensive gives you focused, one-on-one mentorship with agents who are also experienced authors

Featured Resource: Books & Such Writing Intensive | September 22–24, 2025 Join the Books & Such agents for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience with mentorship, real-time feedback, and personalized guidance to help you become the writer you're called to be. Learn more and register here.

Links & Mentions:

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott

• On Writing by Stephen King

• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Books & Such Website

New episodes of the Books & Such Podcast drop the first Wednesday of every month. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow writer who's ready to take the next step.