Write the Damn Book Already

Ep 64: Novel Writing with Ann Garvin


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Ann Garvin writes books for "women to do too much in a world that asks too much." Enough said; take all my money already!

She published her first book in her late forties, even though one of her professors/mentors used to say to her on a regular basis, “You’re the worst writer I’ve ever met.” (He wasn’t being funny.)

During this episode of the Write the Damn Book Already podcast, Ann and I had so much fun discussing the novel-writing journey, from writing to publishing to marketing (and a whole lot in between!).


INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ann's journey from being a nurse (with a PhD) to being a full-time writer and how she thinks about her future in this space. 
  • A fascinating look into what’s moving the levers in the publishing space right now. It’s extremely eye-opening, and allows YOU, as the author, to make much more well-informed decisions when it comes to publishing and marketing.
  • Going from 102 to 21K reviews (and whether she reads those reviews!)
  • How her process has evolved when it comes to working with her editor to remain true to the story she wants to tell
  • How she avoids the “lowest hanging fruit” in plot lines to keep her readers (and herself) curious and pleasantly surprised while reading
  • Ann's take on self-publishing versus traditional publishing (and her best advice for all aspiring and second-time-around authors)
  • Ann's thoughts on the #1 reason why people won't get published (which I couldn't agree with more!)


ABOUT ANN

Ann Garvin, Ph.D. is the USA Today Bestselling author of five funny and sad novels. She writes about people who do too much in a world that asks too much from them.

Ann worked as an RN and after receiving her Ph.D. taught Exercise Physiology, Sport Psychology Nutrition, Stress Management, and Global Health for thirty years in the University of Wisconsin system. She currently teaches creative writing at Drexel University in their low residency Masters of Fine Arts program and has held positions at Miami University and Southern New Hampshire in their Masters of Fine Arts Creative Writing programs.

Ann is the founder of the multiple award-winning Tall Poppy Writers where she is committed to helping women writers succeed. She is a sought-after speaker on writing, leadership and health and has taught extensively in NY, San Francisco, LA, Boston, and at festivals across the country and in Europe.


CONNECT WITH ANN

Website: anngarvin.com

Instagram: instagram.com/anngarvin_

Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/4405314.Ann_Wertz_Garvin

Facebook: facebook.com/ann.w.garvin

Books:

There’s No Coming Back From This

I Thought You Said This Would Work


WHAT ANN'S READING NOW

  • The Memory of Lavender and Sage by Aimie Runyan (Harper Muse, Feb 2024)
  • City of Thieves by David Benioff (Penguin Books, 2009)

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Write the Damn Book Already is a weekly podcast featuring interviews with authors as well as updates and insights on writing craft and the publishing industry. 

Available wherever podcasts are available:
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Email the show: elizabeth [at] elizabethlyons [dot] com

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To see all the ways we can work together to get your book written and published, visit publishaprofitablebook.com/work-with-elizabeth

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