By Way-Word Writers
To nurture and enrich the established writer’s journey of all genres, age groups, and publishing paths through video podcasts, on-line classes, in-person retreats, and more.
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The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.
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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 through the concept of creatorpreneurship. Anna shares her own strategies and insights on balancing creativity with financial health, and the importance of recognizing one's worth as a creator. Learn how to navigate the economic aspects of being a writer, from negotiating contracts to leveraging extra skills for additional income.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:31 Introducing Anna Orenstein Cardona
02:55 Anna's Creative Journey
06:29 Financial Realities in Publishing
09:30 Statistics and Industry Disparities
23:16 Challenges and Strategies for Authors
31:12 Embracing Creative Entrepreneurship
33:19 Leveraging Digital Platforms for Marketing
33:47 Financial Well-being for Creatives
34:15 Diversifying Revenue Streams
36:26 The Reality of Full-time Creative Work
38:55 Creative Income Sources and Future Goals
47:47 Examples of Successful Creatives
55:41 Valuing Your Work and Overcoming Guilt
59:09 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Anna created a brief guide for you!
The Writers & Illustrators Guide to Creatorpreneurship
Find Anna on her website here!
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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 importance of branding, and engaging with readers on social media. They also cover useful tips for using hashtags, managing social media presence, and integrating personal and professional lives online. Key recommendations include trying out trope graphics, staying consistent with branding elements such as fonts and colors, and the benefits of utilizing resources like Book Brush for DIY and full-service marketing needs.
00:00 Introduction to Way-word Writers
00:31 Meet Kathleen Sweeney from BookBrush
01:44 What is BookBrush?
03:15 Free and Paid Plans on BookBrush
05:21 Amazon A+ Content for Authors
08:38 Social Media Strategies for Authors
10:09 The Power of Hashtags
16:04 Using QR Codes Effectively
22:20 Branding Yourself as an Author
26:02 Exploring Fonts for Different Genres
26:34 Balancing Book Promotion and Content
28:23 Engaging with Your Audience
31:19 Effective Use of Social Media Platforms
43:24 Managing Multiple Author Brands
46:06 Current Trends and Common Mistakes
48:04 Building a Strong Social Media Presence
49:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Genre Font Pairings For Graphics and Book Covers
Typography Tips for Graphics and Book Covers
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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 and impact these books have had on their writing journeys. They cover books such as 'The Elements of Style,' 'Save the Cat Writes a Novel,' 'The Courage to Write,' and 'Steering the Craft,' among others. This episode offers invaluable advice for writers of all levels, whether seeking to improve their craft or looking for thoughtful gift ideas for fellow writers.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:34 Discussing Favorite Craft Books
01:12 Diverse Opinions on Craft Books
05:52 Heather's First Craft Book Pick
08:18 Stephanie's First Craft Book Pick
11:33 Nikki's First Craft Book Pick
14:22 Heather's Second Craft Book Pick
16:49 Stephanie's Second Craft Book Pick
20:49 Nikki's Second Craft Book Pick
23:13 Heather's Third Craft Book Pick
25:38 Stephanie's Third Craft Book Pick
27:48 Nikki's Third Craft Book Pick
30:22 Heather's Final Craft Book Pick
33:50 Wrapping Up and Gift Ideas
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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 ghostwriting, her process for capturing a client's voice, and the importance of thorough research. She also offers insights and advice for those looking to hire a ghostwriter or become one. This episode provides an in-depth look at the ghostwriting process and the delicate balance of bringing someone else's story to life authentically.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:31 Introducing Ghostwriter Loren Stevens
02:06 Loren's Journey into Ghostwriting
06:24 Capturing the Client's Voice
07:56 Challenges and Rewards of Ghostwriting
11:59 Research and Authenticity in Writing
16:07 Navigating Family Dynamics and Secrets
22:03 Diving into Research
24:19 Balancing Client Expectations
25:27 Staying Motivated on Long Projects
27:11 The Art of Ghostwriting
28:38 The Importance of Setting
32:08 Handling Recognition and Contracts
34:53 Advice for Aspiring Ghostwriters
39:40 Final Thoughts and Farewell
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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer talk with Leyla Erkan, Acquiring Editor at Christy Ottaviano Books, an imprint of Hachette Book Group. Leyla shares insights into her journey from an editorial assistant to acquiring editor, her passion for various genres, and her thoughts on the role of literary merit versus commercial viability. The discussion delves into the intricacies of the acquisitions process, including the importance of manuscript pitches, market research, and the impact of political climate and book bans. Leyla also provides valuable advice for authors on how to make their manuscripts appealing and emphasizes the importance of perseverance and authenticity in writing. The episode concludes with reflections on the collaborative nature of publishing and the significance of celebrating small victories.
00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers
00:31 Meet Acquiring Editor Leyla Erkan
00:48 Leyla's Background and Interests
05:13 The Acquisition Process
14:30 Evaluating Manuscripts
21:05 Author Platform and Social Media
23:22 The Importance of Self-Promotion in the Digital Age
25:06 The Role of Comparison Titles in Manuscript Submissions
26:31 Navigating Market Trends and Reader Expectations
36:43 The Impact of Political Climate and Book Bans on Publishing
43:10 Advice for Aspiring Authors and the Acquisitions Process
44:51 Celebrating Success and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the intricacies of the acquisitions process in trade publishing. They offer a detailed walkthrough of what happens after a manuscript is submitted, including the roles of agents and editors, the significance of second reads, and editorial team reviews. The hosts share their personal experiences, provide useful definitions, and answer questions from listeners about navigating acquisitions without an agent, timelines, and managing expectations. They also provide tips for submitting directly to editors and emphasize the importance of patience and research. The episode promises more insights in part two, featuring a guest editor from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.
00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers
00:33 Overview of Acquisitions in Publishing
01:18 Defining Key Terms in Acquisitions
01:51 The Submission Process
03:01 The Role of Editors and Teams
05:37 The Reality of Acquisitions
07:12 Revise and Resubmit (R&R)
14:55 Tips for Unagented Submissions
16:50 Managing Expectations and Patience
20:10 Understanding the Publishing Cycle
30:13 Submission Timelines and Strategies
36:35 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview
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A quick informational video all about Way-Word Writers' upcoming retreat!
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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer chat with author Bethany Hegedus about her eight phases of the literary life. Bethany discusses her inspirations and the journey of launching the Courage to Create community. The episode delves into the different phases from 'dreamer' to 'the verge' to 'publishing,' and addresses the common challenges writers face, such as stuck-ness, comparison, and maintaining joy and resilience in their literary journeys. Listeners also get an insight into Bethany's upcoming projects and helpful resources available at The Writing Barn.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:31 Introducing Bethany Hegedus
01:51 The Eight Phases of the Literary Life
05:41 Navigating the Verge Phase
12:57 The Role of Community in Writing
13:52 Balancing Personal and Community Goals
20:13 Overcoming Stuckness in Writing
27:17 Upcoming Programs and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, along with authors and writing coaches Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, welcomes author Bethany Hegedus. They discuss Hegedus's journey from New York to Austin, her founding of the Writing Barn, and her approach to fostering a vibrant writing community. Hegedus shares her experiences as a keynote speaker, workshop leader, and mentor, along with the transition to online classes and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances. The group also explores common challenges faced by writers, the significance of external and internal validation, and the essential role of community in a writer's life.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:32 Introducing Bethany Hegedus
01:21 The Journey to The Writing Barn
04:09 Adapting to Change and Growth
06:37 Balancing Projects and Writing
11:19 Common Challenges for Aspiring Writers
14:22 The Importance of Community
17:23 Advice for New Writers
21:12 Dealing with Rejection
30:44 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser
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In this episode of 'Way-Word Writers,' hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome USA Today best-selling author Jennifer E. Hilt to discuss her work 'The Trope Thesaurus.' Jennifer shares her insights into why tropes are essential building blocks in storytelling, how they can be effectively utilized and developed, and addresses common misconceptions about them. She explains how her background in linguistics and literature helped her identify common storytelling blocks during the pandemic and led her to write the 'Trope Thesaurus.' The hosts and Jennifer delve into how tropes are structured, the importance of genre expectations, and how tropes can be adapted or subverted to create unique and compelling stories. Jennifer also gives examples, like 'The Witcher' and 'Severance,' that illustrate the effective use of tropes. The episode closes with Jennifer discussing her favorite tropes and how tropes can be identified and utilized across different genres, encouraging writers to view them as powerful storytelling tools.
00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:31 Introducing Jennifer E. Hilt and The Trope Thesaurus
01:31 The Origin of The Trope Thesaurus
03:47 Understanding Tropes in Storytelling
08:16 The Structure and Use of The Trope Thesaurus
11:54 Balancing Familiar Tropes with Originality
12:16 Genre Expectations and Character Complexity
19:22 Practical Tips for Writers
22:47 Upcoming Fantasy Sci-Fi Release
23:19 Exploring the Horror Genre
23:59 Romance and Sci-Fi Subgenres
24:19 Understanding Tropes in Storytelling
26:52 Favorite Mystery Series
28:21 Evergreen and Emerging Tropes
37:15 Subverting Tropes in Different Genres
41:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The podcast currently has 47 episodes available.
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