In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer engage in a compelling conversation with author Michelle Collins Anderson about her journey through an MFA program. The discussion covers Michelle's background, the influence of her roots on her writing, her career in advertising and public relations, and her eventual pursuit of an MFA in creative writing. Michelle shares her experiences with low residency programs, the challenges and benefits of pursuing an MFA later in life, the importance of discipline and commitment to one's craft, and the role of community and support systems in a writer's journey. The episode wraps up with practical advice for writers who may not be able to pursue formal education but want to advance their skills.

00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers

00:31 Meet Michelle Collins Anderson

01:43 Michelle's Early Writing Journey

04:32 Pursuing an MFA: Challenges and Encouragement

05:35 The Low Residency MFA Experience

08:44 First Workshop Experience

13:24 Balancing Family and MFA

18:15 The Value of an MFA

20:17 The Benefits of a Writing Community

21:06 Impact of an MFA on Teaching and Publishing

23:20 Drawbacks and Costs of an MFA Program

27:06 Alternative Paths to Improving Your Writing

29:00 The Importance of Writing Groups and Consistent Practice

32:01 Leveraging Online Communities and Resources

34:03 Reflecting on the MFA Experience

35:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, senior literary agent Heather Cashman, authors Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome western author Doug Osgood to discuss the art of writing Westerns. Doug, a lover of Western storytelling, talks about his journey from reading to writing, the inspiration behind his works, and his meticulous research process. They delve into themes, tropes, and the state of the Western genre today. Doug offers valuable insights on balancing historical accuracy with storytelling and shares his advice for creating compelling characters. Tune in for a rich, detailed conversation about Westerns and storytelling.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers

00:30 Introducing Doug Osgood

01:55 Doug Osgood's Writing Journey

03:42 The Allure of Westerns

07:42 Themes and Tropes in Westerns

14:10 Researching for Authenticity

17:03 Balancing Fictional and Real Towns in Writing

19:19 Accessing Historical Resources for Writing

21:06 Navigating Dark Themes in Westerns

25:24 The State of the Western Genre Today

29:20 Making Westerns Fresh and Relevant

32:06 Final Writing Tips and Farewell

Douglas Osgood

also writing as D. N. Sample

Newspapers.com

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the significance of networking in the writing and publishing industry. They outline what networking is, why it's essential, and offer practical tips for writers at all stages of their journey. The conversation covers how to approach networking with authenticity, balance professionalism, and maintain meaningful connections. They also share personal anecdotes, common mistakes, and advice for introverted writers. The episode closes with a reminder that while mistakes can happen, the benefits of networking are invaluable for both career growth and personal enrichment.

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In this Way-Word Writers episode, Senior Literary Agent Heather Cashman engages in an insightful conversation with Aje Roberts, a Senior Commissioning Editor at TOR Bramble, about the genre of Romantasy. They delve into her career journey, the emerging trends in Romantasy, the impact of TikTok on book popularity, the essential elements of viral book success, and the importance of intersectional diversity in publishing. The episode also explores the challenges faced by underrepresented authors and provides valuable advice for writers looking to grow their platform on TikTok.

00:00 Introduction to Aje Roberts
01:30 Defining Romantasy
03:50 The Impact of TikTok on Romantasy
06:09 Challenges in the Romantasy Market
07:29 Editing Romantasy: Insights and Favorites
09:03 Popular Tropes in Romantasy
11:11 Pros and Cons of BookTok
16:58 Tips for Writers on BookTok
24:20 Navigating TikTok Trends: UK vs. US
26:22 Understanding Intersectional Diversity in Publishing
28:24 Barriers Faced by Underrepresented Authors
32:01 Championing Diverse Voices in Publishing
43:20 Exciting Upcoming Books and Authors
45:59 Finding Your Editorial Niche
47:18 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, literary agent and authors Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the six Ps of wellbeing in the publishing journey with special guest author and trauma therapist, Danielle Render Turmaud. They delve into topics such as the importance of pausing, patience, persistence, and building a supportive writer community. Danielle shares her insights on how listening to one's body and emotions can guide better responses to stress and trauma, especially within the high-pressure world of publishing. The discussion also highlights the significance of balancing writing for passion and publication while maintaining mental and emotional health.

00:00 Introduction to Way-Word Writers
00:28 Meet Danielle Render Turmaud
01:14 Understanding the 'Why' in Our Reactions
02:05 Personal Experiences with Grief and Work
04:40 The Importance of Pausing
07:32 Signs You Need a Pause
11:55 Navigating Patience in Publishing
18:06 Balancing the Why of Writing and Publishing
19:14 Exploring the Passion Behind Writing
21:07 The Importance of Writing Community
21:55 Finding Supportive Critique Partners
23:50 Rebuilding After Negative Experiences
24:40 Gradual Exposure and Community Engagement
26:23 Retreats and Connecting with Fellow Writers
27:24 Persistence and Perseverance in Writing
30:19 Celebrating Small Wins and Staying Motivated
32:42 Anchoring to Your 'Why' and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Danielle here!

You, Me & The Writing Journey podcast

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This episode of Wayward Writers features senior literary agent Heather Cashman, authors Stephanie Bearce and Nicki Jacobsmeyer, and special guest Danielle Render Termeaud. The discussion focuses on the intersection between mental health and the writing journey. Danielle, a trauma therapist and author, introduces her six Ps framework, which aims to help writers maintain mental wellbeing amidst the pressures of the publishing industry. The conversation delves into personal experiences with anxiety and criticism, the importance of maintaining a balanced life, and practical strategies for managing stress and burnout.

00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers
00:30 Guest Introduction: Danielle Render Termeaud
02:07 The Intersection of Mental Health and Writing
09:14 The Six Ps Framework: Perspective
17:45 The Six Ps Framework: Presence
29:39 Conclusion and Next Steps

Find out more about Danielle here!

You, Me & The Writing Journey podcast

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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, discuss the exhilarating and often complex phase that follows signing with a literary agent. They emphasize the importance of celebrating this achievement while remaining realistic and proactive in one's writing career. Key topics include dealing with mixed emotions, understanding the evolving dynamics of the publishing industry, communicating effectively with your agent, managing submission processes, and maintaining professional relationships. They also discuss the importance of continual writing and networking, even after securing representation. The episode is rich with practical advice and personal anecdotes aimed at guiding newly agented authors through this critical stage of their publishing journeys.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:41 Celebrating Your New Agent
01:10 Navigating Mixed Emotions
02:54 Realities of Having an Agent
07:27 Communication with Your Agent
10:09 Setting Expectations and Boundaries
16:29 The Role of Critique Groups
20:47 Going on Submission
22:41 Navigating the Submission Process
23:05 Handling Rejections and Moving Forward
23:38 Trusting Your Agent
24:14 Dealing with the Waiting Game
25:35 Questions and Revisions
27:37 Maintaining Professional Boundaries
28:24 What Not to Do After Getting an Agent
33:08 Tracking Submissions and Networking
38:29 Final Advice for New Authors
40:59 Conclusion and Audience Engagement

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In this episode of Wayward Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer welcome Wendy Dale, an acclaimed author and memoir writing coach. Wendy discusses her journey into memoir writing, emphasizing the complexities and common pitfalls writers face. The conversation highlights crucial topics like the importance of structure, the challenges of balancing personal vulnerability with craft, and the necessity of creating an emotional experience for readers. Wendy also shares success stories from her clients and offers valuable advice for aspiring memoir writers.

00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers
00:30 Guest Introduction: Wendy Dale
01:40 The Challenges of Writing Memoirs
03:55 Understanding Memoir Structure
08:28 The Importance of Structure and Prose
17:02 Memoir Engineering System
23:57 Identifying and Fixing Writing Issues
24:45 The Importance of Critique Partners
25:29 Common Writing Pitfalls
28:21 Success Stories of Memoir Writing
32:22 Balancing Vulnerability and Craft in Memoir Writing
33:23 The Role of Structure in Writing
40:41 Advice for Aspiring Memoir Writers
43:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Find out more about Author Wendy Dale HERE!

Memoir Writing For Geniuses (FREE Workshop)

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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss the key elements of author branding and platform building with special guests Nicole Meyer and Gretchen Schafer. Nicole and Gretchen, the brains behind 'Bookwork,' share their expertise in book coaching and branding strategies to help fiction writers stand out. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of author platforms, tips for crafting compelling pitches, and navigating the complexities of branding for introverted writers. The episode concludes with actionable advice for authors, emphasizing community-building and the importance of beginning with a focused, authentic platform.

00:00 Welcome to Wayward Writers

00:32 Meet Nicole Meyer and Gretchen Schafer

01:08 Nicole Meyer's Journey

01:37 Gretchen Schafer's Expertise

02:33 The Birth of Bookwork

06:24 Understanding Author Branding

09:53 Balancing Multiple Identities

20:58 Common Branding Mistakes

24:18 Refreshing Your Social Media Strategy

25:29 Customizing Your Platform for Your Audience

27:07 Effective Querying and Pitching Techniques

29:38 Distilling Your Book into a Compelling Pitch

33:18 Building a Community as an Introverted Writer

41:01 Taking Strategic Steps to Advance Your Writing Career

43:35 Final Thoughts and Farewell

The Book Works Team: Nicole & Gretchen

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OUR 75th EPISODE!!!

In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nicki Jacobsmeyer discuss strategies for introverted writers to survive and thrive at writing conferences. The trio explores the differences between introverts and extroverts, shares personal experiences from their first conferences, and provides practical self-care tips. They also emphasize the importance of attending conferences for networking and community building, regardless of one's personality type. The episode wraps up with inspiring stories about the positive impacts of pushing personal boundaries at writing events.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers
00:55 Understanding Introverts and Extroverts
04:46 First Writing Conference Experiences
08:10 Preparing for a Successful Event
15:02 Self-Care Strategies During a Conference
19:48 Setting Daily Goals and Evaluating Progress
20:42 Communicating Boundaries and Taking Breaks
21:48 Finding Personal Space at Conferences
25:11 The Importance of Attending Conferences for Introverts
27:17 Choosing the Right Conference Format
33:20 Memorable Conference Experiences
37:34 Building a Writing Community
38:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts