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Disclaimer: Anything stated in this episode is for educational purposes only and not to be used as legal advice.

In this episode of 'Way-Word Writers', hosts Heather Cashman, Stephanie Bearce, and Nikki Jacobsmeyer address the critical scenario of receiving a book deal without having an agent, a topic prompted by discussions observed on Twitter. The episode covers the dilemma authors face between negotiating the deal themselves or using the opportunity to secure an agent. The hosts emphasize the importance of celebrating achievements before diving into decision-making and stress not committing immediately to offers. They discuss the scenarios of proceeding with or without an agent. Recommendations for those choosing to go agentless include seeking legal advice from a publishing-experienced lawyer and consulting trusted peers. Furthermore, they explore how having a deal might make an author more attractive to potential agents, yet caution about selecting the right agent focused on a long-term career rather than a single book. They also delve into how agents can secure better contract terms, support authors emotionally, and assist in career planning. The episode concludes with encouraging authors to have a game plan, query both agents and editors if unagented, and leverage every opportunity for success in the publishing industry.

00:00 Introduction to the Special Episode
00:18 The Happy Dilemma of Landing a Book Deal Without an Agent
01:36 Celebrating Your Wins and Initial Steps
02:46 Navigating Offers and Contracts Without an Agent
07:09 Seeking Legal Advice and Understanding Contract Terms
11:35 The Pros and Cons of Getting an Agent with a Book Deal
26:06 The Importance of Having a Game Plan
37:52 Final Thoughts and Advice

If you have further questions or topics you would like to discuss, please send us an email at [email protected].

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In this episode of Way-Word Writers, hosts along with guest author Nikki Lenz, explore the intricacies of character development in writing. Nikki Lenz shares her journey from teaching to becoming a published author of middle-grade books, highlighting the role her teaching experience and personal life played in her writing. The discussion delves into the challenges of conveying strong, well-rounded characters and how feedback on her second book led Lenz to utilize the Enneagram personality typing system to enhance her characters' depth. Lenz and the hosts provide an overview of the Enneagram, explaining how its nine personality types can assist writers in creating more complex characters with distinct traits, flaws, growth opportunities, and interactions with other characters. They also discuss practical ways this system can be applied to writing, including reverse-engineering characteristics to fit a theme, and the value of understanding character dynamics for narrative conflict and growth. The conversation concludes with insights into Lenz's current projects and how understanding personality types can enrich character development and storytelling.

00:00 Welcome to Way-Word Writers!
00:03 Introducing Guest Author Nikki Lenz
01:22 Nikki Lenz's Journey to Writing
02:24 Balancing Teaching and Writing
04:46 Character Development Insights
06:39 Exploring the Enneagram for Character Creation
09:20 Deep Dive into Enneagram Types
15:45 Applying Enneagram to Writing
34:56 Nikki's Current Projects and Future Plans
37:13 Closing Thoughts and Goodbyes

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Self-Care for Writers: Chiropractic Insights and Essential Oil Tips
This episode of Way-Word Writers features Dr. Erica Patton, a chiropractor who discusses the importance of self-care, especially for individuals who spend extended periods sitting and writing. Dr. Patton shares her background, her journey into chiropractic care motivated by personal experiences with migraines, and the joy of balancing work and motherhood. She offers insights into common physical challenges faced by writers, such as upper back tension, headaches, and neck pain, and suggests practical solutions including chiropractic adjustments, specific stretches, and the use of essential oils like frankincense, peppermint, and lavender for their various health benefits. The discussion emphasizes finding balance and listening to one’s body to prevent and address discomfort, with practical tips on posture, incorporating movement into one's routine, and the multifaceted benefits of essential oils in self-care practices.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Erica Patton and Her Journey
00:25 Dr. Patton's Personal and Professional Background
01:01 Balancing Work and Family Life as a Chiropractor
01:44 The Importance of Self-Care for Writers
02:19 Common Physical Challenges for Desk Workers
02:42 Chiropractic Solutions and Self-Care Tips
05:27 Effective Stretches for Neck and Shoulder Relief
07:29 Strengthening Exercises for Better Posture
10:04 Daily Habits for Preventing Pain and Discomfort
13:01 Understanding When to Seek Chiropractic Care
15:17 The Role of Essential Oils in Self-Care
18:37 Exploring Essential Oils: Favorites and Uses
19:06 How to Apply Essential Oils Safely
19:53 Internal vs. Topical Use: A Guide to Essential Oils
20:39 Creative Ways to Use Essential Oils in Cooking and Self-Care
20:48 Essential Oils for Health and Wellness
21:23 Self-Care and Relaxation Techniques with Essential Oils
24:20 Incorporating Essential Oils into Daily Routines
26:02 Adapting Workspaces for Health: Standing Desks and Reading Postures
28:09 Finding Personalized Strategies for Movement and Self-Care
29:22 Concluding Thoughts on Self-Care and Essential Oils

STRETCHES
*Remember we are all different so LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!

Neck Stretch:
Drop ear to shoulder, try to stretch through the neck. To get a deeper stretch, take one
hand and grab the bottom of your chair. You’re going to take the other hand and pull the
head away. Then, look down towards the opposite armpit, and you’ll feel it down the
back of your neck.

Shoulder Stretch:
Go to a doorframe and make a L-shape with your arm. Place the arm up against the
doorframe and lean into it. As you keep the arm parallel to the ground, it’s going to stretch out
the pec muscle and help loosen it up.

Strengthening Exercises for Better Posture:
Do you ever get a knot between the shoulder blades? You can go up against a wall and
make cactus arm and as you bring the arms down, you want to make sure to keep the shoulders
back. You want to imagine you’re pinching a pencil between the shoulder blades. Make slow and
controlled motions as you do 10-15 reps.

Deep Deck Flexor Stretch;
Aka the “chicken exercise.” Lay down and bring your chin forward toward the ceiling
and then back in as though you’re making a double chin. Go back and forth. This will help with
all the computer and writing work.

ESSENTIAL OILS

Frankincense - (King of Oils because it does everything) a natural anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, anti-parasitic, and antiviral.
Peppermint – muscle tension, nausea, upset stomach
Lavender – soothing, natural sedative
Breathe blend – asthma, breathing

Chocolate Peppermint Brownie Recipe

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Unlocking Creativity: The Impact of the Descriptive Thesaurus Collection with Becca Puglisi

This episode of Way-word Writers features Becca Puglisi, co-author of the Descriptive Thesaurus collection and a passionate educator in the writing community. Becca shares her unconventional journey into writing, which began at 30, initially as a means to earn extra income, leading her to explore various genres before co-authoring the Descriptive Thesaurus. She and Angela Ackerman, her co-author, were compelled to create the thesaurus as a solution to their struggles with expressing emotions in their writing. This episode delves into the genesis of their partnership, the development of the Descriptive Thesaurus collection, and how it's become an indispensable resource worldwide. Becca also discusses the decision to self-publish due to content theft and the necessity for timely publication. The discussion also covers the scope of the Descriptive Thesaurus collection, its purpose for brainstorming rather than direct replication, and how it aids writers in creating authentic, multidimensional characters and settings. Becca highlights their digital platform, One Stop for Writers, as an extension of the thesaurus collection, providing comprehensive tools for story mapping and character development. The episode wraps with insights into the emotional amplifiers thesaurus, Becca's personal favorites from the collection, and the future of their publishing endeavors.

00:00 Introduction to Wayward Writers and Becca Puglisi
00:54 Becca Puglisi's Unconventional Journey into Writing
02:19 The Birth of a Writing Partnership: Becca and Angela
05:15 The Genesis of The Emotion Thesaurus
07:37 The Decision to Self-Publish: A Leap of Faith
10:40 Exploring the Thesaurus Collection: A Deep Dive
14:26 The Comprehensive List of Thesaurus Books
18:01 Exploring Creative Uses of Thesauruses in Writing
19:12 The Debate: Do Thesauruses Limit Creativity?
20:30 The Power of Adding and Tweaking for Authenticity
21:36 Diving Deep into the Occupation Thesaurus
23:40 Personal Favorites and the Impact of Research
27:53 Introducing One Stop for Writers
31:22 The Future of Thesaurus Collections and Final Thoughts

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Understanding Ghosting in the Publishing World: Discourse with Way-word Writers

This script covers an interactive dialogue in which the hosts of 'Way-word Writers' discuss ghosting in the publishing industry. The conversation is triggered by questions about ghosting sent by their fans via Twitter. Emphasis is placed on the numerous factors that contribute to ghosting, such as time limitations, workload, and other industry demands. They also converse about the reasons agents request full manuscripts, the importance of patience and resilience in the publishing process, and the timeline of response in the context of submissions. The conversation addresses aspects of the agent-writer relationship, how to professionally handle rejection, and how to keep personal emotions separate from business decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Ghosting in Publishing
01:15 Understanding the Agent's Perspective
05:49 The Impact of COVID-19 on Publishing
06:34 The Role of AI in Publishing
07:27 The Challenges of Managing Queries
08:20 The Reality of an Agent's Workload
11:28 The Importance of Patience in Publishing
15:30 Understanding the Query Process
17:52 The Impact of Impatience on Queries
20:39 The Importance of Professionalism in Communication
22:09 Understanding the Reasons for Ghosting in the Publishing Industry
22:42 The Impact of Ghosting on Agents and Editors
25:02 The Importance of Building Relationships in the Publishing Industry
29:04 The Role of Persistence and Desperation in the Publishing Industry
37:40 The Business Side of Being an Agent
42:05 The Importance of Self-Evaluation and Growth in the Publishing Industry
42:59 Closing Remarks and Encouragement

If you would like to email Way-Word Writers about this or other topics, our email is [email protected]

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The script is a comprehensive interview with Susan Chang, a former editor at HarperCollins who then shifted to freelancing. Susan talks about her fascinating journey in the publishing industry. The interview covers a wide range of topics including her experience working with traditional publishing houses and the essential qualities needed for a successful book. Susan also sheds light on her approach to editing, both for clients working towards traditional publishing and for those aiming for self-publishing.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Bio
01:20 Transition from Traditional Publishing to Freelancing
03:20 Common Challenges in Manuscripts
03:36 Insights from Freelance Editing Experience
04:15 Understanding the Market and Audience
04:29 The Importance of Craft and Marketability
08:18 The Impact of Technology on Reading Habits
09:38 Genres and Editing Preferences
17:51 The Editing Process and Client Relationship
32:28 Crafting Authentic and Unique Stories
36:00 The Role of Point of View in Storytelling
39:57 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

You can find Susan at: ​susanchangeditorial.com

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In this episode of the Way-word Writers podcast, we welcome Dr. Tasha Golden, the director of research at the International Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Golden discusses the connection between mental health and the arts, and shares her journey from a professional singer-songwriter to a researcher studying the therapeutic properties of art. During the conversation, she touches upon how writing and music have profound effects on mental wellbeing and can serve as mediums for untold personal narratives. Dr. Golden also discusses the benefits and potential pitfalls of making a career in the arts sector, along with the importance of having a balanced perspective towards professional and personal aspects of life. She mentions her research on the impact of diverse methods of communication on wellbeing and ends with a discussion on questioning the status quo to foster creativity.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:21 Meet Tasha Golden: Bridging Art and Science

01:49 Tasha's Journey: From Singer-Songwriter to Researcher

02:31 The Power of Music and Personal Stories

03:22 The Intersection of Art and Mental Health

04:38 The Impact of Art on Community and Culture

06:39 The Role of Art in Individual and Collective Healing

11:18 The Balance Between Art and Business

25:54 Final Thoughts and Resources

Free ebook by Tasha Golden: Arts and Health: Four Big Ways to Improve Health through the Arts:  http://www.tashagolden.com/ebook

Free field guide:  Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide For US Communities: https://www.tashagolden.com/fieldguide

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On the Way-word Writers podcast, guest Lee Tobin McClain, New York Times best-selling author, discusses her journey as a hybrid author - writing books for traditional publishers and independently publishing her work. She delves into the advantages of being a hybrid author, like multiple sources of income and control over backlist, while highlighting the extensive time commitment and need for business acumen. McClain also provides advice to aspiring authors considering this career path, recommending the adoption of a business mindset, writing quickly, and being aware of constraints such as time and demands of a day job. The conversation also explores the paths of self-publishing and traditional publishing, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities unique to each.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:18  Lee Tobin McClain's Journey to Becoming an Author
02:11 Understanding Hybrid Publishing
03:21 The Role of an Agent in a Hybrid Author's Career
04:04 Balancing Traditional and Indie Publishing
10:31 The Business Side of Being a Hybrid Author
24:24 The Pros and Cons of Traditional vs. Indie Publishing
24:59 Pricing Strategies in Traditional and Indie Publishing
27:29 The Power of Backlist in Indie Publishing
28:49 The Crossover Benefit of Being a Hybrid Author
37:23 The Challenges of Editing in Indie Publishing
45:21 Advice for Aspiring Hybrid Authors

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The episode includes dynamic Bridget E. Baker as the guest, a highly productive and successful indie author. Beginning with an entertaining look into her personal life, filled with family, farm animals, and kickboxing, Baker then dives into the particulars of her writing journey. She talks about her initial attempts at traditional publishing with agents, her transition to self-publishing and the elements involved therein, like marketing, editing, maintaining a high publication speed, and managing pricing and profit. She discusses her writing process, from outlines to revisions. Also, Baker provides helpful advice on the thought process and the drive required to successfully self-publish. Finally, she explores her future goals in the realm of self-publishing.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:18 Getting to Know Bridget E. Baker

00:40 Bridget's Personal Life and Hobbies

01:44 Bridget's Writing Journey Begins

02:23 The Importance of a Good Bio

02:35 Balancing Life and Writing

03:42 The Struggles of Traditional Publishing

04:58 The Decision to Self-Publish

06:55 The Ups and Downs of Self-Publishing

08:40 The Turning Point in Bridget's Self-Publishing Journey

10:28 The Success of Self-Publishing

15:28 Advice for Aspiring Self-Publishers

23:20 The Power of Series in Indie Publishing

23:41 The Profitability of Book Series

24:31 The Unexpected Success of a 'Failed' Series

25:15 The Longevity of Indie Published Books

26:08 The Importance of Quality in Indie Publishing

27:07 The Writing and Editing Process

29:52 The Future of Traditional Publishing

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In this episode, acclaimed author Tamara Grantham discusses her journey to success in her path with small (but mighty) publishers, detailing how she started writing, faced rejections, and attended writing classes and conferences before finally publishing her work. Tamara Grantham, author of numerous award-winning fantasy novels, candidly shares her experience with publisher issues and how resilience has helped her in her career, encouraging others not to give up on their passion. Grantham also shares her routines and strategies that keep her writing, and discusses her plans to venture into self-publishing for her upcoming middle-grade fantasy novel.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
01:20 Tamara's Journey to Publishing
01:26 The Process of Writing and Publishing
03:37 The Role of Support in Tamara's Writing Journey
03:57 Tamara's First Steps into Publishing
05:02 Choosing the Right Publisher
05:34 Current Projects and Future Plans
08:56 The Importance of Marketing and Building an Audience
19:44 Balancing Writing and Personal Life
24:33 Overcoming Publishing Challenges
29:39 Closing Remarks and Future Expectations