304 / Are you curious how understanding grammar—not just as a set of rules but as a tool for creative expression—can transform your writing and help you find your unique author voice?

✨ This week’s sponsor is Vellum: http://tryvellum.com/wish

We talked with Patty McGee, a literary consultant and author of Not Your Granny’s Grammar to unpack why grammar isn’t about memorizing rules, but about developing your unique voice. 

Patty shared tips on building foundational skills, using grammar to enhance your writing’s rhythm, and why it’s totally normal to make mistakes. 

• Finding your writing voice through sentence rhythm
• Overcoming grammar embarrassment as an author
• Practical resources for learning grammar
• Effective strategies for giving and receiving feedback  
• Trends in grammar and punctuation in modern writing

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

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⚡Links: 

www.pattymcgee.org

http://tryvellum.com/wish

Amazon algorithm changes and tips: https://thenewpublishingstandard.com/2026/01/24/a10-sales-rankings-explained/

Joanna Penn’s 2026 trends and prediction: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2026/01/05/2026-trends-and-predictions-for-indie-authors-and-the-book-publishing-industry-with-joanna-penn/   

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❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

303 / Are you curious about how to find your writing voice, handle feedback without losing your vision, and thrive in today’s ever-changing publishing world? Nicole Meier shares what she wishes she’d known as both an author and developmental editor, plus key insights for writers at every stage. 

✨ This week’s corporate sponsor:http://tryvellum.com/wish

• When to seek feedback and the stages of editing
• Common mistakes authors make and how to avoid them
• Avoiding the trap of rushing
• Feedback as a listening device so you don’t lose your voice
• Emerging trends and the power of authenticity in storytelling
• How to get over being stuck in your revisions

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

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⚡Links:

• https://nicolemeier.com/
• https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com/
• http://tryvellum.com/wish

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

302 / We’re talking about the power of tropes in storytelling with Jennifer Hilt, uncovering why elements like scars, secrets, and shame drive compelling mysteries and thrillers—and how they show up in every genre.  

Jennifer shared insights from her Trope Thesaurus series, and both guests revealed how understanding and leveraging tropes isn’t just a writing shortcut—it’s a way to deepen character, amp up conflict, and even supercharge your marketing.

• Tips for handling co-writing and collaboration
• Breaking down “scars and secrets” as trope superstars
• How to make the tropes unique and memorable to your story
• Using tropes to analyze popular media with examples from Severance, The Housemade, and Justified
• The storybeats of tropes
• Plus we brainstorm a story  with the armenia trope
  
  
  

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⚡Links:

• www.jenniferhilt.com
• Mystery and Thriller Trope book: https://books2read.com/MysteryandThriller
• Jennifer Hilt on Trope Con and Planning Online Events: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/262-2/
• How to Use Tropes to Create Strong Characters and Deepen Conflict with Jennifer Hilt: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/155-2/

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

301 / In this 301st episode, hear from listeners (thanks for the voicemails!) about their favorite topics and takeaways and another long-time supporter, Belinda Kroll joins us. Belinda is a cozy fantasy romance author and illustrator, and shares how she's streamlining her business to lean fully into her artisan side.

• Shifting from serial to artisan-focused publishing 
• Leveraging Kickstarter and Shopify for book launches 
• Balancing writing and business with family life 
• Learning from setbacks and focusing on what works for you 
• Adapting to industry changes and technology, including AI

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support or https://wishidknownthenpodcast.substack.com/subscribe

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes but the 200 episodes in the vault
• Shoutout on a future episode

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⚡Links:

• Trope Book: https://books2read.com/MysteryandThriller
• Jami’s branding workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
• Aimee Robinson: https://www.aimeerobinsonromance.com
• Stephanie Faris: https://www.stephaniefaris.com
• Stephanie Faris on Steamy Instalove Shorts, Sweet Romance, and Dictation:https://wishidknownforwriters.com/278-2/
• Belinda Kroll: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/worderella/an-uncanny-bargain

https://worderella.com

https://worderella.com/links

https://brightbirdpress.com/

Writing Cozy Fantasy as a Joyful Side Hustle with Belinda Kroll: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/171-2/

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

300 / In this 300th episode, we take a walk down memory lane, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of the podcast and reflecting on how far we’ve come—with over 500,000 downloads and listeners tuning in from all around the world. We chat about the most popular episode, our sometimes dodgy sound, and the connections we’ve made with authors and vendors in the indie publishing community.

Joining us is long-time listener and sports rom com author Parker Finch, who shares how staying reader-focused has helped her build a sustainable writing career. We discuss the ever-changing publishing landscape, creative fulfillment, and why mixing panic with positivity is totally normal for writers. 

In the next episode, we’ll hear more from listeners (thank you for the voicemails!) and have another special author interview. 

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⚡Links:

Parker Finch Parkerfinch.com

Melanie Harlow episode: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/209-2/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThen

299 / Do you ever wish you had a clear, actionable way to understand book trends and make smarter publishing decisions? Nat Connors of Kindle Trends shares insights on the power of market awareness, how to focus on your “author neighborhood,” and why success is more about craft than chasing trends.

• Why market awareness empowers authors, not confines them
• Finding and using your author “neighborhood”
• The importance of craft and authentic voice for long-term success
• Avoiding overwhelm by choosing marketing and sales channels that work for you

📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThen

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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⚡Links:

• https://kindletrends.com
• https://kindletrends.com/infographics/

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🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

298 / We continue our discussion about what’s working in the indie author space. We join Douglas Pratt and Nicholas Harvey and share insights on navigating newsletter platforms, maximizing translations, and adapting to the changes in audiobooks and direct sales. This episode is full of practical nut-and-bolts tips and ideas. 

• Newsletter platform pros, cons, and cost-saving tips
• Subject lines, open rates, and optimizing reader engagement
• Using AI and hybrid methods for international translations
• Selling audiobooks direct, wide strategies, and the rise of AI narration
• Planning for balance, productivity, and sustainability in a changing market

📌 Send us your favorite moments and lessons learned for our 300th episode: https://www.speakpipe.com/WishIdKnownThen

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⚡Links:

Sara on the Christian Publishing Show: https://www.christianpublishingshow.com/why-every-author-should-try-writing-a-mystery-at-least-once/

Two Authors Podcast: https://thetwoauthorschatshow.podbean.com

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

297 / How are authors adapting in 2025's changing publishing world? Sara Rosett, Jami Albright, Nicholas Harvey, and Douglas Pratt share lessons learned, trends they’re seeing, and practical strategies from their own writing careers.

• Sales trends and challenges in 2025
• Experimenting with book marketing
• Special editions and direct sales
• Using Patreon and subscriptions
• Impact of AI on publishing
• Social media strategies for authors
• Facebook ads and Amazon changes
• Reader engagement and superfans

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2121723/subscribe

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⚡Links:

Two Authors Podcast: https://thetwoauthorschatshow.podbean.com

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

296 / Do you want to leverage your author website, use AI tools efficiently, and prune your tasks strategically so you can sell more books and focus your creative energy where it counts? 

Thomas Umstattd Jr. shares insights on optimizing your book pages, using AI wisely, and making tough choices to thrive in a crowded publishing world.

• Why your book page matters for both readers and AI discovery
• Tips to optimize book pages for GEO (generative engine optimization)
• Innovative uses of AI tools for marketing and productivity
• Strategies for pruning projects and focusing your efforts
• Evolving business model for nonfiction and why community matters now more than ever

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
• Shoutout on a future episode

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⚡Links:

Author Media: https://www.authormedia.com

Jami’s workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

Sara’s letter subscription: https://sararosettbooks.com/products/mysteries-in-the-mail (Preorder open until Dec 8, 2025)

Affiliate signup for letters: https://sararosettbooks.affiliatery.staqlab.com/partner/signIn

How to Create a Sales-Optimized Book Page for Your Website: https://www.authormedia.com/how-to-create-sales-optimized-book-pages-for-your-author-website/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast

295 / Curious how authors can build thriving, sustainable careers—even without rapid releases or a huge backlist? 

Matthew J. Holmes shares how he transformed his wife’s books into a six-figure business, the realities of book advertising, and the mindful strategies indie authors need now.

• Turning a single slow-release series into a profitable business
• Simplicity vs. complexity in book marketing and ads
• Importance of advertising platform focus
• Common mistakes in author advertising strategies

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
• Shoutout on a future episode

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⚡Links:

• https://www.matthewjholmes.com/
• https://www.matthewjholmes.com/courses
• Sara’s Mysteries in the Mail letters: https://sararosettbooks.com/products/mysteries-in-the-mail
• Jami’s workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
• Joanna Penn’s podcast about Author Nation Lessons Learned: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/11/17/lessons-learned-from-author-nation-2025-with-joanna-penn/

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Consulting and Workshops: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

❤️ Jami’s books https://amzn.to/3wSraA5

🔎 Sara’s books https://www.sararosett.com/bibliography/

📚 Sara’s How to Write a Series book and audiobook: https://www.sararosett.com/how-to-write-a-series/

The Big List of Craft and marketing books mentioned on WIKT podcast episodes https://bookshop.org/lists/recommenced-resources-for-writers-from-the-wish-i-d-known-then-podcast