Episode 250 / Guest: Sharmyn McGraw, mystery author and creator of planner/organizers for discovery writers. 

Sharmyn shares the challenges of dyslexia and how she became a successful writer. We also get into marketing hurdles, strategies for staying organized, the benefits of not being a full-time writer; and we also geek out over our love of office supplies.

Topics:

• Tips for writing with dyslexia and the tools Sharmyn uses most
• How to find an editor if you have dyslexia
• Discovery writing
• How a print organizer helps Sharmyn keep track of details in her story and the genre-specific organizers she created to help authors who are “pantsers” or discovery writers 
• Diversifying through multiple businesses, and why Sharmyn doesn’t want to become a full-time writer

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Giveaway! Send us a text with your email address for a chance to win one of two organizers that Sharmyn is giving away to WIKT listeners. 

Links:

• www.SharmynMcGraw.com
• Buzzcast podcast about creative marketing ideas: https://buzzcast.buzzsprout.com/231452/episodes/16229495-25-creative-podcast-marketing-ideas-that-will-grow-your-audience
• https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2024/truly-universal-book-links/

Sara’s Bookfunnel UBL: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/nn0nh4s37y

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 249 / Guest: Matilda Swift, cozy mystery author and co-host of the Pen to Paycheck podcast

Topics:

• Finding your genre: identifying and embracing what truly fascinates you
• Overcoming self-doubt
• Why releasing more books isn’t always the path to success
• Time and schedule management challenges
• The creative process behind Matilda’s engaging book titles and unique warm reader magnet
• Working in your “zone of genius,” (i.e. What is easy for you?)
• The story behind the Pen to Paycheck podcast and how it helps with accountability and community

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⚡Links:

• https://www.MatildaSwift.com

Pen to Paycheck Authors podcast: https://www.pentopaycheck.podbean.com

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 248 / Fantasy author and Kickstarter expert Anthea Sharp joins us to share tips on running crowdfunding campaigns as well as how Kickstarter has helped her move toward a mindset of relaxed prosperity.

Topics:

• Relaxed prosperity
• Finding your voice
• Having the confidence to pick yourself 
• Why Anthea has a “pruning list” and how she motivates herself to cut back instead of adding tasks to her writer life
• Advice for new authors
• Kickstarter tips
• Writing fantasy and romantasy

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• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

• https://fiddleheadpress.com/
• Kickstarter for Authors https://www.facebook.com/groups/429764288910415

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 247 / We’ve both been traveling, so this week is a catch up episode about Jami’s experience at Author Nation, the biggest author conference in the world, and Sara’s cruise in the Mediterranean. Plus, details on Jami’s surprise European vacation.

Join us for a chat about connecting with other writers, author business phases, and special editions as well as the dangerous combo of wide-leg pants and escalators in Roman train stations.👖 

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⚡Links:

Ep 92: New Author Series: Victoria Tait on Focusing on Email and Writing the Next Book https://wishidknownforwriters.com/92-2/

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 246 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as they discuss the importance of endings, their favorite (and not-so-favorite endings) as well as the six different types of endings. 

Spoiler warning for these books/shows we discuss: 

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Pride and Prejudice 

Sugar Daddy

Sixth Sense

Ted Lasso

The Partner

Nobody Wants This

Fourth Wing

The Serpent and the Wings of Night

Truly Devious

Cheat on Me, If You Can

And Then There Were None

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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📥 Send us a Text Message: What is your favorite ending? Or what ending did you find unsatisfying? 

⚡Links:

https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-end-a-story/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 245 / Ines Johnson joins us and shares strategies for book marketing in the age of direct sales. We discuss:

• Testing and tweaking to increase backlist sales
• Importance of thinking of your customer in marketing to create a personal connection 
• Effective ad strategies using purchase ads 
• Special editions and direct sales, including incorporating elements like foiling and character art in special edition books to attract high-value readers
• Leveraging direct sales platforms and tools like Payhip and Shopify to boost book sales

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⚡Links:

• https://www.authoradsintensive.com/a/2147845324/RXrpFFEh (Affiliate link)
• Ineswrites.com
• Page Turner Pacing

Send us a text

Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 244 / Is it too late to plan holiday promotions? Nope. You still have plenty of time–and holiday promotions don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. 

We delve into what tactics we’ve used and found effective for marketing to cold, warm, and hot audiences. 

-What we wish we’d known about marketing during the holidays

-Group promos ideas -> warm/cold audience

-Solo promo ideas -> hot audience

Bookish Wish List – your favorite books/bookish things

https://www.sararosett.com/bookish-wish-list/

Mystery Lover’s Gift Guide: https://www.sararosett.com/gift-guide/

-Last Minute ideas -> cold and warm audiences

-Newsletter content ideas -> hot audience

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⚡Links:

• Post from Written Word Media for promotion ideas and consumer mindset: https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/book-promotion-for-holiday/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 243 / We are thrilled (pun intended!) to chat with contemporary crime and conspiracy thriller author Nick Stevens. 

We talk about anti-heroes, setups and payoffs, Tremors, and why sometimes you just have to publish the book. 

10:58 Why emotional connection is better than perfect structure in storytelling

14:00 Using multiple formats to diversify

17:18 Marketing mistake: starting too early

23:00 Getting ratings and reviews

29:26 Finding community for writers of mystery/thrillers

34:09 Setups and payoffs in thrillers

37:20 Incorporating real-life details into fiction and authenticity that grounds stories

46:12 Nick Stevens books and social media

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⚡Links:

• https://nickstevensbooks.com
• Facebook – Nickstevens Books
• [email protected] 
• https://sararosettbooks.com/products/croquet-murder-mystery-game-printable

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 242 / We're diving deep into listener questions about everything from drafting and editing techniques, tackling imposter syndrome, and decoding our strengths. 

🥤☕️ So grab your favorite beverage—be it Diet Coke or a cup of comforting coffee–and join us for a Wednesday chat about writing. 

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

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⚡Links:

Ep 15: Elana Johnson on Finding Success in Small Genres

https://wishidknownforwriters.com/finding-success-in-small-genres-with-elana-johnson/

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Support the show

🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing

Episode 241 / Whether you're an introvert or extrovert you can develop a platform to grow your author brand. Learn how with authors of From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker, suspense and thriller author Matty Dalrymple and  science fiction & fantasy author M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn).  

Topics:

• How to match your platform to your personality 
• Tips for effective public speaking
• Common mistakes authors make when it comes to platform as well as public speaking
• Why the time you spend behind the microphone or on stage is often the least important part of the event
• Simple steps you can use to get started building your author brand

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⚡Links:

• https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.html
• https://books2read.com/FromPageToPlatform
• https://authorlevelup.com
• https://MattyDalrymple.com
• https://www.theindyauthor.com
• Speaker’s Notes: https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.html

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

❤️ 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
Resources from the Author and Reader Community to Help Ukrainians https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E9QQhmcpa_dlxQY-GEqBiIbIZk-_J1MgQX_BxLI3F84/edit?usp=sharing