Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers

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Episode 229 / Learn about the four basic types of relationship arcs from freelance developmental editor and writing writing instructor, September C. Fawkes. 

Discover how mapping arcs can define the direction and evolution of your characters' relationships and create a dynamic, zigzag narrative. 

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Topics:

• The four types of relationships arcs with examples from across genres
• How to use external factors, internal conflicts, and the right antagonistic forces to create believable relationship challenges
• How to apply relationship arcs to multi-book series
• Relationship arc variations
• How to use tropes to label relationship arcs

Sponsor: 

Xero Accounting Software 

(See script) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-hvFLrOc069GSjMc8vRwQX9nVE6LasBWwqATt8XxLLU/edit

 Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Links:

https://www.septembercfawkes.com/

https://www.septembercfawkes.com/2022/10/the-4-basic-types-of-relationship-arcs.html

Inkers con links:

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📚 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

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Episode 228 / Kemper Donovan is the host of the All About Agatha podcast and author of The Busy Body, a USA Today bestseller on launch earlier this year. Kemper shares tips for querying and how podcasting about Agatha Christie helped him connect with mystery authors and also provided a built-in audience for his book. 

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• Tuning out the noise and finding your own writing process and voice
• Benefits of podcasting: social interaction with less stress than social media, audience building, and connection with other authors and readers
• Tips for finding agents and querying and insight into traditional publishing
• How Kemper drew on Agatha Christie’s influence
• Navigating writing, promotion, and self-doubt as an author

Links:

http://www.kemperdonovan.com

Kemper Donovan Books - Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/100095414958480/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/allaboutthedame?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaboutagatha/

Sara’s 1920s mystery, Murder Among the Pyramids, direct sales launch: https://sararosettbooks.com/collections/lady-traveler

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

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• How mental health advocacy intersects with Liz Long's writing career
• Approaching social media through the lens of helping people
• Liz’s late in life ADHD diagnosis
• Drafting tips and and Liz’s personalized coping mechanisms
• Overcoming self-doubt as well as finding and using your inner voice
• How naming concepts de-stigmatizes mental health and starts conversations

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

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Episode 226 / Author, musician, and marketer, Paul Indigo shares insights on seeking validation, embracing our voice, and the unconventional use of an Excel spreadsheet for writing and marketing. If you’ve tried all the writing software and haven’t found one that works for you, perhaps your answer is a spreadsheet!

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• The power of authenticity and vulnerability in fiction writing 
• Reader feedback as validation 
• Why the “vein of truth” must run through both your book and your marketing
• Having the confidence to trust in your voice
• Tips on using a spreadsheet to write a book
• How a spreadsheet allows you to see the structure or visitual tapestry of a book 
• The interconnectedness of writing and music, which are both forms of artistic expression driven by emotion and structure

Links:

paulindigo.com

Bookfunnel as an ads landing page: https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2024/katie-cross-bookfunnel-as-a-landing-page/

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

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Episode 225 / Megan Vernon, author of over 40 romance novels, joins us to talk about starting over after a difficult experience of being publicly criticized. We talk about the need to give ourselves grace and the importance of a supportive community for navigating the ups and downs of a writing career. Megan shares about her creation of the Mojo Dojo Casa House, a supportive space for published authors and shares her insights into ghostwriting. 

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• The importance of not rushing to judgment on social media
• Megan’s reflecting on self-doubt and overcoming imposter syndrome
• Ads: Turning aversion into appreciation
• Handling backlash 
• How ghostwriting led to new opportunities and recovery for Megan
• Megan’s supportive writers' group for authors getting back into writing

Links:

www.maganvernon.com

Inkers Con Digital conference: July 20th – August 2nd 2024

Affiliate links: Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/

Discount codes: JAMI24 or SARA24

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

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Episode 224 / Kate Johnson is the co-founder of Zory, an interactive reading app that merges the depth found in fiction with the choose-your-path-style plotlines of narrative video games. Kate shares details about Zory and craft tips about GMC as well as the All Is Lost moment. Plus we talk about trends in genre blending, and what Kate sees coming in the publishing industry. 

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

• Adaptation of existing books for fiction apps
• Customizable and immersive reading experience through story loops and endings tailored to each individual
• Predictions and trends in the publishing industry
• Legal considerations in international contracts
• Setting boundaries and saying no to reduce stress and increase meaning
• Importance of goal, motivation, and conflict in writing

Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software 

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off Xero subscription for 3 months. Link: https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Links:

Zory.app

Discord: https://discord.gg/CXwKCvQV

Inkers Con Digital conference: July 20th – August 2nd 2024

Affiliate links:

Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32

 CODE: SARA24

Jami: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/14

 CODE:JAMI24

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

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Episode 223 / Do you like to discover the plot as you write? Do you get bored if you know where the story is going? Then a skeleton draft might be what you need.

Paranormal and gothic romance author Steffanie Holmes joins us to talk about how discovery writers can use a skeleton draft to get their ideas down on paper and avoid writer’s block. We also talk about rebranding, Kickstarter tips for authors outside the US, and bust some publishing myths. 🥊

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics:

 Introduction to Skeleton Drafting

• Why Stephanie shifted away from dark romance to her Nevermore Bookshop series, which features a magical bookstore and a blind heroine who teams up with famous literary villains to solve mysteries
• How Stephanie found success with skeleton drafting, not rigid outlines
• Using TikTok for market research
• How she rebranded her series
• Partnering for order fulfillment to reduce shipping costs and increase sales
• Creating a unique fan experience for achieving success

Links:

www.steffanieholmes.com

https://www.rageagainstthemanuscript.com/skeletondraftcourse

Inkers Con Digital conference: July 20th – August 2nd 2024

Affiliate links:

Sara: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32

 CODE: SARA24

Jami: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/14

 CODE:JAMI24

Ep 161 - Nell Goddin on How Direct Sales Helped Revive her Author Business https://wishidknownforwriters.com/161-2/

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

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Ever wondered how to add a twist of mystery to your narrative?

Find out exactly what mystery elements are, how to sprinkle them into your narrative, and why they keep readers turning the pages. 

Whether you're writing romance, sci-fi, or fantasy,  a mystery can add layers of intrigue and depth to your story. 

I'll be sharing some practical tips, examples from popular books, TV shows, and movies, and some ideas on how to hide clues and create satisfying reveals.

Links:

How To Outline A Cozy Mystery: Book One in the Genre Fiction How To series by Sara Rosett

https://books2read.com/howtocozy

This month's sponsor is Xero accounting software:

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

🚀 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

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Episode 222 / Jessica Renwich, who writes fantasy and horror for kids ages 9-12, joined us to share her experience as an indie middle grade author.

She has terrific insights on approaching schools for author visits and the impact of creating whimsical and fun content to appeal to young readers.  

In addition to discussing how marketing middle grade books differs from marketing adult books, we also get into the things that often hold us back: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and dealing with rejection. And also the lure of magical chickens! 🐓

💙 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! Get access to the backlist of exclusive supporter episodes, the private slack group, and a shoutout on a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

⭐ Episode Sponsor: Xero Accounting Software

Use discount code WISHIDKNOWNTHEN20 and get 20% off a Xero subscription for 3 months. https://www.xero.com/us/?utm_source=WishIdKnownThen&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=customer%20podcast

Topics: 

• Jessica’s experience with the middle grade market: 95% of her sales are print books
• Why Jessia focuses on creating spooky and whimsical books for middle grade and how she layers in themes like strong maintaining strong friendships
• Jessica’s recommendations for school visits: how and when to approach schools, her media package, and how she handles direct sales at schools
• Dealing with impostor syndrome and perfectionism
• How Jessica uses targeted ads and book blurbs that focus on themes, which help her market to parents, teachers, and librarian
• The influence of awards on book legitimacy and author credibility in children’s literature 

Links: 

www.jessicarenwickauthor.com

✨ Inkers Con digital conference: https://inkerscon.com/2024-digital-conference/ref/32 (Affiliate link)

Use JAMI24 or SARA24 and get $50 off registration! 

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

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Episode 221 / Looking to grow a community around your books? Romance author Amy Pine shares how she and her co-hosts created a podcast and built a vibrant community around Korean dramas. We also dive into craft book recommendations, beat sheets, and combining tropes in unexpected ways.

💜 🎙 Become a supporter of the podcast! We can’t wait to give you a shoutout in a future episode. https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

Topics:

• The importance of celebrating achievements
• Benefits of beat sheets, Save the Cat, and Save the Cat Writes a Novel for creating a story framework 
• The influence of Korean dramas on Amy’s writing and how she infuses Kdrama-inspired elements into her books
• How Amy and her co-hosts have nurtured the Afternoona Delight podcast Patreon, creating a supportive community
• Tips on starting a podcast and navigating audio editing challenges 
• Juggling a community, writing, day jobs, and family responsibilities

Links:

https://www.ajpine.com/

https://www.afternoonadelight.com

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