281 / Shannon Lynn, middle grade sci-fi author and educator, shares how she found time to write while working full time, insight on launching your first book, and small marketing steps that add up over time. 

• Balances a day job with writing
• Tips for middle grade authors: marketing to parents and kids 
• Lessons learned about pacing 
• Print formatting and getting set up with Ingram Spark 
• Making strategic choices–and sometimes saying no–to new opportunities
• How Shannon found her editor, cover artist, and illustrator 
• Adding skills as you need them 
• Building an audience without burning out

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• www.ShannonLynnAuthor.com
• https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

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🔎 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

280 /  Melissa Bourbon, multi-series mystery shares how she leverages Pinterest to find readers and sell books. 

• Trusting your intuition and staying true to your creative vision 
• Rethinking Social Media and Embracing Pinterest for Book Marketing
• Why Pinterest is great for long-term book visibility and discoverability
• How Melissa manages multiple pen names 
• Diversifying income through nonfiction for authors

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⚡Links:

• www.melissabourbon.com
• www.ivycassidybooks.com
• www.writersparkacademy.com
• www.writersparkbookcovers.com
• https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

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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

279 / Ember Scott, multi-genre author (also writing as MJ Caan), shares his journey from the medical field to full-time indie author and unpacks how he successfully transitioned across genres and managed his author IP. 

• Finding and trusting your author voice
• How audience expectations shape the writing process
• Why it's okay not to master every platform and the importance of playing to your strengths
• Selling a backlist to a traditional publisher 
• How Ember transitioned to thrillers and how he found his subgenre
• How and why Ember handed over his self-published titles for longevity and peace of mind

A great listen for indie authors looking to future-proof their career and learn how to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.

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⚡Links:

• https://mjcaan.com
• Estate Planning For Authors: Your Final Letter by M. L. Buckman: Estate Planning for Authors eBook by M. L. Buchman 
• Goodreads changes: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2984-introducing-our-new-logo-and-more-ways-we-continue-to-improve-goodreads

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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

278 / Stephanie Farris, bestselling romance author, pivoted between genres and platforms, and found her stride with short, market-savvy romance fiction. She shares how she moved from traditional publishing to indie success and details her approach to writing both steamy and sweet romance, with a deep dive into writing successful short "insta-love" romances.

• Finding your writing voice, and why it's more important than nailing craft rules
• How she’s embraced her ability to write fast
• Stephanie’s advice for writing in the sweet/clean/wholesome category
• Writing one-hour romances—practical tips for writing and marketing short, high-heat books in Amazon’s “short reads” category
• How Stephanie uses dictation to get her drafts done at the same time she gets her steps for the day

If you’re looking to adapt, find your niche, and thrive in shifting markets, this is a great episode for you! 

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⚡Links:

• https://lilahhart.com/
• https://www.stephaniefaris.com/
• How To Get More Book Reviews With Joe Walters: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/07/14/how-to-get-more-book-reviews-with-joe-walters/

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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

277 / Alyssa Archer, longtime indie author and editor, shares how she blended editing, writing, and community-building to create a sustainable, meaningful writing life.

• Navigating a career shift from fiction writing to editing and nonfiction projects, including the story behind her work on the Book of Birth. 
• The challenges and gifts of living and working with ADHD, from late diagnosis
• Practical steps to find and connect with other writers to create community 

This episode is a fantastic listen for indie authors and creatives looking for honest insights about career pivots, building a supportive writing community, and rethinking productivity.

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⚡Links:

• Book of Birth: https://www.newlifebirthservices.com/the-book-of-birth
• Mystery Birthday Club: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/pecvzbq4nl

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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

276 / Ryder O’Malley, gay romance author cover designer, shares his path from art to indie publishing and the lessons learned along the way. He unpacks redefining success as an author, developing an authentic writing voice, and treating writing as a true business.

• Moving the goalposts on success and learning to celebrate wins
• The realities of marketing your books and understanding your audience
• Navigating the transition from day job to full-time author and the emotional aftermath

It’s a great listen for anyone struggling with defining success, balancing art with business, or figuring out how to sustain a creative career in indie publishing.

Plus look for the supporter greenroom chat about covers. 

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⚡Links:

• www.authorryderomalley.com
• www.covervillain.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

275 / Nicholas Harvey, adventure, suspense, and thriller novelist and digital nomad, shares his journey from race car driver and motorsports professional to full-time author. He discusses how his unique background shapes his storytelling, the challenges of writing female protagonists, and navigating the ever-evolving indie publishing landscape.

• Transitioning from a racing career to writing
• How his motorsports background fuels his creative process
• Lessons learned about genre, marketing
• What he wishes he’d known before launching his first series
• Realities of digital nomad life
• Managing collaborations

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⚡Links:

• https://www.harveybooks.com
• https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nicholas-Harvey/author/B077W5KDV3

Two Authors’ Podcast: https://pod.link/1671876768

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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

274 / We’ve had a month-long break and are back with a catch-up chat about what’s been going on with our writing and our lives, including ADHD and productivity, juggling creative projects, and book launches. 

• Sara: special edition pre-production and timelines, launching on her direct store
• Jami: ADHA update, drafting a new novel, ads

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⚡Links:

SaraRosettBooks.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

Ep 273 / Trixie Silvertale joins us to discuss resilience and adaptability in business. Trixie shared how a personal tragedy shifted her writing and publishing and resulted in her leveraging her backlist. Plus keeping a long series fresh, and writing interesting small town settings.

Topics:

• Trixie’s dictation process, which involves roller skates 🛼
• Dealing with tragedy and loss, and how Trixie shifted away from rapid release to making the most of her backlist through repurposing her IP
• Allowing yourself to have a bad day
• Deciding on spin-offs vs. new series
• Translations
• Balances humor, suspense, and paranormal elements

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⚡Links:

• Spark Story Summit with Sara’s interview: https://sparktostory-summit.heysummit.com/?ac=gG5Wyq2k (Affiliate link)
•  The 2025 Inkers Con Digital Conference:  June 7–20 https://inkerscon.com/2025-digital-conference (Affiliate Link) Use Discount code: JAMI25
• https://trixiesilvertale.com
• Follow Trixie’s Amazon Author Page https://www.amazon.com/author/trixiesilvertale
• Follow Trixie on BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/trixie-silvertale
• Trixie’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/trixiesilvertale/
• Ep 140: New Author Series: Trixie Silvertale on Secret Pen Names https://wishidknownforwriters.com/140-2/

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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

Episode 272 / Andi Arndt joins us to discuss audiobook narration, including tips for finding and working with a narrator, how to write with narration in mind, and audiobook trends. 

Topics:

• How Andi preps to narrate a book
• Mistakes authors make when it comes to picking narrators
• Tips for writing with narration in mind
• Benefits of  having a long-term relationship with a narrator or production company
• Trends in audiobook production, including duets and multicast productions
• The impact of AI on audiobooks

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⚡Links:

• andiarndt.com
• Narrator.life
• Lyricaudiobooks.com
• Spark Story Summit: https://sparktostory-summit.heysummit.com/?ac=gG5Wyq2k (Affiliate link)
• Tara’s gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tara-sivecs-battle-against-breast-cancer

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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