Wish I'd Known Then: a Podcast for Self Published Indie Writers

Latest Episodes:

✨ Magan Vernon on Navigating Self-Doubt, Criticism, and Creative Renewal Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

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

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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

📱Kate Johnson on Zory and Fiction Apps Jun 19, 2024

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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.

⭐ 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

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🩻 Steffanie Holmes on Skeleton Drafting, Rebanding, and Kickstarter Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

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. 🥊

⭐ 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/

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🧚‍♂️ Writing Middle Grade Books with Jessica Renwick Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

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! 🐓

⭐ 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!

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🔗 Amy Pine on Creating a Community May 29, 2024

Show notes

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

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💡KimBoo York on Discovery Writing May 22, 2024

Show notes

Episode 220 / KimBoo York joins us to share how to embrace flexibility and spontaneity in your writing process through discovery writing. Whether you thrive on outlining or prefer a more free-flowing approach, there are different techniques to suit your writing style.

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

Topics:

What discovery writing is and how it’s different from free association writing
Misconceptions about discovery writing
Incorporating spontaneity and intuition in our writing routines
Common mistakes authors make around discovery writing
Techniques to get started with discovery writing
Reverse outlining as a problem-solving tool
Leveraging different formats for diversification

Links:

https://houseofyork.info

https://houseofyork.info/1mwc

WIKT Episode 189: KimBoo York on Writing Serials and Trusting your Intuition https://wishidknownforwriters.com/189-2/

Cozy article on Reedsy: https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-write-a-cozy-mystery/

Send us a Text: Did you have a character or plot twist that surprised you as you were writing? Be sure to include your name in your text!

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Martha Carr on Embracing Change and Starting Over May 15, 2024

Show notes

Episode 219 / Martha Carr is a journalist who now writes escapist fiction in the urban fantasy genre with a lot of magic, some action and adventure, and a little romance.

Martha shares about beating health challenges, changing her business model, and dealing with the ups and downs of publishing. We also talk about leaving regret behind, her Kickstarter preparation, and how learning about her Enneagram type helped her make healthy decisions.

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

Topics:

Writing urban fantasy trilogies
How Martha transitioned from collaboration to a solo publishing model
Her first edition printing strategy with her upcoming Kickstarter campaign
Her Kickstarter preparations, which included author shout-outs, podcast appearances, and reaching out to influencers
Setting a sustainable pace and finding the joy and fun in writing and marketing

Links:

www.authormarthacarr.com

www.marthacarr.com (Kickstarter site)

WIKT Ep 12 Martha Carr on Defining Success and Enjoying Where You Are Right Now: https://wishidknownforwriters.com/martha-carr-on-defining-success-and-enjoying-where-you-are-right-now/

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Julie Duffy on Writing Short Stories and Flash Fiction May 08, 2024

Show notes

Episode 218 / Julie Duffy has long been involved in the publishing industry, but she found herself not actually writing fiction due to the demands of school and work. This realization led her to challenge herself with a "story a day" project in order to get back to writing and creating fictional stories.

Julia joins us to talk about A Story A Day in May, a creative writing challenge, as well as the benefits of flash fiction for honing writing skills and providing quick wins in the writing business, while also emphasizing the importance of mindset.

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

Embracing short stories as a creative outlet
The challenge of writing without fearing imperfection
How flash fiction can enhance writing skills
Overcoming writer's block by knowing your direction
Keys to finding a writing group that’s a good fit
Details on A Story A Day community

Links:

https://storyaday.org/

Https://storyaday.org/signup

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Celeste Barclay: Binge Writing and the Power of Universal Themes in Pulling Readers to New Genres May 01, 2024

Show notes

Episode 217 / Writing under two pen names, Celeste Barclay has penned over 50 books in historical and mafia romance. She shares insights on the writing process, the challenges of juggling multiple book brands, the importance of flexibility, and why universal themes resonate across genres.

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

Topics:

Balancing marketing efforts for established and potential readers
Understanding different market segments and reader loyalty
The concept of "us against the world" theme and how it transcends genre
The connection between universal themes in mafia romance and historical romance
How binge writing resulted in better continuity and high quality for Celeste
The importance of taking time to rest and recuperate
Celeste's direct sales strategy for signed paperbacks through her website

Links:

www.celestebarclay.com

https://www.facebook.com/celestembarclay

https://bit.ly/clubhousecelestebarclay

https://www.instagram.com/celestebarclayauthor/

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Abigail Keam: Writing Historical Mystery, Payhip Direct Sales, and Merchandise for Readers Apr 24, 2024

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Episode 216 / Mystery author Abigail Keam shares how she embraced the digital landscape and incorporated direct sales into her business model. From historical accuracy to adapting to technology, she shares her lessons-learned.

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

Topics:

Challenges Abigail faced with publishers and how she found success with indie publishing
How Abigail weaves historical events and people into her novels
The importance of accuracy in historical fiction and her process for research and fact-checking
How she uses merchandise (calendar, mug, and book boxes) to add another stream of income
Embracing technology to connect with her readers
The evolving landscape of writing, marketing, and the need for constant adaptation

Links:

Author website: https://www.abigailkeam.com/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/author.abigailkeam/

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

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/abigailkeam/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@abigailkeam

BookFunnel Video Webinar Library: https://bookfunnel.com/videos/?ck_subscriber_id=521109338

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