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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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🔎 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 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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🚀 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 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/

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 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

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 215 / When it comes to your author business, a bargain sometimes costs money in the long run, but other times it pays to splurge instead of scrimp. Join us as we discuss tips for saving money as well as when we’re willing to pay more.

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

• Use a “savings triage,” a list of ways to save money on business expenses
• Innovative side-hustles
• What items we’re willing to spend more on
• Tips on saving on editing, cover design, and marketing

Links:

https://www.sararosett.com/author-business-expenses-save-splurge/

https://blog.reedsy.com/save-on-your-self-publishing-budget/

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 214 / How do you pull in readers who will love your books and push away those readers who won’t enjoy your book? Branding.

Branding is more than colors, fonts, and covers.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on how to determine your brand and carry it through in everything from your voice to ad copy to covers. And you know we’re always here for food analogies so the alternate title of this episode is “Why branding is like a layer cake.” 🍰

• What is a brand promise?
• Uniqueness
• Using comp authors
• Does your voice need to match your brand?
• Creating an author tagline that reflects your brand

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

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

Subscriber-only episode

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The sage. The rebel. The everyman. These are a few character archetypes that resonate with readers.

We discuss fifteen character archetypes, their common characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and their desires along with examples in popular culture.

We also discuss the difference between an archetype and a stereotype and how to avoid cliques.

And quick note: Jami said "Xander" but meant "Xaiden." :)

Links mentioned:

List with definitions from Kindleperuner:

https://kindlepreneur.com/character-archetypes/

Some examples from: https://www.scribophile.com/academy/what-are-character-archetypes

Strengths/Weakness/Desires:

https://blog.reedsy.com/12-common-character-archetypes-every-writer-should-already-know/

How to Write Funny by Scott Dikkers

🚀 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 213 / We’re sharing an interview Sara did with Matty Dalrymple on the Indy Author Podcast last year. Sara and Matty go deep on the topic of how to structure a series so that it works for your writing style and your genre.

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

• The three types of series
• Extending your series
• Spin-offs
• Using short stories to enhance your series
• Dealing boredom in writing in the same story world again and again
• Challenges around ending a series

How to Write a Series by Sara Rosett: https://books2read.com/howtowriteaseries

Buy the print version of How to Write a Series direct from Sara:https://sararosettbooks.com/products/how-to-write-a-series

Sara’s website: https://www.SaraRosett.com

This podcast originally aired on the Indy Author Podcast on 10/31/23: https://www.theindyauthor.com/210---constructing-a-compelling-series.html

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