Claim OwnershipWish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers
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Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview authors about lessons they've learned about writing and publishing.
288 Episodes
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288 / Have you ever wondered how to build a writing career that’s both creatively fulfilling and financially sustainable in today’s fast-changing publishing world? Douglas Pratt shares the real markers of success, tips on seeking feedback, and why he moved away from strictly following “write what you know.” The importance of letting go of your “darlings” Defining success beyond book sales and fame Mistakes and lessons in craft, marketing, and series building Building a su...
287 / Bestselling rom-com author Jeré Anthony shares about embracing your unique voice, the power of niche marketing, and why your book shouldn’t be for everyone. We tackled topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of taking risks, and making peace with the messiness of the creative process. Finding your niche and accepting your book isn’t for everyoneLeaning into your book’s uniqueness and “repelling” the wrong readersManaging ADHD and the myth of writing “ease”Th...
286 / What happens when a fantasy author brings a soundtrack to storytelling—and what can writers and readers learn from merging music, world-building, and social themes? Richie Billing shares his innovative journey blending original soundtracks with fiction, the challenges of marketing across genres, and the lessons learned from a decade of writing. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Writing social justice and controvers...
285 / Are you curious about how to move to a new genre? Fiona Marin shares her experiences switching from traditionally published middle grade to indie contemporary romance and the marketing strategies that have helped grow her readership. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Biggest differences between writing for middle grade and contemporary romanceGroup texts, podcasts, and other mixed media storytelling techniquesGrowing a n...
283 / Curious about how to create a one-of-a-kind book that only you can write? John Gaspard joins the show to discuss his latest passion project, a photo-rich, locally inspired book, and sharing lessons learned. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Behind-the-scenes of researching a 50-year-old story, including tracking down interview sources, online resources, and family archivesIssues related to licensing photosOrganizing rese...
1283 / Have you ever wondered how to have a joy-filled writing career, especially when the publishing landscape is always changing? Jill Shalvis discusses her transition from traditional publishing to indie, what success means to her, and the writing and marketing lessons she wishes she'd known earlier. ✨Podcast Sponsor: Ingram Spark: https://www.ingramspark.com/learnmore Topics discussed in interview: Why writing “rules” held Jill backTrusting your instincts over rigid craft advic...
282 / Are you curious how in-person events and writing retreats can transform your writing journey, expand your community, and inspire new connections? Jami Albright and Sara Rosett dive into the benefits of stepping out of the writing cave, share insights from podcasting conferences, and reveal what really happens at writing retreats. Sara’s takeaways from Podcast Movement conference that can be applied to writing and publishingStrategies for podcast merch and building communityHow to ...
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 writingTips 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 opportunitiesHow Shannon found her ed...
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 MarketingWhy Pinterest is great for long-term book visibility and discoverabilityHow Melissa manages multiple pen names Diversifying income through nonfiction for authors💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/su...
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 voiceHow audience expectations shape the writing processWhy it's okay not to master every platform and the importance of playing to your strengthsSelling a backlist to a traditional publisher How Ember transitioned to thrillers and ho...
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 rulesHow she’s embraced her ability to write fastStephanie’s a...
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 diagnosisPractical steps to find and connect with other writers to create community This episode is a fantast...
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 winsThe realities of marketing your books and understanding your audienceNavigating the transition from day job to full-time author and the emotional aftermathIt’s a great li...
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 writingHow his motorsports background fuels his creative processLessons learned about genre, marketingWhat he wi...
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 storeJami: ADHA update, drafting a new novel, ads💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on...
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 IPAllowing...
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 bookMistakes authors make when it comes to picking narratorsTips for writing with narration in mindBenefits of having a long-term relationship with a narrator or production companyTrends in audiobook production, including duets and multicast productionsThe impact of A...
Episode 271 / Jennifer Marchman, who combines historical fiction and time travel in her books, joins us to discuss embracing your own writing process, dealing with the constant changes in publishing, and the importance of community in the indie author space. Topics: Writing time travel historical fictionInfluence of Texas history and OutlanderPersonal writing process and habitsSetting realistic writing and publishing goalsFounding Austin Indie Authors group💙 Become a supporter of the po...
Episode 270 / Katy Cocking is multi-passionate creative who found the advice to “stay in her lane” constricting and to a writing-adjacent career, selling cozy subscription boxes, which combines the knowledge from her publishing background with her activator and ideation strengths. Topics: Transition from author to book box businessDefining personal and financial successHow Katy built and audience through giveaways and adsChallenges with physical product shippingAdvice for authors creat...
Episode 269 / Christina Hovland shares how she moved out of KU and built a thriving direct sales store for her books. Topics: Transitioning from KU to direct salesSetting up a Shopify store for booksBundling books and pricing strategiesDefining personal success as an authorWhy Christina likes working with coaches and mentors💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodesPrivate slack groupShoutout on a futu...
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