Wish I'd Known Then . . . For Writers Sara Rosett and Jami Albright
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Welcome to the Wish I'd Known Then podcast. Join authors Jami Albright and Sara Rosett as they interview self-published authors about how they found success as well as lessons they've learned. Because being an indie author is about being innovative and creative and learning from your mistakes.
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Celeste Barclay: Binge Writing and the Power of Universal Themes in Pulling Readers to New Genres
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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 readersUnderstanding different market segments and reader loyaltyThe concept of "us against the world" theme and how it transcends genreThe connection between universal themes in mafia romance and historical romance How binge writing resulted in better continuity and high quality for CelesteThe importance of taking time to rest and recuperateCeleste's direct sales strategy for signed paperbacks through her websiteLinks:
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 -
Abigail Keam: Writing Historical Mystery, Payhip Direct Sales, and Merchandise for Readers
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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 publishingHow Abigail weaves historical events and people into her novelsThe importance of accuracy in historical fiction and her process for research and fact-checkingHow she uses merchandise (calendar, mug, and book boxes) to add another stream of income Embracing technology to connect with her readersThe evolving landscape of writing, marketing, and the need for constant adaptationLinks:
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 -
💸 How to Save and When to Splurge in your Author Business
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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 expensesInnovative side-hustlesWhat items we’re willing to spend more onTips on saving on editing, cover design, and marketingLinks:
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 -
How to Find Your Author Brand
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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? UniquenessUsing comp authorsDoes 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 -
🔒 Character Archetypes
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 -
Constructing a Compelling Series: Sara Rosett on the Indy Author Podcast (Reair)
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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 seriesExtending your seriesSpin-offsUsing short stories to enhance your seriesDealing boredom in writing in the same story world again and againChallenges around ending a seriesHow 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
Customer Reviews
My Favorite Author Podcast
Funny, engaging, and full of helpful information.
A Great Podcast For Writers
My wife and I have listened to this podcast as we drove hundreds of miles a day while traveling. Now I equate it with great memories while we traveled, and great interviews Sarah and Jami have conducted.
The latest one with Rachel Hannah was so good I just had to finally write this review. Eventually I’ll get around to paying for their paid episodes so they don’t go the way of the Six Figure Authors podcast. To be fair, those guys (Six Figure) said it wasn’t about the money why they shut down.
Most listeners have no idea how much time it takes to produce an episode. We do since we had a podcast a long time ago. Thank you Sarah and Jami for all of your hard work.
Really not helpful
If you want to listen to two women talking about the TV shows they watch and what their week was like, then this is the podcast for you. If you’re interested in writing and publishing information then don’t listen to this podcast,