Episode 243 / We are thrilled (pun intended!) to chat with contemporary crime and conspiracy thriller author Nick Stevens.

We talk about anti-heroes, setups and payoffs, Tremors, and why sometimes you just have to publish the book.

10:58 Why emotional connection is better than perfect structure in storytelling

14:00 Using multiple formats to diversify

17:18 Marketing mistake: starting too early

23:00 Getting ratings and reviews

29:26 Finding community for writers of mystery/thrillers

34:09 Setups and payoffs in thrillers

37:20 Incorporating real-life details into fiction and authenticity that grounds stories

46:12 Nick Stevens books and social media

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⚡Links:

• https://nickstevensbooks.com
• Facebook – Nickstevens Books
• nick@nickstevensbooks.com
• https://sararosettbooks.com/products/croquet-murder-mystery-game-printable

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📚 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

Episode 242 / We're diving deep into listener questions about everything from drafting and editing techniques, tackling imposter syndrome, and decoding our strengths.

🥤☕️ So grab your favorite beverage—be it Diet Coke or a cup of comforting coffee–and join us for a Wednesday chat about writing.

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Ep 15: Elana Johnson on Finding Success in Small Genres

https://wishidknownforwriters.com/finding-success-in-small-genres-with-elana-johnson/

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📚 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

Episode 241 / Whether you're an introvert or extrovert you can develop a platform to grow your author brand. Learn how with authors of From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker, suspense and thriller author Matty Dalrymple and science fiction & fantasy author M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn).

Topics:

• How to match your platform to your personality
• Tips for effective public speaking
• Common mistakes authors make when it comes to platform as well as public speaking
• Why the time you spend behind the microphone or on stage is often the least important part of the event
• Simple steps you can use to get started building your author brand

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⚡Links:

• https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.html
• https://books2read.com/FromPageToPlatform
• https://authorlevelup.com
• https://MattyDalrymple.com
• https://www.theindyauthor.com
• Speaker’s Notes: https://www.theindyauthor.com/from-page-to-platform.html

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❤️ 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

Episode 240 / In 2024, Lynn Morrison and Anne Radcliffe paired their love of regency romances like Bridgerton with their bad habit of killing people in their books to create a new series that they rapid-released, the Crown Jewels Regency Mystery Series.

Topics:

• Why brutal honesty is critical for collaboration
• How to spot trends
• Tips on how to incorporate trends into a genre and still meet reader expectations around tropes
• How Lynn and Anne leveraged interest around Bridgerton to market the new series
• Using beta readers to verify the book was on target

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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⚡Links:

• lynnmorrisonwriter.com
• anneradcliffe.com
• Cozy Mystery Clubhouse Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cozymysteryclubhouse/

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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

Episode 239 / Want to make a big impact with your book? Publicist, award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and author of Make a Big Impact with Your Book, Melanie Herschorn, has tips to help you stand out.

Topics:

• Beyond the Launch: keep promoting—your book is new to someone who hasn’t read it yet
• Misconceptions around marketing: engage beyond bookstores
• Building a community and relationships
• Don't fear oversharing
• Alternative and creative marketing strategies: speaking and podcasts
• Build reader communities: engage people around your book’s themes—create a sense of belonging that AI can't mimic

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⚡Links:

• website: yourbigimpactbook.com
• Instagram: @bigimpactbooks

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🚀 Jami’s Launch Plan https://www.jamialbright.com/authorservices

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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

Episode 238 / Want some ideas on how to get readers on your newsletter list? On this Ask Us Anything episode, we have SO MANY ideas for you!

Topics:

• Expectations for earnings
• Building a List
• Preview Promos
• Reader magnets
• Difference between pre- and post-novel reader magnets
• Creative reader magnets

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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📥 Send us a Text Message What’s your reader magnet? What ideas are your favorite from this episode?

⚡Links: 33 Reader Magnet Ideas for Authors: https://www.paulinewiles.com/articles/reader-magnet-ideas

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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

Episode 237/Guest: Luke Mitchel, science fiction and fantasy author

Topics:

• Luke’s transition from KU to wide and direct sales
• Self-editing and revisions and accepting your writing style
• Writing short stories to refresh the creative process
• Moving away from social media and focusing on email marketing and direct sales

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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📥 Send us a Text Message What is the best or worst advice you’ve received about writing or publishing?

⚡Links:

lukemitchellbooks.com

Bookfunnel Promo for historical mystery authors: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/b5mfo5llm1

Jami’s online workshop: https:www.JamiAlbright.com

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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

Episode 236 / Ever wondered why certain characters steal your heart? This week we chat with Jessica Firpi, a TV and movie reviewer as well as a K-drama enthusiast and podcast host. We explore everything from effective "save the cat" moments to why a sunshine character can make a dark character shine.

If you've ever wondered how to make your characters compelling, relatable, and unforgettable, we’ve got some ideas for you. Plus, we've got examples from your favorite Kdramas and blockbuster movies.

Topics:

• How a Save the Cat moment gets the audience to root for a character
• Our favorite Save the Cat moments why they worked for us
• Genuine vs. manufactured conflict
• Creating complex backstories
• Pitfalls writers should avoid with Save the Cat moments
• Jess’s tips for bloggers and podcasters

💙 Become a supporter of the podcast https://wishidknownforwriters.com/support

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📥 Send us a Text Message Send us your questions about writing and publishing for an upcoming Ask Us Anything episode. We love to hear from you!

⚡Links:

• Jess’s podcast: daebak-krambles.com
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@daebakpod
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daebakpod/
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/daebakpod

• Better-Faster Conference 2024 in Minnesota

https://classes.betterfasteracademy.com/courses/bfacon-2024-in-minnesota--6084b57c-5905-472f-a1dc-c180d44a2f6e/salespage

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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