Episode 254 / Samatha Cummings writes YA fantasy chock full of magic, myths, and monsters and also hosts a podcast for writers, Pen to Paycheck.

Topics:

• Samantha’s approach to treating NaNoWrMo as a game
• Why Samatha wishes she’d leaned into newsletter marketing earlier in her career
• How even one other person can be a community for you
• Mindset changes Samantha made around imposter syndrome and knowing her true value
• Starting a discord community for Young Adult Fantasy authors

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⚡Links:

• Podcast: pentopaycheck.podbean.com
• https://www.samantha-cummings.com
• https://www.instagram.com/sammowrimo/

Ines’ Kickstarter: https://ineswrites.com/Kickstarter

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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

Episode 253 / It’s a Jami and Sara episode this week as we break down the recent chaos with TikTok (It’s gone! It’s back!) and what actions authors can take to make sure they’re able to connect with readers despite the unpredictable nature of social media platforms.

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

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📥 Send us a Text Message Will you do anything differently after the reinstatement of TikTok?

⚡Links:

Ines’ Kickstarter: https://ineswrites.com/Kickstarter

Send us a text

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

Episode 252 / Has your well run dry when it comes to newsletter and social media content? Sara Shea has fresh ideas for you. Sara works full-time as the assistant (and sister) of author K.M. Shea. She's been lurking in the indie author shadows for over a decade and is here to share her love of content creation with everyone.

Topics:

• Tips for working with assistants and contractors
• Creating an asset list to help you with your content creation
• Ideas for incorporating tropes and micro tropes
• How authors can use Pinterest to drive interest to content like reader magnets and audiobooks

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

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⚡Links:

• KMShea.com
• 2025 Survey. Tell your suggestions for episode topics and guests - open until Jan 30th: https://forms.gle/jk23rkqTW9sfqMEp8
• How I Met My Kdrama podcast: https://howimetmykdrama.buzzsprout.com/

Send us a text

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

Episode 251 / Do you want to cut back on the time you spend on social media? Sandy Cooper and Mary K. Tiller have left social media altogether and have tips and how to cut back or depart social media.

Topics:

• Benefits and drawbacks of leaving social media
• Advice for someone wanting to reduce time on social media or leave altogether
• Ways to promote without social media
• How to stay in touch with friends/author communities if you’re not on social media

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⚡Links:

• https://writingoffsocial.com/
• Podcast: https://writingoffsocial.com/podcast/
• https://writingoffsocial.com/27-ways/
• https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/66cdfcc7e5e15300153a06c1
• 2025 Survey. Tell your suggestions for episode topics and guests - open until Jan 15th: https://forms.gle/jk23rkqTW9sfqMEp8

Send us a text

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

Episode 250 / Guest: Sharmyn McGraw, mystery author and creator of planner/organizers for discovery writers.

Sharmyn shares the challenges of dyslexia and how she became a successful writer. We also get into marketing hurdles, strategies for staying organized, the benefits of not being a full-time writer; and we also geek out over our love of office supplies.

Topics:

• Tips for writing with dyslexia and the tools Sharmyn uses most
• How to find an editor if you have dyslexia
• Discovery writing
• How a print organizer helps Sharmyn keep track of details in her story and the genre-specific organizers she created to help authors who are “pantsers” or discovery writers
• Diversifying through multiple businesses, and why Sharmyn doesn’t want to become a full-time writer

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Giveaway! Send us a text with your email address for a chance to win one of two organizers that Sharmyn is giving away to WIKT listeners.

Links:

• www.SharmynMcGraw.com
• Buzzcast podcast about creative marketing ideas: https://buzzcast.buzzsprout.com/231452/episodes/16229495-25-creative-podcast-marketing-ideas-that-will-grow-your-audience
• https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2024/truly-universal-book-links/

Sara’s Bookfunnel UBL: https://buy.bookfunnel.com/nn0nh4s37y

Send us a text

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

Episode 249 / Guest: Matilda Swift, cozy mystery author and co-host of the Pen to Paycheck podcast

Topics:

• Finding your genre: identifying and embracing what truly fascinates you
• Overcoming self-doubt
• Why releasing more books isn’t always the path to success
• Time and schedule management challenges
• The creative process behind Matilda’s engaging book titles and unique warm reader magnet
• Working in your “zone of genius,” (i.e. What is easy for you?)
• The story behind the Pen to Paycheck podcast and how it helps with accountability and community

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

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⚡Links:

• https://www.MatildaSwift.com

Pen to Paycheck Authors podcast: https://www.pentopaycheck.podbean.com

Send us a text

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

Episode 248 / Fantasy author and Kickstarter expert Anthea Sharp joins us to share tips on running crowdfunding campaigns as well as how Kickstarter has helped her move toward a mindset of relaxed prosperity.

Topics:

• Relaxed prosperity
• Finding your voice
• Having the confidence to pick yourself
• Why Anthea has a “pruning list” and how she motivates herself to cut back instead of adding tasks to her writer life
• Advice for new authors
• Kickstarter tips
• Writing fantasy and romantasy

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

• https://fiddleheadpress.com/
• Kickstarter for Authors https://www.facebook.com/groups/429764288910415

Send us a text

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

Episode 247 / We’ve both been traveling, so this week is a catch up episode about Jami’s experience at Author Nation, the biggest author conference in the world, and Sara’s cruise in the Mediterranean. Plus, details on Jami’s surprise European vacation.

Join us for a chat about connecting with other writers, author business phases, and special editions as well as the dangerous combo of wide-leg pants and escalators in Roman train stations.👖

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⚡Links:

Ep 92: New Author Series: Victoria Tait on Focusing on Email and Writing the Next Book https://wishidknownforwriters.com/92-2/

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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