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 archives
• Issues related to licensing photos
• Organizing research with tools like Scrivener
• Creative and technical considerations when bringing a photo-heavy coffee table book to life—rights, layout, and design choices
• Leveraging local interest for book marketing

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⚡Links:

• https://www.albertsbridgebooks.com
• https://www.youtube.com/@behindthepagetheelimarkspo5241
• https://BookHip.com/JHTFVZR
• Sara on The Two Authors podcast:
• https://thetwoauthorschatshow.podbean.com/e/income-beyond-the-books-with-sara-rosett/
• Jami’s launch workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops
• FloDesk 50% Off: https://flodesk.com/c/T5WJY3 (Affiliate code)

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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

283 / 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 back
• Trusting your instincts over rigid craft advice
• Experimenting with first person POV
• Overcoming the anxiety of switching from trad to indie
• How shifting from trad to indie opened new opportunities
• The importance of writing what you love, not just to market

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⚡Links:

• Jill’s website: http://www.jillshalvis.com
• Jill’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/jillshalvis
• Jill’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jillshalvis
• Jill’s TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@jillshalvis
• Jami’s launch workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

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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

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 publishing
• Strategies for podcast merch and building community
• How to organize and get the most out of writing retreats
• The difference between conferences and small-group retreats

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
• Shoutout on a future episode.

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

Cover design workshop: https://covervillain.com/how-to-speak-like-a-designer/

Jami’s launch workshop: https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

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

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 writing
• Tips 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 opportunities
• How Shannon found her editor, cover artist, and illustrator
• Adding skills as you need them
• Building an audience without burning out

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

• www.ShannonLynnAuthor.com
• https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

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

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 Marketing
• Why Pinterest is great for long-term book visibility and discoverability
• How Melissa manages multiple pen names
• Diversifying income through nonfiction for authors

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

• www.melissabourbon.com
• www.ivycassidybooks.com
• www.writersparkacademy.com
• www.writersparkbookcovers.com
• https://www.jamialbright.com/authorworkshops

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

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 voice
• How audience expectations shape the writing process
• Why it's okay not to master every platform and the importance of playing to your strengths
• Selling a backlist to a traditional publisher
• How Ember transitioned to thrillers and how he found his subgenre
• How and why Ember handed over his self-published titles for longevity and peace of mind

A great listen for indie authors looking to future-proof their career and learn how to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing industry.

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
• Shoutout on a future episode.

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⚡Links:

• https://mjcaan.com
• Estate Planning For Authors: Your Final Letter by M. L. Buckman: Estate Planning for Authors eBook by M. L. Buchman
• Goodreads changes: https://www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2984-introducing-our-new-logo-and-more-ways-we-continue-to-improve-goodreads

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

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 rules
• How she’s embraced her ability to write fast
• Stephanie’s advice for writing in the sweet/clean/wholesome category
• Writing one-hour romances—practical tips for writing and marketing short, high-heat books in Amazon’s “short reads” category
• How Stephanie uses dictation to get her drafts done at the same time she gets her steps for the day

If you’re looking to adapt, find your niche, and thrive in shifting markets, this is a great episode for you!

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
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⚡Links:

• https://lilahhart.com/
• https://www.stephaniefaris.com/
• How To Get More Book Reviews With Joe Walters: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2025/07/14/how-to-get-more-book-reviews-with-joe-walters/

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

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 diagnosis
• Practical steps to find and connect with other writers to create community

This episode is a fantastic listen for indie authors and creatives looking for honest insights about career pivots, building a supportive writing community, and rethinking productivity.

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

• Access to backlist of exclusive supporter episodes
• Private slack group
• Shoutout on a future episode.

📥 Send us a Text Message

⚡Links:

• Book of Birth: https://www.newlifebirthservices.com/the-book-of-birth
• Mystery Birthday Club: https://dashboard.bookfunnel.com/bundles/board/pecvzbq4nl

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